Kobo Glo HD Review; Switching from Paper to e-reader

This is the summer I switch from reading 100% paper books to using an e-reader. Up until now I have been a paper book traditionalist. There was nothing like a real book, with pages that you actually turn. I hated reading on screens and the last thing I wanted to do when I work in front of a computer all day was to pick up another screen to read.

Then I was challenged to test out a Kobo Glo HD for just 1 week to see if it could change the way I feel about e-readers and make the switch.

When I told my husband about this challenge he was committed too. We decided that we were not going to bring any print novels along with us on our recent vacation to Brazil, instead we would load up the Kobo and our iPad and only read digitally. Unfortunately the Kobo Glo HD did not arrive in time to take along with us but I was able to install the Kobo App on my iPad and use that until I could test out the device directly.

Kobo Glo HD Review Comparison to Traditional Print Books

First of all the Kobo Glo HD is light. It is lighter than 1 Hardcover novel let alone the 5 – 7 I usually pack for a vacation. In fact I would argue that the Kobo Glo HD is as light or lighter than most paperbacks as well. Not only does it save all that room in your luggage but it also saves you while reading. I tend to lose circulation in my arms when holding up heavy novels so this is so much better.

Plus if you burn through all your novels while you are away you can just find a wifi hotspot and download another so you are never without reading material.

Ever freaked out when someone touches your book? The fear of losing your page is real. Don’t even get me started on the wind. The beauty of the Kobo is that it goes to sleep while you are not using it and then goes right back to your page when you are ready to read again.

The thing that kept me from using a Kobo or reading on any devices really is my experience reading on a big computer screen. Which means I wasn’t even really basing my distaste for e-readers on e-readers. The Kobo mimics novels extremely well right down to the colour of the screen (looks just like paper) and the typeface. I have felt no eyestrain whatsoever while using my Kobo Glo HD. My number one reason for not using a Kobo has been utterly dis-proven.

Kobo Glo HD Review Comparison to iPad

Due to the Kobo I am now using to read arrived after we left for Brazil I used my iPad to read all the novels I packed while I was away. The iPad has the same convenience factors of being able to take along many books on one device. However there are a few ways that the Kobo Glo HD is better for avid readers.

First off it is smaller and lighter than an iPad mini. I find the Kobo Glo HD easier to hold for long reading sessions. Plus it is more compact so you can easily carry it in your purse without really noticing it is there. The iPad is more noticeable especially once you factor in a case of some sort.

Which brings me to my next point the Kobo Glo HD is much less delicate. I am not saying you should throw it across the room or anything but lets say it accidentally drops to the floor you aren’t going to have to deal with a cracked screen.

The iBooks app on the iPad is easy to use but I much prefer the screen on the Kobo Glo HD which is much closer approximation of reading on the page. Plus iBooks switches between a stark white and a black screen depending on the level of light.

The Kobo Glo HD has this creamy paper colour and adjusts this to the amount of light in the room. Both work, I just prefer the Kobo Glo HD because, and I have said this before, it is more like reading an actual book.

Still I get it many of you are not going to go out and buy every new device that is out there. Kobo gets that too which is why they have the Kobo app. Which means you can have the same experience reading on your iPad as you get on your Kobo Glo HD. I will say though that you might want to sync your novels while you have a strong wifi connection as I had a hard time doing this at our resort but our wifi was pretty spotty.

Did you know you can start a novel on your Kobo Glo HD and finish it on your phone or your iPad using the synced bookmarks feature of the Kobo app. How cool is that?!

This challenge was exactly what I needed to get onto this whole new fangled e-reader thing. Ok well it might not exactly be new technology but it is a great time for those of you who are like me and have resisted e-readers because you loved your traditional print novels.

In fact I have some incentive to get you started. You can get 35% off these selected novels using the code torontoshopoholicblog.

You can also enter to win some money to spend with Kobo via this Mom to Mom challenge – get entered below.

Kobo Mom 2 Mom Challenge

What do you think? Are you already a Kobo fan? Are you a traditional print enthusiast? Would you switch for the right e-reader? Sound off in the Comments!

Discount code is valid for 35% off select eBook purchases from this page and select lists. Discount will be confirmed at checkout. Offer valid until June 30, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST. This offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion and cannot be used to adjust amount paid on previous purchases. Discount code must be entered at time of purchase to qualify for this discount. Discounts cannot be applied nor the discount value refunded once a purchase is complete. Rakuten Kobo Inc. reserves the right to change or cancel this offer at any time without notice.

“Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Kobo and I received Compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”