Kobo Arc Assessment: Analyzing the Features and Performance of This Cutting-Edge Tablet
A New Colorful Android Tablet Contender: The Kobo Arc!
Welcome, buddies! Today, we're delving into the world of e-readers and tablets with Kobo's second Android tablet, the Arc. This device is primed to give you a vibrant color experience, perfect for magazines, newspapers, kid's books, cookbooks, and more! Let's take a closer look at the Kobo Arc and see how it stacks up against the competition.
Hardware
The Kobo Arc boasts a 7-inch HD display with 1280x800 pixels and 215 PPI. Its IPS screen technology ensures a wide viewing angle and durability, making it a beast under direct light, even compared to tablets that struggle in bright conditions. Under the hood, it packs a Texas Instruments OMAP 4470 1.5 GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, offering a swift performance. Storage options range from 16, 32, and 64 GB, though it's worth noting that this device lacks expandable memory options (no MicroSD or SD cards support).
With robust hardware performance, the Arc handles everyday tasks with ease, minimizing lag and delays often seen in more budget Android tablets. In addition, front-facing stereo speakers with SRS technology provide a solid audio experience, allowing you to crank up the volume and tweak bass and treble settings.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, most companies neglect the detail, but Kobo brings it to the forefront. While the Apple iPad has a mono speaker, and Nook tablets feature speakers on the back, the Kobo Arc is a close second to the Kindle Fire HD 7 and 8.9, which offers Dolby Surround Sound and four speakers.
Design and Accessories
The Kobo Arc provides a quilted back, but the unique feature here is the ability to swap out different color panels to suit your style. Although only five color options will be available at launch, Kobo promises more will follow. The device lasts around 10 hours on a charge, with a DC power adapter (similar to the Vox) included. Unfortunately, a Micro USB cable isn't included in the packaging, so you'll want to ensure you have one handy for copying ebooks or managing media.
Software
Out of the box, the Kobo Arc runs Android 4.0.4, with a Jellybean build in development. Thanks to Google certification, the device comes bundled with Google Play, Google Music, Google Video, Google Maps, Gmail, and over 600,000 apps via the Android Market. Each program opens quickly, owing to the device's robust hardware.
Kobo has developed a distinctive user interface that seamlessly blends the vanilla Android experience with live wallpapers and widgets. One standout feature is "Tapestries," which organizes your programs and apps based on usage, making commonly accessed items more intuitive to find.
The Kobo Store
The store in the Kobo Arc has an intuitive design, featuring sweeping panoramic displays and cover art that stands out. The Arc supports graphic novels, comic books, kids' books, and cookbooks, though the comic book selection could use some improvement.
Our Take
The Kobo Arc combines cutting-edge hardware and unique Android software for a one-of-a-kind experience. Despite being a bit heavy on geographical limitations, it still stands as one of the best dedicated reading tablets on the market.
Enrichment: The Kobo Arc competes with the Nook HD and Kindle Fire HD for tablet supremacy in the early 2010s. While it offers a unique hardware and software experience, the Kindle Fire HD may outperform it due to better optimization within Amazon's ecosystem and potentially stronger hardware. Meanwhile, the Nook HD focuses on a reading-centric design, but with fewer apps and a more limited ecosystem compared to Kobo and Kindle offerings.
With its unique design featuring interchangeable color panels, the Kobo Arc stands out among other e-readers and gadgets. Users can extend their reading experience beyond the device's battery life by utilizing reading apps available on Google Play, offering over 600,000 apps to choose from. The e-ink technology used in the Kobo Arc provides an excellent reading experience, especially under direct light, making it a strong competitor against e-readers using other display technologies.
