Kobo Aura HD review

A little while back I was given the opportunity to test drive the new Kobo Aura HD. I've had the device long enough to read a few ebooks on it and decided to share my thoughts.

The first thing I noticed was it's sleek design. It's quite nice to look it. The 'slanted back' that gives the feel of holding a physical book is a perfect touch for those of us who love the feel of a hardcover novel. It weights practically nothing, and has a modern look to it.

The operating system is smooth. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly and seamlessly turning pages was. Having the capablity to switch fonts is also another fantastic bonus.

The Kobo Aura HD's selling points* are

6.8" ulta-high resolution ClarityScreen and 1440 x 1080 display

No-glare Pearl E Ink touchscreen

Integrated front-light

Wi Fi capable

4GB of Memory expandable with Micro SD cards

All of these are huge selling points for any reader. However, as someone who reads A LOT the expandable memory card is enticing. The front light is a wonderful addition, and I've already used it quite a bit. There is no eye strain this way and it makes reading in low light much easier. It'll be perfect to travel on planes with.

With all the positives, there are a few little things I would LOVE as additions -

Twitter capability 

The system can post quotes to Facebook. I would love to see the same thing apply to Twitter. I use Twitter much more often than Facebook and it's the perfect social media platform for sharing your favourite passages.

Clearer Instructions

There are still many features I am trying to find, or ones I am accidentally coming across. While this makes for some fun surprises, having a better how to manual included would allow me to make the most out of the system.

My experience with the system has, so far, been amazing. It's crystal clear screen, and front light are huge selling features. The design is also a instant hit with the book lover in me. As someone who has been less than enthusiastic about ebooks, this electronic reader is just the thing to tempt me to indulge in a few. It truly is an e-reader that is built for book lovers.

If you'd like to know more about the Kobo Aura HD be sure to visit the Kobo website for more details.

*selling points listed on back of Kobo Aura HD package

New To My Book Closet

It's that time of the week again. Time to show you what bookish goodies made their way into my home and book closet (to be saved from the evil book eating cat monster named Aria). This is inspired by the various "mailbox" posts out there (eg. In My Mailbox by The Story Siren, and Stacking the Shelves by Tynga's Reviews). 

So much excitement this week! I have a bunch of fantastic things in my mailbox.

First, and the most exciting arrival is my new Kobo Aura HD. Thanks to the lovely Laura at Kobo Canada I am getting to test out the new device. I will be posting a review on it once I have had the chance to really test it out. It's sleek and a fantastic reading experience so far.

Oh, and I also love the brown colour I got!

With the Kobo I also got to pick an ebook to load into it. I chose....

Before I Go To Sleep by S.J Watson (goodreads)

I've been hearing amazing this about this, and when it was selected as the Harper Collins Fan Choice book as part of their 50 Book Pledge I knew I had to finally read it. Excited to start it.

I also borrowed....

Goddess by Josephine Angelini (goodreads)

I read this one already and LOVED it. Expect a review later, but it's a fitting end to the series.

That's it for me. Be sure to leave a link to your mailbox so I can stop by.

Happy Weekend and Happy Reading!

Weekly Obsessions

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every Saturday.

Here are my obsessions this week:

TV

 Season Finales

All my shows are ending for the season in the next month or so. I always love/hate this time of year. So many amazing storylines/jaw droppers/craziness going on, but it also means couple breakups/deaths/other unfortunate things happening to my beloved characters. I am anxiously awaiting the finale for Once Upon A Time especially. Side note to Brodie....expect panicky tweets. #Neverland #SecondStarToTheRight

MOVIE

The Bling Ring Trailer

My take away from this trailer? Emma Watson is amazing. Go ahead, watch it. I'll wait.

Emma Watson's delivery of the line "I want to rob" is perfect. I love her as an actress and I think she seems great in this role. I can't wait to see this movie. I also got an advance reader copy of the book written by Nancy Jo Sales. Super excited to read it.

OTHER

Kobo Aura HD

Thanks to the lovely people at Kobo I am going to be reviewing the new Kobo Aura HD. I got it delivered and have started using it. I love it so far. The crisp, clean look of the device is great. The screen is clear and provides an excellent reading experience. I may just end up loving reading ebooks yet.

Book Expo Planning

Eeeep! Book Expo quickly approaching (not fast enough!) and I am in full planning mode. Kelly from KellyVision, Emilie from Emilie's Book World and Jessica from Read My Breath Away are also attending so we've been chatting about schedules, and things to do in NYC. Emilie and I will be rooming together so expect tweets and other fun stuff while we are gone. My Friday is going to be intense as so many authors I want to see are all signing at the same time. I am going to have to make some tough choices (book blogger problems, I know) but am SO SO SO excited to do it. I love being around bookish people!

So what are you obsessed with this week?