Kobo Forma Device Analysis: An In-depth Study of Its Video Capabilities and Performance
Dive into the world of e-readers with the Kobo Forma, the latest flagship model hitting North America's shores. This device packs a punch with a host of features designed to elevate your reading experience. Wondering if it's worth the upgrade from the Kobo Aura One? Let's explore!
First Impressions
The Kobo Forma boasts a 8-inch screen, courtesy of E Ink Mobius and E Ink Carta HD, delivering a resolution of 1440 x 1920 and an impressive 300 pixels per inch (PPI). Weighing in at 197g, it's 15% lighter than its predecessor, the Kobo Aura One. Under the hood, you'll find a Freescale IMX6 Solo Lite 1 GHz processor, accompanied by 512MB of RAM. Two storage options grace the device - 8GB and 32GB, sadly, no SD card support is available.
A Night Owl's Best Friend
Kobo hasn't forgotten about those late-night readers. The Forma boasts a front-lit display and a ComfortLight color temperature system, ensuring you can read in the dark without straining your eyes. With 17 lights for even light distribution, you can read on both white and red LEDs. If you value a traditional reading experience, the Forma's IPX8 waterproof rating ensures it can handle its fair share of splashes or even a dip in the pool – it can be submerged for up to 60 minutes.
A Spin to Remember
One standout feature of the Forma is its gyroscope that automatically adjusts the screen orientation 360 degrees, catering to both right-handed and left-handed users. This smart feature allows for convenient use of the manual page turn keys positioned on one side of the screen. Naturally, there's an option to lock the orientation if you prefer a fixed reading position.
The Big Test
This video review offers a close-up look at the device's hardware, software, and overall performance. You'll get a feel for how the e-reader handles e-books and navigates the entire page-turning system. The review only scratches the surface, so stay tuned for comparative reviews against the Kobo Aura One and the Amazon Kindle Oasis 2 for a comprehensive assessment.
In Case You Missed It
I've been under the weather recently, but fortunately, our team has been busy filming additional reviews, including the Forma vs Kobo Aura One and Forma vs Oasis 2, so check back soon for more insights!
Michael Kozlowski, our platform's editor-in-chief, brings over fifteen years of expertise in audiobooks and e-readers to the table. CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post, the New York Times, and many other publications have featured his articles. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Comparative Review: Kobo Forma vs Kobo Aura One and Kobo Forma vs Amazon Kindle Oasis 2
Michael Kozlowskimichael@ourwebsiteMichael Kozlowski, the editor-in-chief here, has been writing about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Keep your eyes peeled for newspapers and websites like CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post, and the New York Times picking up his articles. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Comparative Review: Kobo Forma vs Kobo Aura One and Kobo Forma vs Amazon Kindle Oasis 2
Kobo Forma vs Kobo Aura One
Display and Size
- The Kobo Forma brings an 8-inch HD Mobius Carta E-Ink screen, offering more reading space compared to the Aura One’s 7.8-inch screen.
- The Aura One presents a noticeably smaller screen size, perfect for those who prefer devices that easily fit into tight pockets or bags.
Battery Life
- Both devices are praised for their battery efficiency, offering weeks of use on a single charge.
Water Resistance
- Both devices are water-resistant. The Aura One is IPX8 rated, capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 2 meters for an hour.
Storage and Connectivity
- The Kobo Forma provides more storage options and better connectivity features, including OverDrive for library book borrowing.
- The Aura One delivers adequate storage but offers less connectivity options compared to the Forma.
Kobo Forma vs Amazon Kindle Oasis 2
Display and Size
- The Kobo Forma proudly displays an 8-inch screen, offering a larger screen size compared to the Kindle Oasis 2’s 7-inch or 8.5-inch screen options.
- The Kindle Oasis 2's 8.5-inch model is more comparable to the Forma in terms of size.
Weight and Ergonomics
- The Forma is designed to be lightweight and ergonomic, making it comfortable for one-handed use.
- The Kindle Oasis 2 focuses on weight distribution and ergonomic design, ensuring a comfortable reading experience. However, some users find it slightly heavier than the Forma.
Water Resistance
- Both devices are water-resistant, with the Kindle Oasis 2 rated IPX8 like the Kobo devices.
Integration and Ecosystem
- The Kobo Forma offers integration with Kobo’s e-book store and features like OverDrive for borrowing library books.
- The Kindle Oasis 2 integrates seamlessly with Amazon's vast library and services like Goodreads and Alexa support.
File Formats and Compatibility
- The Kobo Forma supports a wide range of file formats, ensuring greater versatility in managing diverse e-book libraries.
- The Kindle Oasis 2 is limited to Amazon’s proprietary formats, requiring conversion for other file types.
Conclusion
The Kobo Forma's larger screen, better connectivity options, and compatibility with a wide range of file formats make it an appealing choice for readers seeking a versatile, comfortable reading experience. The Kobo Aura One's smaller size is ideal for those who prefer compact devices without compromising on quality. The Amazon Kindle Oasis 2 excels in terms of integration with Amazon services and premium reading experiences, but requires extra effort to handle non-Amazon e-book formats.
The Kobo Forma and other gadgets in the realm of technology, including e-readers, elevate the reading experience with their advanced features. For instance, the Kobo Forma's 8-inch screen, powered by E Ink Mobius and E Ink Carta HD, offers 300 pixels per inch, surpassing the Kobo Aura One and some other competitor models in terms of screen size and resolution.
On a mission to cater to every reader, the Kobo Forma fortifies its position as a standout e-reader with a range of storage options and better connectivity features compared to its competitors in the tech world, such as the Kobo Aura One and Amazon Kindle Oasis 2.
