Answers.Body: <p>The Paperwhite uses a Carta e-ink screen with a <a href="http://www.eink.com/sell_sheets/carta_spec_sheet.pdf" rel="nofollow">contrast ratio of 15:1</a> however, <a href="http://allesebook.de/testbericht/kindle-paperwhite-2-35522/" rel="nofollow">here's a German test</a> that says the contrast actually is 12:1 (assuming Google translate was accurate -- my German is horrible). It has comparisons with other models, too. </p>
  
  <p>The Kobo Glo uses a Pearl screen with a <a href="http://www.eink.com/sell_sheets/pearl_spec_sheet.pdf" rel="nofollow">contrast radio of 10:1</a></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://allesebook.de/ebook-reader-vergleich/ebook-reader-vergleich-kobo-glo-vs-kindle-paperwhite-24447/" rel="nofollow">Here is an older comparison of the two models</a> that puts the Kindle Paperwhite's contrast ratio at 11.5:1</p>
  
  <p>Also, in terms of lending Kobos are compatible with library lending systems.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:33:33.957Z
Answers.Text: Kindle's are compatible with Library lending systems too. At least, they are with mine.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Seth
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:56:38.330Z
Answers.Text: eInk Kindles will only work with Overdrive library ebooks. Other vendors (3M, Freading, Axis360) who don't have full Kindle format support have created apps that will run on Kindle Fire tablets. Most libraries use Overdrive, but not all.
Answers.UserDisplayName: mattrweaver
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-18T22:36:44.710Z
Answers.Text: @mattrweaver Highly depends on the country. Here all public libraries use EPUB/Adobe DRM. Quite annoying to tell around 70% of interested customers that their device is not compatible.
Answers.UserDisplayName: his
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T15:02:12.083Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-03-14T15:02:12.083Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: mattrweaver
Answers.Body: <p>EDITED TO CORRECT WRONG INFORMATION: </p>
  
  <p>The question is between e-ink Pearl and Carta. </p>
  
  <p>Here's some screenshots illustrating the difference: </p>
  
  <p><a href="http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2013/11/11/screen-comparison-e-ink-carta-vs-e-ink-pearl/" rel="nofollow">http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2013/11/11/screen-comparison-e-ink-carta-vs-e-ink-pearl/</a></p>
  
  <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_Ink" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_Ink</a></p>
  
  <p>As I pointed out already, the improvements with each generation of e-ink were significant in the naughts, but are less significant now. </p>
  
  <p>Focusing too much on HW specs and not on human factors is a tendency  that all geeks are sometimes guilty of. </p>
  
  <p>BTW, e-ink displays are still great and affordable. People have always  predicted that LED tablets will make e-ink irrelevant, but e-ink devices are still useful and affordable. (My only regret is that after the Nook Simple Touch, the vendors have eliminated hard  buttons to turn the page). My main "usability" problem on my current Kindle Touch is that I accidentally tap on the surface to cause the page to advance... </p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:41:28.693Z
Answers.Text: Nope. They don't use identical displays. The Kindle uses the newer Carta system.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Seth
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:49:43.897Z
Answers.Text: Yes (you're too fast for me -- I was looking at at out-of-date wikipedia page).
Answers.UserDisplayName: idiotprogrammer
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-15T20:44:19.067Z
Answers.Text: Thanks for the link, this image here http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/e-ink-carta-vs-pearl.jpg tells it all. BUT please stray away from these opinions on the answers. What you think is nice on a forum post, but stick those opinions on the comments. Thanks for your answer.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:39:55.590Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-03-14T19:56:45.177Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2014-03-14T19:56:45.177Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: idiotprogrammer
Answers.Body: <p>This is really an opinion question, but I can offer my superficial thoughts: </p>
  
  <ol>
  <li><p>Amazon has more free titles and lending capabilities (with Overdrive, etc). It's nice to have the cloud just deliver these things. I know you say that you don't care about the e-store, but prices on Amazon in USA are generally lower and discounted more often. </p></li>
  <li><p>SD cards let you store a lot more books than the Kindle does. </p></li>
  <li><p>Previously Kindle e-ink devices had an inferior format (and often looked like crap), but they updated the format after releasing the Kindle Fire. Kobo glo can read epubs -- though I don't think any epub3 features. </p></li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>Both devices are basically in the same class of readers, and the technical differences   between them are not significant.  I suspect that Kindle would have better software running on it though and better add ons (dictionary, notetaking, social features, etc).  Each generation of e-ink displays touts small differences, but I don't think they are not important at this point. (You could probably look it up, but refresh rates have improved a lot on the Kindle and probably Kobo too. </p>
  
  <p>I would choose the Kobo over the Kindle if and only if: </p>
  
  <p>1)I mainly bought DRM free titles and read a lot of public domain stuff AND
  2)the price on the Kobo was more than 25% cheaper than the Kindle. </p>
  
  <p>One more thing: avoid the Special Offers Kindles. They really take up too much space on the home page.  </p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T04:13:31.627Z
Answers.Text: You seem to be missing the point: *Is that "white e-paper" really that much better, and what is the contrast ratio on those two devices?*
Answers.UserDisplayName: Seth
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:24:16.183Z
Answers.Text: Ah, my friend, I understood your point quite well. I used to write and edit a journal about ebook technology for several years (called Teleread). We used to follow these microscopic advances in e-ink displays all the time. Each generation of displays were marginally better, but I haven't seen any notable changes in e-ink over  the last 2 years.
Answers.UserDisplayName: idiotprogrammer
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:27:51.010Z
Answers.Text: To put it another way: Amazon's new KF8 file format introduced in 2012 was much more important to the Kindle device than any improvement in e-ink displays.
Answers.UserDisplayName: idiotprogrammer
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:33:02.280Z
Answers.Text: The point is, that has *nothing* to do with the question.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Seth
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T19:40:35.297Z
Answers.Text: Seth, see my alternate answer below!
Answers.UserDisplayName: idiotprogrammer
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-03-13T20:55:13.427Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-03-13T20:55:13.427Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: idiotprogrammer
Body: <p>The two e-readers are almost evenly matched in the physical features department. The only variable left out is the quality of the screens.</p>
  
  <p>Both have great support structures (e-book stores) that may differ between several countries around the world (in my own country, the Kobo has two online stores that sell localized - translated - ebooks, while the amazon is rather lacking).</p>
  
  <p><strong>So I am going to compare only the devices technical specs.</strong></p>
  
  <p>Pros for each one <a href="http://versus.com/en/kobo-glo-vs-amazon-kindle-paperwhite" rel="nofollow">(mostly taken from here</a>):</p>
  
  <blockquote>
  <pre><code>Kobo Glo:  
  </code></pre>
    
    <p>28g lighter (13% lighter than Kindle)<br>
    9mm shorter<br>
    has Micro SD slot<br>
    dedicated light switch button</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>vs</p>
  
  <blockquote>
  <pre><code>Kindle Paperwhite  
  </code></pre>
    
    <p>1mm thinner<br>
    USB mass storage (can connect to thumb drives?)<br>
    has a 3G version (I won't get a 3G e-reader though, but as reference)<br>
    <strong>WHITE E-PAPER DISPLAY</strong></p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Now, the real question is:</p>
  
  <p>I had not the opportunity to put both devices side-by-side in front of me to test their screens. What is the contrast ratio on those two devices?</p>
  
  <p>Bonus points if answer points me to tech sheets with the contrast info.</p>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-13T20:51:33.737Z
Comments.Text: Not having an SD card slot would be a reason not to buy a reader. I have three different all with (micro)SD
Comments.UserDisplayName: Anthon
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T06:41:58.347Z
Comments.Text: If you cannot decide by looking at them separately, and it is important for you, you should spent the money on mail-ordering them and pay for sending one of them back. Although contrast measurements are not a matter of opinion, your primary question is asking for what is 'better', and that **is** opinion based.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Anthon
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T11:31:26.603Z
Comments.Text: @Anthon Had I the opportunity to put both side-by-side, the question would not have been written. Better not always means opinion, if it can be backed by facts, and that is what I asked. It is no doubt that a 20:1 contrast is better than 5:1, or that having 1,000 bitcoins is better than having five. ALSO, I do not live in the same country as you do, and even if I did, paying to send one back to just compare them sounds like something I would not do.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-14T11:34:38.173Z
Comments.Text: And even if it was opinion-based, I am sure that this classifies as the "constructive subjective" referred in the [Help Center](http://ebooks.stackexchange.com/help/dont-ask). Backed by facts, that is. But I am just doing my best to dodge the flag-hunters.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-16T16:39:51.580Z
Comments.Text: Kindle has a optional lock on internet (including Wikipedia and sharing on Facebook or Twitter), kindle store, good reads, and kindle cloud
Comments.UserDisplayName: Arye Eidelman
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-17T12:32:44.000Z
Comments.Text: The question asks for FACTS. Don't Skim the qustion. Even the tag say. feature comparison.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-17T12:39:19.240Z
Comments.Text: I editted the question to clarify the issue at hand. It was not opinion based to begin with, its less so now.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-17T14:26:37.620Z
Comments.Text: Still looks opinion based to me "really that much better"
Comments.UserDisplayName: James Jenkins
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-17T14:28:49.270Z
Comments.Text: @JamesJenkins have it your way. Opinion based is allowed if it can be backed by facts, but if you want to selective ignore parts of the rule, have it. The offending part has benn removed. Satisfied?
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-18T22:34:27.153Z
Comments.Text: Everything except "What is the contrast ratio on those two devices?" is irrelevant for the question and should be deleted from the question text.
Comments.UserDisplayName: his
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-18T22:35:46.553Z
Comments.Text: It shows background and that the OP has done a proper research on the issue of the question. Putting as much information relevant or related to the question at large is the norm on most SE sites. But this bashing is becoming more and more fun. Actually @his, since you hail from SO too, your comment is rather strange.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-18T22:45:45.227Z
Comments.Text: No, it is not relevant on any SO site to put irrelevant stuff into a question just to increase the size. What adds "28g lighter (13% lighter than Kindle)" to the question of the contrast ratio? Nothing at all. This is not bashing, everyone is just trying to improve the question. You are very self-righteous. And you should say "me" instead of "OP" - you are not an objective judge but talking about yourself.
Comments.UserDisplayName: his
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-03-19T13:10:45.047Z
Comments.Text: @his You want edit question, do edit question. After content is submitted, it belongs to the community. If you can make it better by editting, please do. I already got the info I wanted.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
Tags: <kindle><kobo><kindle-paperwhite><kobo-glo><feature-comparison>
Title: Kindle Paperwhite VS Kobo Glo: Screen Contrast Comparison
UserDisplayName: Mindwin Remember Monica
ThreadText: # Kindle Paperwhite VS Kobo Glo: Screen Contrast Comparison
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2014-03-13)
  
  The two e-readers are almost evenly matched in the physical features department. The only variable left out is the quality of the screens.
  Both have great support structures (e-book stores) that may differ between several countries around the world (in my own country, the Kobo has two online stores that sell localized - translated - ebooks, while the amazon is rather lacking).
  So I am going to compare only the devices technical specs.
  Pros for each one (mostly taken from here):
  
  Kobo Glo:  
  
  28g lighter (13% lighter than Kindle)
    9mm shorter
    has Micro SD slot
    dedicated light switch button
  
  vs
  
  Kindle Paperwhite  
  
  1mm thinner
    USB mass storage (can connect to thumb drives?)
    has a 3G version (I won't get a 3G e-reader though, but as reference)
  WHITE E-PAPER DISPLAY
  
  Now, the real question is:
  I had not the opportunity to put both devices side-by-side in front of me to test their screens. What is the contrast ratio on those two devices?
  Bonus points if answer points me to tech sheets with the contrast info.
  
  **Tags:** kindle, kobo, kindle-paperwhite, kobo-glo, feature-comparison
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: Not having an SD card slot would be a reason not to buy a reader. I have three different all with (micro)SD  
  > **username_1**: If you cannot decide by looking at them separately, and it is important for you, you should spent the money on mail-ordering them and pay for sending one of them back. Although contrast measurements are not a matter of opinion, your primary question is asking for what is 'better', and that **is** opinion based.  
  > **username_0**: @username_1 Had I the opportunity to put both side-by-side, the question would not have been written. Better not always means opinion, if it can be backed by facts, and that is what I asked. It is no doubt that a 20:1 contrast is better than 5:1, or that having 1,000 bitcoins is better than having five. ALSO, I do not live in the same country as you do, and even if I did, paying to send one back to just compare them sounds like something I would not do.  
  > **username_0**: And even if it was opinion-based, I am sure that tusername_4 classifies as the "constructive subjective" referred in the [Help Center](http://ebooks.stackexchange.com/help/dont-ask). Backed by facts, that is. But I am just doing my best to dodge the flag-hunters.  
  > **username_2**: Kindle has a optional lock on internet (including Wikipedia and sharing on Facebook or Twitter), kindle store, good reads, and kindle cloud  
  > **username_0**: The question asks for FACTS. Don't Skim the qustion. Even the tag say. feature comparison.  
  > **username_0**: I editted the question to clarify the issue at hand. It was not opinion based to begin with, its less so now.  
  > **username_3**: Still looks opinion based to me "really that much better"  
  > **username_0**: @JamesJenkins have it your way. Opinion based is allowed if it can be backed by facts, but if you want to selective ignore parts of the rule, have it. The offending part has benn removed. Satisfied?  
  > **username_4**: Everything except "What is the contrast ratio on those two devices?" is irrelevant for the question and should be deleted from the question text.  
  > **username_0**: It shows background and that the OP has done a proper research on the issue of the question. Putting as much information relevant or related to the question at large is the norm on most SE sites. But tusername_4 bashing is becoming more and more fun. Actually @username_4, since you hail from SO too, your comment is rather strange.  
  > **username_4**: No, it is not relevant on any SO site to put irrelevant stuff into a question just to increase the size. What adds "28g lighter (13% lighter than Kindle)" to the question of the contrast ratio? Nothing at all. Tusername_4 is not bashing, everyone is just trying to improve the question. You are very self-righteous. And you should say "me" instead of "OP" - you are not an objective judge but talking about yourself.  
  > **username_0**: @username_4 You want edit question, do edit question. After content is submitted, it belongs to the community. If you can make it better by editting, please do. I already got the info I wanted.  
  
  ---
  
  ## 3 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_5 on 2014-03-14. Score: 4 | Accepted answer
  
  The Paperwhite uses a Carta e-ink screen with a [contrast ratio of 15:1](http://www.eink.com/sell_sheets/carta_spec_sheet.pdf) however, [here's a German test](http://allesebook.de/testbericht/kindle-paperwhite-2-35522/) that says the contrast actually is 12:1 (assuming Google translate was accurate -- my German is horrible). It has comparisons with other models, too.
  
