Kobo is releasing November the Kobo Arc, a $199 tablet that comes with 16 GB of storage, a 7-inch display, and Android Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. Other than having twice the storage provided by the entry-level Google Nexus 7, being one of the lightest Android tablets (only 364 grams), and displaying a unique Tapestries interface, the Kobo tablet doesn't have any edge over other budget tablets. The 32 GB model is priced at $250 and the larger 64 GB model carries a $300 tag.
What Else You Need To Know
- Kobo also claims that according to its laboratory drop-tests, the Arc's ultra-durable glass proved more resistant to damage than any other tablet in the market.
- The device is pre-installed with Kobo's own Tapestries widget to help users navigate Kobo's library of over 300 million free and paid titles, lets them pin their choice of books and movies, and offers recommendations based on users' personal tastes.
- The device has a dual-core 1.5Ghz OMAP 4470 processor with 1 gigabyte of RAM, an iPS LCD 1280 x 800 pixel, 215 pixels/inch resolution display, a 2MP front camera for Skype calls, dual front facing speakers, and support for eight languages.
Other sources
We designed the Kobo Arc to let people focus on the music, eBooks, movies, website and applications they love rather than on the hardware they hold in their hand – though that is amazingly designed as well.- Wayne White, Kobo
Kobo tablets are certainly respectable, but the content just isn’t there.- Craig Lloyd, Android Community
- Engadget
- Kobo cuts 8GB Arc tablet in favor of larger models, pricing still starts at $200
- Good E-Reader
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Kobo to Debut 3 Different Versions of the ARC Tablet this November
It is due out this November, but there is no official word on pricing for the new versions or a street date
- All About Symbian
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Kobo Arc tablet hitting stores in November, comes in 64GB flavor
Of course, Kobo hasn’t really been a true contender in the e-reader battle. Barnes & Noble and Amazon have mostly been dominating the spectrum with their respective Nook and Kindle devices.
- TN
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Kobo Arc Tablet Reaches Stores in November, Available in 64 GB Version
Kobo even went as far as promising a Jelly Bean update for the Arc, but without a clear rollout date settled yet. I also expect this device to be rooted fast and played with.
- Other
- Kobo tries to take on Amazon and Barnes & Noble with its new Android tablet and e-readers (hands-on)
- Best eBook Readers
- Kobo Releases New E-readers/Tablets
- ITProPortal
- Kobo drops price of 7in Arc tablet, boosts on-board storage options
- Geek
- Hands on with the Kobo Arc tablet