Borders Launches New E-Reader
NEW YORK (
) --
Borders
(BGP)
is making another play in the mounting e-reader war, this time rolling out its Kobo 2, a Wi-fi device for just $139.
This is the first version of the device, which launched in June, that has W-fi access. The original model had a Bluetooth sync, but users still needed to plug in the device in order to download content.
The Kobo 2 is $10 higher than the first model, but is still competitive with similar devices from rivals
Amazon
(AMZN) - Get Report
and
Barnes & Noble
(BKS) - Get Report
. Amazon's basic Wi-fi-only Kindle retails for $139, while the same version from Barnes & Noble is $149.
These three major players have been battling on price over the past several months after Barnes & Noble reduced its price on its Nook to $199 from $259. Amazon followed suit by lowering the price on its Kindle by $70 to $189, before introducing its new basic model. Amazon also offers the Kindle DX for $379 from original price of $489.
At the end of August, Borders dropped its price on its Kobo to 129.99 from $149.99, while its Aluratek Libre reader is now sold for $99.99 from $119.99.
Aside from price, these companies have also been trying to compete on other fronts. Both Barnes & Noble and Amazon have formed partnerships with retailers like
Target
(TGT) - Get Report
and
Best Buy
(BBY) - Get Report
to carry the device. Barnes & noble has also set up special sections of stores to highlight the Nook.
--Written by Jeanine Poggi in New York.
>To contact the writer of this article, click here:
Jeanine Poggi
.
>To follow the writer on Twitter, go to
.
>To submit a news tip, send an email to:
.
RELATED STORIES:









