Kit Eyre

Maybe I’m an oddity in the world of readers but I have two devices for ebooks – a Kindle Paperwhite and a Kobo Clara. 

That’s an extravagence I know many people couldn’t afford, although it was helped massively by that old trick – paying by installments. 

At this point, I’m sure you’re wondering why I didn’t just stick to one ecosystem. After all, it’s easier just to stick with one store and buy all your ebooks from there, right? Of course it is, but I don’t do things the straightforward way. 

I like Kindle because it has more books available than other platforms. Part of this is because the site demands exclusivity from authors who want to be enrolled in their Kindle Unlimited (KU) subscription programme. That means that some books are only available on Amazon as those authors are prohibited from uploading them elsewhere. 

So having a Kindle is vital if I want the widest variety of books, especially as many LGBTQ authors keep their books enrolled in KU. 

However, I do love Kobo.

I first listened to a podcast episode that featured some Kobo honchoes and their attitude impressed me. Despite the fact the company is owned by Rakuten, the Kobo side of their business is completely focused on books and it shows.

Their e-reader experience is nice and clean. Their info boxes about the book you’re reading and how much of it there is left is simple to understand. The store is simple and works as advertised. They also offer a VIP scheme where you collect points and get free books when you’ve built up enough. As a VIP, you get access to exclusive sales and get small discounts off some other books too. 

Overall, reading on Kobo rather than Kindle is the equivalent of shopping in a store that’s delighted to sell you books and isn’t trying to do a million things at once. I feel this most acutely in the set-up of the home screen – Kobo is far more interested in what you’re reading now than all the books it can upsell to you. For me, that makes the experience better. 

So, that’s me stuck between two ecosystems. Oh, well. Whoever said I wanted a simple life?