Kobo Forma offers superior reading experience for Canadian consumers compared to Kindle Oasis.
Canadians seeking a new e-reader will find a compelling option in the Kobo Forma, set to launch in the country on October 23rd through Chapters Indigo, Best Buy, Walmart, and other retailers. The Forma, priced at $299.99+tax, offers a cost-effective alternative to the Kindle Oasis E-reader, which retails for $389.99+tax.
Some key features that set the Forma apart include its larger 8-inch E Ink Mobius and Carta HD screen, enabling a more flexible reading experience compared to the 7-inch display of the Kindle Oasis. Both devices boast similar waterproof ratings, with an IPX8 certification that allows them to be submerged in two meters of freshwater for up to 60 minutes.
In terms of performance, the Oasis utilizes a dual-core 1GHz processor and 512MB of RAM, providing a robust e-reader experience. It also offers Bluetooth, WiFi, and access to the Audible audiobook store, allowing users to listen to audiobooks via wireless headphones or speakers. The Forma, on the other hand, relies on Freescale IMX6 Solo Lite 1 GHz processor and 512MB of RAM. It comes with storage options of 8GB and 32GB, but lacks an SD card.
One significant advantage of the Forma for Canadian users is the ability to borrow ebooks directly from their local library, if their library does business with Overdrive. This can result in considerable savings, as library loans can help reduce the cost of new ebooks. The Kindle Oasis offers a more complicated version of Overdrive support via WhisperNet, but this feature is currently limited to U.S. customers and requires use with an internet browser.
The Forma also features a color temperature system and more LED lights than the Oasis, resulting in more even light distribution. Additionally, users can adjust the screen's brightness and temperature to create a candlelight effect, which can be beneficial for night-time reading alongside a partner.
Both the Oasis and Forma are flagship e-readers, boasting manual page turn buttons, adjustable warm lights, and automatic orientation features. However, the Forma stands out with its 360-degree orientation via a gyroscope, offering greater flexibility in how it's held and used.
In summary, for Canadians prioritizing library borrowing and flexibility in file formats, the Kobo Forma is likely the better choice. While the Kindle Oasis offers a premium build and integration with Amazon's ecosystem, it limits library loan access in Canada and locks users into Amazon's store. For most users, the cost savings and features offered by the Forma make it an appealing option.
When comparison shopping for an e-reader in Canada, consider the Kobo Forma as a cost-effective alternative to the Kindle Oasis, both offering waterproof designs and leading technology. The Forma sets itself apart with its larger 8-inch touchscreen, greater flexibility in file formats, and the ability to borrow ebooks directly from local libraries, making it a more appealing option for many users.
