Kobo launches Aura HD, highest resolution eReader on the market

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By Jonathan Fincher April 17, 2013

The new Kobo Aura HD

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When it comes to eReaders, Amazon's Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook tend to get the most attention, but Kobo has put out a fair share of impressive e-book readers as well. The company recently revealed its latest device, the Aura HD, which features a 1440 x 1080 resolution on a 265 dpi screen, making it the highest resolution eReader available.

The Aura HD was designed to look and feel like a hardcover book, and that extends to the crisp 6.8-inch WXGA+ Pearl E-Ink display – which Kobo has dubbed the "ClarityScreen+." The whole device measures 175.7 x 128.3 x 11.7 mm (6.9 x 5 x 0.46 in) and weighs 240 g (8.5 oz), putting it on the larger end of eReaders on the market, but still fairly lightweight.

A 1 GHz processor allows for quick page turns, and Kobo claims the battery can last for 2 months on a single charge, even with regular usage. It also comes with 4 GB of built-in storage, enough for up to 3,000 eBooks at a time, but that number could be expanded even further with a microSD card.

For added reading comfort, Kobo's Aura HD uses an adjustable front light that's aimed evenly across the page to illuminate it – as opposed to a backlight, which shines in the reader's face. The reading software also lets users choose between 10 different font styles in 24 sizes, each of which can be adjusted further for sharpness and weight. This includes the Kobo Nickel font as well, which the company designed exclusively for eReaders.



Kobo's latest Wi-Fi eReader also comes pre-loaded with some software that lets users track their reading stats and even share what they're reading via Facebook. It also includes a basic web browser, dictionary, chess, and Sudoku.

The Kobo Aura HD is set to hit store shelves on April 25, but the company is currently taking pre-orders through its website. It will be available in three colors for US$169.99 (£139.99 in the UK).

Source: Kobo
 
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