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The Kobo eReader by Kobo Books

One of the top websites for downloading ebooks in EPUB format, Kobo Books, has announced the Kobo eReader.

The Kobo eReader is currently available in Canada from Indigo Books & Music, and pre-orders are being taken from Borders in the US for a June 17th release. Both stores sell the device for just $149.

A closer look at the Kobo eReader reveals that it is most likely a rebranded Netronix EB-600, which is the most rebranded ereader ever. Other examples include the PocketBook 301, Cybook Gen3, Cool-er and others.

The Kobo Reader looks similar to those units, with the 4-way control button on the bottom right and the side buttons on the left edge. It has a different outer case and comes installed with Kobo's ebook software and 100 classics, along with Bluetooth, but the hardware is from a Netronix design that is several years old, so there's not much to get excited about except the low price and new exterior design.

The press release mentions that it will be the first of many dedicated ereaders to come with the Kobo eReader software, so hopefully they have a more advanced ereader in the works, preferably with Wi-Fi and 3G that connects directly to the Kobe eBook store.

Preliminary Specs

• 6-inch E Ink screen.
• Supports Adobe PDF and EPUB.
• 1 GB memory; SD card slot up to 4 GB.
• 5 font sizes and two types, serif and sans-serif.
• Bluetooth.
• Dimensions: 120mm x 184mm x 10mm.
• Weight: 200 grams.
• Battery: 8000 pages, 2 weeks.
• 100 free ebooks pre-loaded.

Kobo's eReader Video Demo

More eBook Readers