Kobo is releasing a new 6-inch ebook reader for 2020 called the Kobo Nia.
Whenever Kobo releases a new model it shows up early on one of their retailer’s websites, and the Nia is no exception. It appeared on Staples’ website a couple weeks ago and now Best Buy Canada has the Kobo Nia listed for $129 CAD, with an expected delivery date of July 9th.
I’d expect the Kobo Nia to show up on Kobo’s website soon. The list price will likely be $109 USD.
The Kobo Nia has a 6-inch E Ink screen with 212 ppi. It has a frontlight but the color tone is not adjustable like other Kobos.
The weird thing about the Kobo Nia is there really isn’t anything new about it other than the name. It has the same exact hardware as the Tolino Page 2 that was released last fall. Kobo basically took the Kobo Aura 2, which was discontinued earlier this year, and stuck it inside a Kobo Clara HD case with a couple of minor changes (the USB port was switched to the left side and the Kobo logo is darker).
The Kobo Nia has the same screen and main specs as the Kobo Aura 2. The only real difference is the Nia has 8GB of internal storage instead of 4GB, so for the few that need to carry 6000 ebooks instead of only 3000 consider it a win.
With a 212 ppi screen the Nia is a step up from the entry-level Kindle, so Kobo has an advantage there, but for only $10 more the Kobo Clara HD adds a higher resolution 300 ppi E Ink screen and a frontlight with adjustable color temperature.
On the surface the price of the Kobo Nia doesn’t make any sense being only $10 less than the Kobo Clara HD. Who wouldn’t pay $10 more to get a better screen and a better frontlight? But it was the same thing with the Aura 2. Once the Nia goes on sale in the sub-$80 range the price will make more sense. For the most part you’re better off spending a little more on the Clara HD, but Kobo wants to have a lower-end model to compete with the entry-level Kindle.
Yeah, while , Kobo does innovate more than Amazon , generally, it doesn’t always especially on its lower end models. I think you hit the nail on the head, though :
“For the most part you’re better off spending a little more on the Clara HD, but Kobo wants to have a lower-end model to compete with the entry-level Kindle.”
So, there really is not much more for me to say on the subject. It really does not concern me since I own the Kobo Libra H20 but thanks for posting this article , anyway.
I hope they don’t release it at $110. That would be a complete mistake on their part. And the SAME MISTAKE they made a few years ago. Nobody will buy it at that price. And even if they discontinue the Clara like they did the Glo HD, people are still not going to buy it. They’ll buy a Paperwhite instead or really save money and buy an entry level Kindle.
I can excuse them for incorrectly pricing the Aura 2.
I can’t excuse them for discontinuing the Glo HD effectively making the Aura 2 a downgrade successor.
I absolutely can’t excuse them from going down the same road again.
And no we can’t depend on Walmart to fix the pricing. They’ve stopped selling Kobos on their website months ago except for third party sellers. They’re taking down their stupid ebook cards display in physical stores. The deal might not be officially over, but it is effectively over.
This is why Amazon maintains their monopoly and is so complacent. When the only competition (Kobo and Nook) are grossly incompetent at even the most simplest of things there is no pressure to do better.
Not worth buying at all. For a little extra money it is worth getting the Clara for the 300 ppi and comfort pro light. The Nia seems like a waste.
Not worth it. I would just get a refurbished or secondhand used Kindle Voyage for $50 on offerup or eBay. That way you get the best eReader of all time for mega cheap.
I was hoping that a new and interesting Kobo will come, because I’m thinking about to buy one (I have Kobo Aura 1st edition). But this is not a new one, sorry. So, I have to wait, or I buy a Clara, or I buy a Pocketbook. (I don’t know if this brand is known in the US.)