Technical Specifications
- Release Date: October 1, 2012
- Model Number: N613
- Original MSRP: $129.99 USD
- Processor: Freescale i.MX507 @ 800 MHz
- RAM: 128 MB
- Storage: 2 GB internal (1.5 GB available), expandable via microSD up to 32 GB
- Display: 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen
- 1024 x 758 pixels resolution
- 212 PPI
- 16-level grayscale
- Dimensions: 157 x 114 x 10 mm
- Weight: 185 grams
- Battery: 1000 mAh, rated for up to 1 month
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Micro USB port
- Front Light: ComfortLight with 6 LEDs
- Additional Hardware: Infrared touchscreen technology
Display Technology
The Kobo Glo features a 6-inch E Ink Pearl display, which represented a significant improvement over previous E Ink technologies. The Pearl display offers better contrast and faster page turns compared to earlier E Ink versions. With a resolution of 1024 x 758 pixels and 212 PPI, the Glo provides crisp text rendering and clear image display, though it falls short of the 300 PPI standard set by later models.
Front Light System
The Kobo Glo introduced Kobo’s ComfortLight technology, a front-light system that was a game-changer for e-readers at the time:
- 6 LEDs positioned at the bottom of the screen for even light distribution
- Adjustable brightness levels for reading in various lighting conditions
- Reduced eye strain compared to backlit LCD screens
Unique Features
ComfortLight Technology
- First Kobo e-reader to feature integrated front-lighting
- Adjustable brightness for personalized reading comfort
- Even light distribution across the screen
Expandable Storage
- MicroSD slot supporting cards up to 32 GB
- Rare feature among e-readers, allowing for extensive library expansion
Storage and Content Management
The Kobo Glo comes with 2 GB of internal storage, with approximately 1.5 GB available for user content. This translates to storage for about 1,000 eBooks. The inclusion of a microSD slot for expansion up to 32 GB sets it apart from many competitors, allowing users to store a vast library of books and documents.
File Format Support
- EPUB, EPUB3 (including Adobe DRM)
- PDF (including Adobe DRM)
- MOBI
- JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, TIFF
- TXT, HTML, XHTML, RTF
- CBZ, CBR
Software Features
Reading Enhancements
- Adjustable font sizes and styles
- Dictionary lookup
- Highlighting and note-taking
- Reading Life statistics tracking
- Customizable reading margins and line spacing
Library Integration
- Kobo Store integration
- Adobe Digital Editions support for side-loading
- Public library borrowing via OverDrive (in supported regions)
Value Analysis and Market Position
Original Price Positioning
At launch, the Kobo Glo was priced at $129.99 USD, positioning it as a mid-range e-reader. It was priced competitively against the Kindle Paperwhite, which was released around the same time at $119 for the ad-supported version.
Current Market Value (2024)
- Pre-owned values: $20-$40 USD
- Refurbished pricing: $30-$50 USD
- Retention value analysis: The Kobo Glo has depreciated significantly but remains functional for basic reading needs.
Kobo Glo vs Contemporary Models Comparison
| Feature | Kobo Glo | Kindle Paperwhite (2012) | Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6″ E Ink Pearl, 212 PPI | 6″ E Ink Pearl, 212 PPI | 6″ E Ink Pearl, 167 PPI |
| Front Light | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 2 GB + microSD | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 1 month | Up to 8 weeks | Up to 1 month |
| Weight | 185g | 213g | 197g |
Long-term Durability
Based on user data and long-term usage reports:
- Battery longevity: Generally maintains good capacity for 3-5 years
- Common failure points: MicroSD slot wear, power button issues
- Design advantages: Robust build quality, replaceable battery (though not easily accessible)
- Design disadvantages: Potential for light bleed around edges of screen over time
Personal Assessment
The Kobo Glo holds a significant place in Kobo’s lineup as one of their first front-lit e-readers. Its historical significance lies in introducing the ComfortLight technology, which has become a standard feature in subsequent Kobo devices.
Target audience: The Glo appealed to avid readers looking for a versatile e-reader with the ability to read in various lighting conditions and expand storage capacity.
Value proposition: At launch, the Kobo Glo offered a compelling package with its front-light technology, expandable storage, and wide file format support, differentiating it from competitors.
Legacy impact: The Glo set the foundation for Kobo’s future e-reader designs, particularly in terms of lighting technology and user interface. Its expandable storage remained a unique selling point for Kobo devices for several generations.
While the Kobo Glo is now outdated in terms of screen resolution and processing power compared to modern e-readers, it remains a capable device for basic reading needs. Its expandable storage and broad format support continue to be appreciated by users with large libraries or diverse content needs. The Glo represents a pivotal moment in Kobo’s evolution, marking their entry into the front-lit e-reader market and establishing features that would define their products for years to come.
