Kobo Vox vs Kindle Fire – Who will win the newest ereader war?
Kobo has recently announced the launch of their Kobo Vox, which is going to compete head-to-head with the new Kindle Fire come the holiday system. It is, like the Fire, as much a tablet as it is an ebook reader, and is also based on Android. However, there are some major differences -
Platforms
The Kindle Fire does not have access to the full Android Market. However, it does have access to all the Amazon Marketplace and all of the Amazon content, including the video on demand service and mp3 system (which has effectively replaced iTunes for me. I can’t tell you the last time I bought any music on iTunes. I buy everything on my cell phone through Amazon mp3).
So, if you really want the access to the full market, the Kindle Fire might not be your choice. However, I will say this – there are so many apps on the Amazon Marketplace, you won’t be missing much. Many of the popular apps are on both, and for me, having access to all the other Amazon stuff will make it worth it for me. If you want all the Amazon Marketplace apps like I do, go with the Kindle Fire instead.
Hardware
The Kindle Fire has stouter hardware overall. The processor in the Fire is much faster than in the Vox. The Fire has a dual-core processor that screams, while the Vox has a bit slower processor at 800 megahertz. As far as storage goes, The Vox and the Fire both start with 8 gigs, but the Vox allows you to expand the storage with a memory card up to 40 gigs. Of course, you have unlimited storage with the Amazon Cloud storage on the Fire, so that’s pretty much a wash.
Reading
Both devices have about the same same screen at around 7 inches, and the are both color screens as well. On the Kobo you can read book in the epub format, and on the Kindle you can read all the books available on Amazon. Amazon clearly has the largest selection of books available!
The Verdict
Personally, and this should be no surprise since this is a Kindle blog, I am still all for the Kindle Fire over the Kobo Vox. All the access to the content on the Amazon platform makes it worth it to me, even though I don’t get the full Android Market. As I mentioned in my last post, Amazon is moving more and more toward an Apple-like experience for its users, and I want to be a part of that. However, if not having the Android Market is a no-go for you, the Vox might be a perfect fit.
– Man is this case cool or what? It’s made out of leather, which I am a big fan of when it comes to covers. It also converts into a stand as well. It appears that they are running a special on it if you will go ahead and pre-order it before November 15th. They have it at $19.95 right now, which is most definitely a steal!
– this cover is also a stand, and it appears to be a modification of their Galaxy Tab covers to fit the Kindle Fire. It is certified by Amazon as a “Made for Kindle” cover, and their previous covers are quite popular. I like the stand feature as well.
– I love this one! This is unique among the Kindle Fire covers, as it makes your site look like an old book. They have some other colors coming out as well. I picked this one for the picture because it was the coolest looking to me!
– If you don’t really want an actual case or cover and want to just keep your Fire protected while you are carrying or storing it? This will do the trick! And it comes in a bunch of different colors as well -
– This is very similar to the above Microshell cover, except this one is made of polycarbonate similar to cell phone cases.
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– here’s a casual but sexy looking sleeve for your Kindle DX digital reader. It comes from accessory maker Timbuk2 and features a leather exterior and a goatsuede interior. This nice slim sleeve will keep your device protected in style. AAA+
– Need a Kindle light and a cover? Look no farther than the Kindle lighted cover! Comes in all kinds of colors.
– this faux leather case from M-edge is stylish and sleek. It’s called a jacket because it keeps your DX protected while it’s encased between two flaps, and is one great looking cover. (Quick update – this Kindle cover is no longer available, so I have linked to a very similar model).
– this is an inexpensive but solid hard shell case from Kroo. It has velcro straps inside to securely hold your digital reader from falling out when the case is opened, and an extra pouch pocket on the outside to hold extra accessories. Available via Amazon at less than $20.
– many Kindle owners swear by this cover, as the preferred choice for waterproof protection. It will work on either the Kindle 1 or Kindle 2 and features a UV material which cannot be broken down or discolored by sunlight and is fully operational through the cover.
– when it comes to Kindle waterproof covers, this is one cool raincoat for your Kindle device. It’s a totally clear hard case, so its almost as if its not even there! It says it is for Kindle 2, but it works for all models! (Quick update – this Kindle waterproof case is no longer available, so I linked to one that is almost exactly the same).
– This is touted as the premier multi-tasking water-free cover for when you go camping, hiking, paddling or boating. It fits several digital readers, including the Kindle and features heady-duty vinyl with air tight construction.
– cool Kindle waterproof case from E-volve for your Kindle. Three air tight seals and snap buttons make this cover a great choice for any water activity you plan to be in or near. Also compatible with other ebook readers such as the Sony Reader or Nook, and comes with an adjustable anti-twist, tangle-free cord. It is one of the best waterproof Kindle covers on the market
