Kobo unveils their eReader Touch Edition, will cost $129

Kobo introduced their new e-reader, aptly named eReader Touch Edition, during the Book Expo America event. The device has a 6 inch screen and only one physical button, the rest of the interaction relying on touch input. There are a couple of new technologies on board, including Pearl eInk, while the screen uses infrared for better touch input and low radiation. The freescale i.MX507 processor is said to provide faster page turning than what you get from other e-readers, so this little digital book reader seems quite interesting at a first glance.

On the top of the screen you have a search box that lets you quickly find definitions for your highlighted words, thanks to the built in Miriam Webster dictionary. The display is the same one you can find on the more expensive Kindle, meaning you’ll have to deal with so and so contrast; the advantage of the Kobo Touch Edition is that is much more responsive than other e-readers, so browsing through your library or going online thanks to the WiFi module will feel snappier.

Pinch and zoom gestures are also supported, and while they’re not perfect, it’s more than you currently get from other e-readers. Sure, the screen is smaller than on other e-readers, but considering the zooming function, you shouldn’t feel the effects of less real estate. The e-reader also packs syncing technology, so you can pick up reading on a different document, like if you have to leave home and want to finish that chapter on your smart phone or something.

Out of the box, you have 1 GB of memory, which should be enough to store even over 1000 books, in a bunch of formats, including PDF and ePUB, but open standards as well. If 1 GB is not enough for you, you can upgrade via the SD slot, up to 32 GB. There’s no word on battery life or other features (like can you also use it as a music player), but more info is likely to appear as days go by.

The Touch Edition is available for $129 in US and Canada, from retailers like Borders, Best Buy and Walmart, being 10 bucks cheaper than the Kindle and the new Nook. And from the looks of it, it seems a better deal all together, even if it doesn’t have access to the same library as the Kindle. Stay tuned for a short hands on video, courtesy of engadget.