  The Kobo Glo uses a Pearl screen with a [contrast radio of 10:1](http://www.eink.com/sell_sheets/pearl_spec_sheet.pdf)
  
  [Here is an older comparison of the two models](http://allesebook.de/ebook-reader-vergleich/ebook-reader-vergleich-kobo-glo-vs-kindle-paperwhite-24447/) that puts the Kindle Paperwhite's contrast ratio at 11.5:1
  
  Also, in terms of lending Kobos are compatible with library lending systems.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_6**: Kindle's are compatible with Library lending systems too. At least, they are with mine.  
  > **username_5**: eInk Kindles will only work with Overdrive library ebooks. Other vendors (3M, Freading, Axis360) who don't have full Kindle format support have created apps that will run on Kindle Fire tablets. Most libraries use Overdrive, but not all.  
  > **username_4**: @username_5 Highly depends on the country. Here all public libraries use EPUB/Adobe DRM. Quite annoying to tell around 70% of interested customers that their device is not compatible.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_7 on 2014-03-14. Score: 1
  
  EDITED TO CORRECT WRONG INFORMATION:
  
  The question is between e-ink Pearl and Carta.
  
  Here's some screenshots illustrating the difference:
  
  <http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2013/11/11/screen-comparison-e-ink-carta-vs-e-ink-pearl/>
  
  <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_Ink>
  
  As I pointed out already, the improvements with each generation of e-ink were significant in the naughts, but are less significant now.
  
  Focusing too much on HW specs and not on human factors is a tendency that all geeks are sometimes guilty of.
  
  BTW, e-ink displays are still great and affordable. People have always predicted that LED tablets will make e-ink irrelevant, but e-ink devices are still useful and affordable. (My only regret is that after the Nook Simple Touch, the vendors have eliminated hard buttons to turn the page). My main "usability" problem on my current Kindle Touch is that I accidentally tap on the surface to cause the page to advance...
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_6**: Nope. They don't use identical displays. The Kindle uses the newer Carta system.  
  > **username_7**: Yes (you're too fast for me -- I was looking at at out-of-date wikipedia page).  
  > **username_0**: Thanks for the link, tusername_4 image here http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/e-ink-carta-vs-pearl.jpg tells it all. BUT please stray away from these opinions on the answers. What you think is nice on a forum post, but stick those opinions on the comments. Thanks for your answer.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_7 on 2014-03-13. Score: 0
  
  Tusername_4 is really an opinion question, but I can offer my superficial thoughts:
  
  1. Amazon has more free titles and lending capabilities (with Overdrive, etc). It's nice to have the cloud just deliver these things. I know you say that you don't care about the e-store, but prices on Amazon in USA are generally lower and discounted more often.
  2. SD cards let you store a lot more books than the Kindle does.
  3. Previously Kindle e-ink devices had an inferior format (and often looked like crap), but they updated the format after releasing the Kindle Fire. Kobo glo can read epubs -- though I don't think any epub3 features.
  
  Both devices are basically in the same class of readers, and the technical differences between them are not significant. I suspect that Kindle would have better software running on it though and better add ons (dictionary, notetaking, social features, etc). Each generation of e-ink displays touts small differences, but I don't think they are not important at tusername_4 point. (You could probably look it up, but refresh rates have improved a lot on the Kindle and probably Kobo too.
  
  I would choose the Kobo over the Kindle if and only if:
  
  1)I mainly bought DRM free titles and read a lot of public domain stuff AND
  2)the price on the Kobo was more than 25% cheaper than the Kindle.
  
  One more thing: avoid the Special Offers Kindles. They really take up too much space on the home page.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_6**: You seem to be missing the point: *Is that "white e-paper" really that much better, and what is the contrast ratio on those two devices?*  
  > **username_7**: Ah, my friend, I understood your point quite well. I used to write and edit a journal about ebook technology for several years (called Teleread). We used to follow these microscopic advances in e-ink displays all the time. Each generation of displays were marginally better, but I haven't seen any notable changes in e-ink over  the last 2 years.  
  > **username_7**: To put it another way: Amazon's new KF8 file format introduced in 2012 was much more important to the Kindle device than any improvement in e-ink displays.  
  > **username_6**: The point is, that has *nothing* to do with the question.  
  > **username_7**: username_6, see my alternate answer below!  
  
  ---
  
  