Kobo Forma vs PocketBook InkPad

2023. Pocketbook unveiled its first e-note - Pocketbook InkPad X Pro



Pocketbook has introduced its first e-note, the Pocketbook InkPad X Pro, specifically crafted for digital note-taking. This innovative product is tailored for note-taking, freehand drawing, and PDF file editing due to its incorporation of a WACOM screen. The package includes a novel jet-black stylus with an eraser, boasting an impressive 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. Nevertheless, the device is also compatible with third-party styluses. The highlight of the device is its 10.3-inch E INK Mobius display, which contributes to its lightweight design. Boasting a resolution of 1404×1872 pixels at 227 PPI, the screen is also capacitive, enabling users to employ finger gestures like pinch-to-zoom, tapping, and page-turning swipes. Convenient manual page-turn buttons, a home button, and settings button are situated at the device's bottom. Notably, this marks the company's first foray into the Android product realm, as all their previous offerings have been based on Linux. Anticipated to be released in late September, the InkPad X Pro will be priced at $420.00.


2023. Dark Mode is now available on new Pocketbook e-readers



Dark mode is now an option on the Pocketbook Era, Pocketbook InkPad 4, and Pocketbook InkPad Color 2. This addition comes with the latest 6.8 firmware update that is accessible today. Along with dark mode, the update includes various other new features and improvements such as customizable control panel settings, additional filter options in the Notes app, a text suggestions feature, and more. In the near future, these enhancements will be made available for other Pocketbook models as well. Utilizing dark mode on your PocketBook device can enhance your reading experience in low-light conditions and during nighttime. This mode adjusts the display settings, showing white text on a dark background, which reduces contrast with the surrounding darkness and minimizes eye strain. Additionally, when reading in dark mode, you have the option to invert book illustrations if desired.


2023. Pocket updates support for Kobo e-readers



News and article reading service Pocket has announced that Kobo e-readers will no longer be supported. The reason is that in order to improve security all Pocket accounts are migrated to Firefox accounts. This news caused great indignation among Kobo users and the developers of Pocket decided to solve the problem anyway. Sarah Vasquez, the Senior Manager, Communication at Mozilla, told Good e-Reader in an exclusive statement, “Kobo is aiming to update the Pocket login on their e-readers to support Firefox accounts. The exact timing is to be determined. However, Pocket’s existing Kobo users will not be affected nor lose access to their accounts.


2023. Pocketbook Inkpad 4 gets 7.8-inch screen


Pocketbook announced the release of a new ereader called the Pocketbook Inkpad 4. It has a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen and a frontlight with temperature control. It has 32GB of storage space, built-in speakers for audiobooks and text-to-speech, and it’s waterproof with an IPX8 rating. Other specs for the PocketBook InkPad 4 include a USB-C port, a rotation sensor, a dual-core processor, it has WiFi and Bluetooth, and it has a 2000mAh battery. The overall design of the PocketBook InkPad 4 looks quite nice, though, with similar characteristics to the design of the PocketBook Era, which is actually really nice all except for the horribly washed-out screen. The newer E Ink Carta 1200 screens have better contrast, but it doesn’t matter when they add a cloudy flush front layer over the top of it.


2023. Pocketbook 6.7 firmware update adds audio pronunciation



Pocketbook has recently launched a firmware update for the Inkpad 3, Inkpad Color, and Touch HD 3, bringing along a range of significant new features. Notably, users can now initiate audio pronunciation within the dictionary, enhancing the language learning experience. Additionally, translations can be saved directly to the device and exported for future reference. The update also introduces improved page borders for CBR, CBZ, and PDF documents, enhancing the visual presentation. Furthermore, the new firmware includes enhancements such as an expanded pressure area for more convenient navigation through footnotes in books, more precise page margins in scrollable PDF books, and improved algorithms for sorting the note list.


