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They use the same basic screen technology, but not all e-readers are created equal.

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E-book readers are definitely a niche market, and it does not look as though it will grow to be a major force in the mobile consumer electronics market. While we have seen some names fall by the wayside over the years, Kobo still remains strong, and their latest e-book reader would be known as the Kobo Aura HD, which is an E-ink device that boasts of a 6.8-inch screen, and according to Kobo, the Aura HD offers the “highest-resolution display available in an e-reader today.”

The Kobo Aura HD is a premium e-book reader, and hence it is reflected in the $169.99 price point, where its Pearl E Ink display will carry a resolution of 1,440×1,080 pixels at 265dpi, which Kobo claims that the larger 6.8-inch screen size delivers “30 percent more reading surface and the closest experience to print-on-paper — showcasing text and high-resolution images beautifully.” It is powered by a 1GHz processor, where you can choose from Ivory, Espresso, and Onyx colors. Do not be put off by the 4GB of internal storage, since there is a microSD memory card slot that allows you to carry another 32GB worth of electronic tomes. With a battery life that has been rated to last for up to two months, traveling long distance is not going to be a problem with the Kobo Aura HD.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Archos ChildPad Tablet Arrives At The FCC, Next Google Nexus 7 Expected To Ship 8 Million Units This Year,

Late last year, Kobo went small. The introduction of the 5-inch Mini was no doubt, at least in part, an attempt to offer up a bit of variety in a space whose parameters are largely defined by two Goliaths: Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The device offered a compelling alternative, but ultimately not one enticing enough to recommend it. Announced at roughly the same time, the company’s first take at front-lighting technology, the Glo, suffered a similar fate, coming on the heels of the Kindle Paperwhite and Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight.

Less than half a year later, the company has announced a new reader that once again rethinks the standard 6-inch screen. With the Aura HD, Kobo is going big, extending things to 6.8 inches, putting it closer to tablet size. With that upgrade comes an impressive resolution: 1,440 x 1,080 (compared to the 1,024 x 768 on the Paperwhite and 1,024 by 758 on the Glo). It’s a product focused on hardcore readers. “We got 10,000 customers together across dozens of countries to ask them what we can do for them,” Kobo CEO Michael Serbinis explained. As such, it’s a limited edition offering, one not destined to replace the flagship Glo. “This is something that is designed for this most passionate, voracious reader,” he said, “and as much as I wish everyone was like that — it would make us a lot bigger business right away — that is not the case.” The reader’s priced at $169, and is available for pre-order now, with shipping expected to begin on the 25th. In the meantime, we’ve got more details and some hands-on photos after the break.

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