Kobo eReader gets Wi-Fi, newspapers, added speed
updated 08:45 am EDT, Wed September 29, 2010
Kobo intros Wireless eReader
Kobo this morning quickly improved its competitive stance through the Wireless eReader. The device keeps the design of the already reviewed original but now has 802.11g Wi-Fi. The addition both simplifies shopping by downloading directly to the e-reader but also enables automatic subscription downloads for magazines and newspapers as well as syncing of titles between the eReader and mobile apps.
The newer model also addresses one of the relatively few complaints with the offline eReader by giving it a processor about 2.5 times faster than before. Its six-inch E Ink screen has been upgraded and is likely using the same, higher-contrast Pearl screen as the third-generation Amazon Kindle. The 1GB of internal memory is the same, but an SD slot allows for up to 5,000 total.
Every version still comes with 100 public domain books, but the Canadian version will also come with two commercial books from Linwood Barclay and Ruth Rakoff. The device ships to both Canada and the US for a $140 price matching that of the Wi-Fi Kindle and will reach end readers in October in both black and a pair of two-tone variants of the white model. It should be in Borders stores in the US and Chapters or Indigo stores in Canada.
