Waterproof E-Reader Kobo H2O Edition 2 Evaluation - Year 2017 (Revised)
Take a Dip with Kobo's Waterproof Wonders - The Kobo Aura H2O Edition 2
Embrace the aquatic life without worries - the Kobo Aura H2O Edition 2 e-reader takes a plunge into the world of reading on the go! This device is designed to withstand accidental spills and swimming adventures, allowing you to bring it to the beach, bathtub, or wherever you fancy a read.
Design and Durability
With a striking resemblance to the Kobo Aura One, the H2O Edition 2 boasts a sleek, comfortable design that fits perfectly in one hand. The power button is conveniently placed on the back, making it easier to operate. The user-friendly device boasts a size of 129 x 172 x 8.9 mm and weighs a light 210g, perfect for those extended reading sessions.
Display and Lighting
The Kobo Aura Edition 2 graces your eyes with a 6.8-inch E-Ink Carta Display, boasting a resolution of 1430×1080 and a sharp 265 PPI. Reading in low light is a breeze with the addition of the ComfortLight PRO system, a blend of nine white LEDs and eight RGB LED lights. Adjust the screen brightness and temperature to suit your preferences for a more comfortable and efficient reading experience.
** underneath the hood**
The H2O Edition 2 houses a powerful Freescale 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM, matching the specifications of most new Kindles. The 8GB of internal storage is more than enough to hold your ever-growing e-book collection, though no SD card slot is available for expansion.
Software - Keep it Fresh
Recently, Kobo revamped their entire e-Reader software experience, updating the menu structure, navigation, shopping, and home screen to provide a more intuitive and robust experience. The new interface streamlines your reading experience with instant access to your library, recommended books from the store, and quick access to settings and features like Wifi, front-lit display, and search. With the new user interface, everything loads faster, making your reading journey smoother than ever.
E-Reading Experience - Take Control
With the Kobo Aura H2O Edition 2, the power is in your hands (or fingers, to be precise). Customize the font style, size, and weight, as well as margins and line spacing to create a reading experience that suits your tastes. The H2O Edition 2 supports a variety of file formats, including EPUB, PDF, and more, catering to a wide range of reading preferences.
For the Bustling Reader
Quickly look up word definitions, translate foreign languages, and add notes and highlights as you zip through your e-books. However, one drawback lies in the slow rendering of PDF files, which may take up to five to seven seconds to load, depending on the file size.
Wrap Up
The Kobo Aura H2O Edition 2 is a fabulous e-reader, offering a unique blend of durability, water resistance, and an intuitive reading experience. Priced at $199.99 in Canada and $179.99 US, it's available at Chapters/Indigo and Kobo's main website starting from May 22. The device can also be found in various countries around the world, with releases planned for Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, among others in the coming months.
If you've purchased a Kobo e-reader within the past two years, consider yourself set, as this model doesn't offer many groundbreaking changes from older versions. However, if you're looking for an updated Kobo experience with improved ergonomics and the ComfortLight PRO lighting system, the H2O Edition 2 could be just the titan for your literary pilgrimage.
PROS
- Waterproof
- Comfortable design
- Adjustable ComfortLight PRO system
- Customizable reading settings
CONS
- Lacks Overdrive functionality
- Locked into the Kobo ecosystem
- No SD Card Expansion
Author: Michael Kozlowski, michael@our websiteMichael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief of our platform, Specializing in audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. His articles have been featured in major media outlets, including the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post, and the New York Times. Michael hails from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Savor your e-books on a cutting-edge gadget with the Kobo Aura H2O Edition 2's touchscreen e-reader. The technology within this device allows for smooth reading app experiences. You can easily customize and control your reading preferences with this e-ink equipped e-reader. Regardless of the weather or location, the waterproof feature ensures your reading ease, transforming even swimming sessions into moments of literary indulgence.
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