![]() One of the unique aspects of Kobo ereaders is the homescreen. Now if they would just give us the option to display text with indented paragraphs instead of using spaces between paragraphs. Finally we can make use of the H2O's larger screen size. Then Kobo issued a new firmware update that adds the option to remove headers and footers from appearing, so the patch is no longer needed. I was disappointed to see the H2O suffer from these same issues at first, but then I found out there's a patch to get full screen reading mode. Many of the software-related complaints and bugs from the Aura HD still exist on the H2O, mainly all the wasted space on the screen with the header and footer that Kobo uses. Kobo updates their firmware about every month or two, and it's amazing to see how little the software has changed with all the updates since then. Looking back at the Kobo Aura HD review from 17 months ago, very little has changed, which is surprising. Software FeaturesĪll Kobo ereaders run basically the same exact software, so there really isn't anything new to say when it comes to software-related features. And overall it just looks nicer and more appealing. The soft rubbery texture on the H2O gives it more grip than the slick plastic on the HD. It's a lot thinner and more comfortable to hold. The design of the Kobo Aura H2O is the biggest improvement over the Aura HD in my option. There's a subtle line of shadows at the bottom of the screen, and the top is slightly brighter, but that's pretty common-overall it's one of the better frontlights. At least the lighting on the H2O is fairly even across the screen. I tend to like whiter frontlights better like on the Kindle Paperwhite, but it comes down to personal preference. The H2O definitely has a warmer yellower tone to the frontlight than the HD and most other ereaders. To me the difference with the frontlights is more apparent. Overall the difference isn't very significant, but it is noticeable. Blacks are a little bit darker and the background color is a little more cream-colored. Both have 6.8-inch screens, but the H2O uses the newer Carta screen tech. The main difference between the two is the overall design and the screen. ![]() Battery life is rated the same as well, at up to 2 months, which is totally unrealistic. It uses the same 1 GHz processor, the same infrared touchscreen, and it has the same 4GB of onboard storage space, so overall performance is virtually identical. The only noticeable difference between it and other Kobo ereaders is the microSD card slot and USB port are tucked away under a cover on the bottom edge.Īside from the waterproofing, the hardware on the Aura H2O is a lot like its predecessor, the Kobo Aura HD. You wouldn't really know the Aura H2O is waterproof just by looking at it. After breaking the frontlight on the so-called waterproof Waterfi Kindle Paperwhite by submerging it in water, I'd rather take Kobo's word on it than risk ruining a $179 device, especially mid-review. Well, nothing of the sort is going to happen here. With most Kobo Aura H2O reviews, you'll find someone dunking it in a tub of water to prove that it's waterproof. Price: $179 at Indigo, Kobo, Argos Kobo Aura H2O Video Review Too bad Kobo doesn't offer their ereaders in stores in the US, because you really need to see the screen in person to appreciate how much nicer it is than reading on an LCD screen. While most people are never going to need a waterproof ebook reader, the Kobo Aura H2O would be one of the best ebook readers without that distinction, so consider it more of a bonus feature. Kobo's software continues to get better, and the hardware is top of the line. It has one of the nicest screens in the industry and Kobo nailed the design elements. In my opinion the Kobo Aura H2O is the best Kobo ebook reader yet. Can't adjust line spacing with most sideloaded ePub ebooks, and text renders differently than Kobo ebooks.No easy option to export notes and highlights.The frontlight is more yellow in tone than on other ebook readers, although frontlights can vary greatly from device to device.No multitouch support, no pinch-zooming.One of the only waterproof and dustproof ebook readers.The new design is a step up from the Aura HD, making it thinner and easier to hold, and it has a soft rubbery coating front and back instead of slick plastic.It has an evenly distributed frontlight with a wide range of brightness settings, and brightness is easily adjusted by sliding a finger along the left edge of the screen.The high resolution E Ink screen looks fantastic, and the newer Carta screen helps makes text appear darker.
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