2022. New Kobo software update added a pinch-zooming gesture



Kobo has released a software update for their entire range of Kobo e-readers, including models dating back to the original Kobo Touch (excluding the Kobo Mini). The update introduces a pinch-zooming gesture to adjust font size and now includes a new gesture that allows users to quickly access the last three books they read by swiping down from the top of the screen. Additionally, two new font options specifically designed for digital reading, Rakuten Sans and Rakuten Serif, have been added. The interface now supports three additional languages: Czech, Polish, and Romanian. A new feature called "Recently Viewed" has also been introduced, which displays recently viewed ebooks in the Kobo store, although users have the option to disable this feature in the settings.


2021. Kobo released Sage and Libra 2 with Bluetooth and stylus support



Kobo has introduced two new e-readers, the Sage and Libra 2, which build upon the company's high-end offerings by incorporating Bluetooth audiobook and stylus support. These devices retain the recognizable asymmetrical design of their larger counterparts. Furthermore, the Sage and Libra 2 are equipped with a new charging cover, allowing users to recharge the device every few months instead of every few weeks. The Sage, an evolution of the Forma, boasts an impressive 8-inch, 300 PPI screen and a color-adjustable screen light, ensuring an exceptional reading experience. Similarly, the Libra 2 serves as the successor to the Libra H2O (sans the H2O branding, although it remains waterproof), featuring a 7-inch display with the same display and lighting characteristics. For those seeking a more compact option, the Clara model remains the ideal choice.


2021. New PocketBook InkPad Lite 970 has cheap 9.7-inch E Ink Screen



PocketBook has introduced the PocketBook InkPad Lite, a new budget ereader equipped with a 9.7-inch E Ink Carta screen. Set to be released in autumn 2021, the device is expected to be priced at $299, making it the most affordable large-screen ereader on the market by approximately $50. However, the PocketBook InkPad Lite is raising eyebrows due to its peculiar screen choice. PocketBook has opted for the cheapest screen available, featuring a resolution of 1200 x 825, which is the same resolution used by 9.7-inch E Ink screens over a decade ago. This results in a pixel density of only 150 ppi. In comparison, the Likebook P10 offers a superior screen with 200 ppi and is only slightly more expensive. Furthermore, the Likebook P10 boasts an upgraded quad-core CPU with 2GB of RAM and runs on a more versatile Android operating system.


2020. Pocketbook Inkpad 3 gets a brand new UI



Pocketbook has recently released a significant update for its popular model, the InkPad 3. The update introduces an enhanced UI design across all applications, including redesigned notifications, control panel, and status bar. Firmware 6.1 brings a reimagined and simplified authorization system, enabling users to log into various services such as PocketBook Cloud, PocketBook Store, Send-to-PocketBook, and ReadRate using a single account. Additionally, users now have the convenience of logging into their personal accounts via the PocketBook app on their smartphones by scanning a QR code. The update also introduces support for new book formats, CBR and CBZ, allowing users to read comics on the device. Furthermore, the new Notes application enables users to view, edit, and add comments to their notes, as well as transfer them to other devices. All records are now consolidated in a single location, streamlining the search process.


2018. Kobo Forma e-Reader gets first major update



Kobo has recently released a significant update for their Kobo Forma e-reader, addressing various persistent issues such as improving WIFI stability and enhancing manga performance. With this update, readers now have the ability to navigate through pages by pressing dedicated page-turn buttons, enabling them to move forward or backward with ease. Furthermore, by pressing and holding these buttons, users can rapidly flip through multiple pages. Kobo has also ensured that their e-reader is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed individuals. By simply holding the Kobo Forma in either hand, the screen will automatically adjust. Additionally, readers can now enjoy the flexibility of reading in landscape or portrait mode. While reading, users can rotate their device to any orientation they prefer. To lock the screen into portrait or landscape mode, readers can tap the middle of the page to access the menu and then select the rotation icon located in the header (all while maintaining the option to hold the device in either hand).


