The cheapest book reader, and offering from Kobo has. taken the limelight for innovation. Apple unveiled the thinnest device it has ever made. Meanwhile, I turned to a book reader made from recycled plastic.
The biggest game changer was the colour e-ink display, which may change publishing. Until now most book readers have been, barring some premium offerings, in black and white.
Color opens up the potential not only for graphic novels and comics. It also creates a far more vibrant experience for reading books. Particularly with illustrations and other visual content.
This highlights that with literature in this digital age, the experience of reading should be in the limelight. The device itself should not be the focus.
Therefore, low cost ebook readers have a role to play in making reading accessible. This in the long-term could encourage reading, in a distraction-free world that is full of distractions driven by social media.
It comes down to that age-old point in literature. The paper of a book is not important. The words on it are what truly matter. This visual work is obsessed with design. Yet, we see an almost contrasting approach to book readers. This approach emerges together with an environmental awareness.
The Kobo Clara with its compact 6-inch screen is the cheapest colour book reader. Not only is it constructed with recycled ocean bound plastic, but they have teamed up with iFixit. This means parts are accessible and is fully repairable, with guides to support user repair. A departure from the “repairability” of the new iPad Pro.
The Libra colour from Kobo is more appropriate as a budget offering for those needing a larger screen. It offers colour highlighting and annotation.
It will be interesting to see how the book reading experience changes. The industry will also change as e-ink technology continues to evolve.
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