In this comprehensive Kobo Touch Review, we will delve into the world of the Kobo Touch e-reader, exploring its features, functionality, and overall reading experience. From its design and display to its performance and battery life, we will examine every aspect of this e-reader to help you make an informed decision if you’re considering adding it to your reading arsenal.
Kobo Touch e-reader review
Just like the Kindle 3G, the Kobo offers Wi-Fi connectivity, internet access, and a large 6-inch screen with E-Ink technology. The Kobo Touch used to be the cheapest 6-inch ebook reader on the market. However, since then Amazon has released the Kindle Touch and Kindle Keyboard Wi-Fi which have even cheaper prices.
The great thing about the Touch e-reader is that it has a bigger selection of online books than Amazon’s store (choose from more than 2.4 million book titles), supports far more ebook formats and it also has a special social media integration. You can also sync your ebooks with apps for the PC, iPhone, iPad, and Android too.
The great thing about using this device is that you can hold it in the palm of your hand whilst comfortably changing the pages. You can leave your other hand completely free.
The Kobo Touch e-reader is available in several colors (black, white, navy blue, or in a special silver edition). Overall the device is well built and has a minimalist look with just one silver button on the front underneath the screen making it very similar to the iPad 2.
Design and Build Quality:
The Kobo Touch e-reader boasts a sleek and minimalist design, with a compact size that makes it easy to hold and carry. The device features a 6-inch E Ink Pearl touch screen display, which provides a paper-like reading experience with sharp text and high contrast for easy readability, even in bright sunlight. The touch screen is responsive and allows for intuitive navigation through the device’s menus and settings, making it easy to access your books and customize your reading experience.
The build quality of the Kobo Touch e-reader is solid and durable, with a well-constructed frame that feels comfortable in hand. The front of the device is made of scratch-resistant plastic, while the back has a soft-touch finish that adds to its overall tactile appeal. The e-reader has a minimalistic design, with only a power button located at the top of the device, and a micro USB port for charging and data transfer located at the bottom.
Display and Reading Experience:
The 6-inch E Ink Pearl touch screen display of the Kobo Touch e-reader is a standout feature that enhances the reading experience for book lovers. The E Ink technology used in this e-reader mimics the appearance of printed paper, with crisp text and high contrast that is easy on the eyes, even during extended reading sessions. Kobo’s touch screen is highly responsive, allowing for smooth page turns and quick access to menus and settings.
One of the notable features of the Kobo Touch e-reader is its adjustable front-light, which allows you to customize the brightness and color temperature of the screen to suit your reading environment and personal preferences. This feature is especially handy for night-time reading or reading in low-light conditions, as it reduces eye strain and enhances the overall reading experience.
Track Your Reading Patterns and Reading Time
Track Your Reading Patterns and Reading Time
One of the advantages of getting a Kobo eReader over the Kindle is that it includes a special Reading Life Network. This allows you to track how long you’ve been for, how many books, how many pages you’ve turned, and the total amount of books that you’ve read.
I don’t think any of this is necessary but I do think it’s a nice touch to see how many pages you’ve read on holiday for example. You can also share your reading list either on Facebook or syn it on your Mac OS or Android mobile phone.
read: Kobo Arc Review
Size and Weight
The Kobo eReader is extremely small and lightweight, small enough even to fit into the palm of your hand. At just 7 ounces and 165mm x 114mm x 10mm, the e-Reader is significantly lighter than the Kindle 3G and half an inch narrower than the Nook.
Performance and Battery Life:
The performance of the Kobo Touch e-reader is smooth and efficient, allowing for seamless navigation through the device’s menus and settings. The touch screen is responsive, and page turns are quick and smooth, providing a satisfying reading experience. The device has a 1 GHz processor and 4 GB of internal storage, which is sufficient to store thousands of eBooks, making it a convenient choice for avid readers.
The battery life of the Kobo Touch e-reader is impressive, lasting for weeks on a single charge with regular use. This is a significant advantage for readers who enjoy long reading sessions or travel frequently and may not have access to charging facilities. The device also has a power-saving mode that can be activated to further extend the battery life, making it a reliable companion for readers on the go.
One of the standout features of the Kobo Touch e-reader is its seamless integration with Kobo’s vast library of eBooks. With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, you can easily browse, purchase, and download eBooks directly from the Kobo store, giving you access to a wide range of reading materials at your fingertips.
Pros and Cons
Like any electronic device, the Kobo Touch e-reader has its strengths and weaknesses. Let’s take a look at some of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Sleek and minimalist design with a comfortable grip
- 6-inch E Ink Pearl touch screen display for a paper-like reading experience
- Adjustable front-light for customized brightness and color temperature
- Responsive touch screen for smooth and intuitive navigation
- Customizable font size, style, spacing, and reading goals for a personalized reading experience
- Advanced reading statistics and progress tracking for insights and motivation
- Generous internal storage capacity with the option to expand with a microSD card
- Built-in Wi-Fi for easy access to Kobo store and seamless syncing across devices
- Long battery life with SleepCover feature to extend battery usage
- Supports various eBook formats for versatility in reading materials
Cons:
- Lack of audio capabilities for audiobook enthusiasts
- No waterproofing, which may limit reading options in certain environments
- Limited app and social media integration compared to other e-readers
- May have slower page refresh rate compared to some other e-readers
- Front-light may not be as evenly distributed as in some other devices
Verdict:
In conclusion, the Kobo Touch e-reader is a sleek and user-friendly device that offers a delightful reading experience for book lovers. With its minimalist design, 6-inch E Ink Pearl touch screen display, and customizable font settings, it provides a comfortable and immersive reading experience that closely mimics the feel of reading a physical book. The adjustable front-light allows for personalized reading in various lighting conditions, and the advanced reading statistics and progress tracking add a gamification element to keep readers motivated.
