Borders slashes Aluratek, Kobo prices to fight Kindle
updated 09:40 am EDT, Tue August 31, 2010
Aluratek Libre and Kobo eReader fall in price
Borders this morning fought back against the third-generation Kindle by dropping prices on both the Aluratek Libre and the Kobo eReader. Although not yet reflected on the site, the Kobo device is dropping down to $130 while Aluratek's device is falling to $100, making it one of the first current e-readers to crack the price mark.
The devices have generally been well-received but have faced stiff competition from both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, who have been engaged in a price war that has brought both their devices below the $150 mark in a matter of weeks. Kobo originally sold its device for $150 but, without either 3G or Wi-Fi, so far has had to compete mostly on price.
Also accompanying the e-paper devices are word that pre-orders have gone live for Velocity Micro's Cruz Reader and Cruz Tablet Android slates. Both have seven-inch screens and differ mostly in storage and focus. They start arriving in September at prices of $199 for the Reader and $299 for the tablet.



