Kobo and Libre eReaders Get New Lower Prices, But Is It Enough?

Ever since Amazon and Barnes & Noble announced their new, lower pricing on the Kindle and Nook, I figured it wouldn’t be long until the Kobo Reader followed suit. After all, $149 was an attractive price when both of the big boys were selling their devices for over $200. But when the Nook came down to the same price (sans 3G) and the Kindle went even lower than that (also sans 3G), the Kobo paled in comparison. I expected that the price would have to drop below $100 for the device to look competitive again. But that was not to be.

Kobo’s new price? $129. Borders’ other eReader, the Libre by Aluratek, will be just $99 (down from $119).

Borders is obviously trying to stay relevant in a time when even a giant like Barnes & Noble is feeling the crunch. But is this move enough? I like the Kobo Reader quite a bit, but when faced with the Kindle and Nook just $10 – $20 more my choice is obvious. Perhaps the new pricing will grab more in-store browsers, but aren’t eBooks keeping consumers out of the stores to begin with?

I don’t envy anyone in the bookselling business right now. Except perhaps Amazon.

Hat Tip: TechCrunch