Kobo introduce waterproof E-Reader

Technical giants Kobo have introduced their new e-reader, which looks to compete against the latest technology from Kindle´s easy read, high resolution “Paperwhite”.

The improved and faster loading e-reader also introduces a degree of waterproofing into the design, as well as high-resolution display for clearer text.

The Kobo Aura H2O has a 6.8 inch screen, two months battery life, a built in light and most importantly an IP67 certification, allowing water submersion up to 1 metre.

Although the Kobo is slightly heavier than the kindle paperweight weighing in at 233 kg, the 17kg difference is compensated by bezels that are just large enough to give your fingers a resting place but do not block out any of the display. Also the added weight is countered with the few extra grams being spread across a larger surface, which feels no heavier.

However the Kobo outshines the Kindle on three major features. The first is the screen resolution, which has full HD resolution and 265 ppi, enabling the text to become clearer, sharper and more like reading a traditional book. The second is the waterproofing, achieved by high weather resistant flaps covering the ports, which enables the e-reader to be submerged up to a metre for a period of 30 minutes, giving the owner total peace of mind, when reading by the pool or in the bath. Lastly, the manufacturers have managed to produce an constant, highly legible light that covers the whole screen and appears even over the whole page.

The downfall of the device is the higher price. There is a variant of approximately 50 euros between the two readers. The Kindle Paperwhite retails at approximately €129 and the Kobo Aura H2O at around €180.