2018. Kobo Forma - e-Ink reader with IPX8 case



Kobo has unveiled their latest ebook reader, the Kobo Forma, which surpasses the Kindle Oasis in several aspects, making it their most innovative e-reader to date. With a design reminiscent of the Kindle Oasis, featuring page buttons on one side of the screen and a tapered back (without the wedge), the Kobo Forma offers the flexibility to read in both portrait and landscape mode, complete with the option for automatic screen rotation. Boasting a spacious 8-inch screen and waterproof capabilities, this digital eBook reader delivers an immersive reading experience. Moreover, it allows direct borrowing of ebooks from Overdrive, resulting in long-term cost savings. The inclusion of comfortlight technology enables users to dim the bright white screen for comfortable nighttime reading. The adjustable front-light is gentle on the eyes and gradually reduces blue-light exposure, promoting better sleep quality. With an IPX8 rating, the Forma is waterproof for up to 60 minutes, and it even comes pre-installed with the popular library app OneDrive, simplifying the process of connecting your library account to the e-reader.


2018. Kobo's latest e-reader is called the Forma



Kobo has introduced the Forma, their latest addition to the lineup of e-ink e-readers, showcasing a range of enhancements. The Forma is equipped with an 8-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel (1080p) e-ink display, combining high resolution with an immersive reading experience. Its new ergonomic design stands out, featuring a handle on the side that not only provides a fresh aesthetic but also improves the device's grip. Along the right edge, convenient buttons simplify page-turning, offering a more tactile alternative to touchscreen interactions. Weighing just 197g, the Forma is approximately 15 percent lighter than the Kobo Aura One, without compromising durability. Kobo assures that the e-reader can withstand drops from two meters. Furthermore, with its IPX8 rating, the device is water-resistant and capable of enduring submersion in up to two meters of water for around 60 minutes. The Forma is available in an 8GB version starting at $299.99 CAD.


2018. Pocketbook e-Readers get gesture controls



Pocketbook has introduced a fresh firmware update for its Aqua 2, InkPad 3, and Touch HD e-readers, incorporating gesture controls for adjusting the brightness and color temperature of the front-lit display. While reading an ebook, you can simply swipe your finger up or down the left side of the screen to increase or decrease the light intensity. This functionality works seamlessly in both portrait and landscape modes. The update also brings enhancements such as improved gesture-based page scaling for books in PDF or DjVu formats, enhanced accuracy when selecting words for note-taking purposes, and the ability to enable or disable the position sensor through the settings menu.


2016. Pocketbook Announces the InkPad 2



Pocketbook InkPad 2 is an exciting new e-reader that was just announced today. This innovative device boasts an 8-inch touchscreen display with an impressive resolution of 1,200 x 1,600 pixels. It features a front-lit display for optimal reading conditions and convenient physical page turn buttons. The InkPad 2 is powered by a 1 GHz processor and equipped with 512 MB ​​RAM. While it offers 4 GB of internal memory, you have the flexibility to expand it up to 32 GB using a Micro SD card. One appealing feature of this e-reader is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to enjoy audiobooks and music. The Pocketbook InkPad 2 is expected to be available in the near future, priced at $199 Euros.


2014. Pocketbook InkPad with Text-to-Speech announced



Pocketbook, a Ukrainian company with a consistent track record in manufacturing e-readers since 2007, has introduced a new device called InkPad that focuses on providing an expansive reading experience with its impressive eight-inch display. Utilizing E Ink Pearl technology, the device boasts the highest screen resolution available for such e-readers, with an impressive 1600×1200 pixel resolution. This high resolution enables users to adjust font sizes without compromising clarity. Equipped with a powerful 1GHz CPU and 512MB of RAM, the InkPad ensures smooth page-turning and stable performance across various applications. With 4GB of internal memory, expandable up to 32GB, users can amass a substantial library that is easily accessible at their fingertips. Additionally, the device includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for audiobook or music playback. Notably, Pocketbook has integrated Text to Speech functionality in this model, allowing users to have books read aloud to them.