Borders to carry Kobo eReader

eBook readers seem to be all the rage these days, but it has yet to catch on in a big way across all sections of the population simply because it is still too expensive for those living in developing countries, while there are many different formats out there for users to consider before making a purchase. Well, this has not stopped the iPad from doing gangbusters in terms of sales, with the Amazon Kindle also being another contender to worry about if one is going to enter the market (granted, the iPad is not an eBook reader per se, but it does carry the ability to read downloaded copies of your favorite tomes). Borders, the mega bookstore chain, will dip their toes in the market by taking pre-orders for the Kobo eReader while debuting its eBook store and apps powered by Kobo from next month onwards in order to keep up with the times. Guess they know that selling books alone with some accessories and media on the side isn’t going to cut the mustard any more, and hence has embarked on a strategy that will provide rich digital content and a wide variety of devices that feature emerging technologies. Another advantage that is has is being a device-neutral, rich-content provider, letting them sell the Kobo eReader alongside a range of other eReading devices in Borders stores in special digital shops called Area-e which will roll out this August.

Just to get an idea on how the Kobo eReader stacks up against its immediate rival, Wired Magazine has touted it as “the real Kindle killer” due to its attractive features and low price of just $149.99, making it one of the most affordable eReaders available. Guess decent hardware coupled with a great content delivery system (which hopefully is what Borders can offer) will make this a great device, eh? After all, each purchase will get you started right out of the box since the Kobo eReader will come preloaded with 100 classic books, arriving at your doorsteps from June 17th onwards, just in time for Father’s Day if you were wondering what to get dad on that day.

The upcoming Borders eBook store will boast more than a million titles, making this a truly exciting time to be in as customers look set to be spoilt for choice. Which camp will you side?

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