Indigo launches KOBO(TM) eReader in stores nationally tomorrow

TORONTO, April 30 /CNW/ - Indigo Books & Music will launch their dedicated KOBO eReader at Indigo, Chapters and select Coles stores nationally tomorrow, May, 1st, 2010, and online at www.chapters.indigo.ca.

Priced at just $149, the stylized, affordable, eInk based reader provides significant value and functionality for the booklover. The sleek device comes pre-loaded with 100 classic books so Indigo customers can start reading right out of the box, or they may choose to easily access the catalog of over 2 million eBooks, including today's bestsellers, newspapers and magazines through USB or wirelessly through Bluetooth.

The Kobo eReader is just 120mm x 184mm x 10mm thick and weighs only 221 grams, just slightly more than an average book. With its efficient battery, the Kobo eReader will last up to two weeks on one charge, or up to eight thousand page turns.

Experience what everyone is talking about!

"The real Kindle-killer... just arrived: the $149 kobo eReader."- Wired

"Priced at C$149, Kobo is considerably cheaper than other e-readers. The design aims to make e-reading more accessible to book lovers." - Wall Street Journal

"This is the future of books. Brilliant. It was everything I want in an e-book. Easy to use, intuitive, and gorgeous...." - National Post

"Better-looking than the Kindle... its UI is where it really shines." - Fast Company

"What Kobo really gets right is the interface: big, beautiful chapter and library lists and "I'm Reading" page that correlates the books you're reading into newspaper-like display." - Cult of Mac

Heather Reisman, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Indigo Books & Music Inc. says, "We're excited to offer our customers Kobo's exceptional eReader at an extraordinary price. We believe our customers want choice in how and where they read, and this new device provides a great option as a dedicated, easy to use eReader."

For information specific to the new Kobo eReader, visit: www.KoboeReader.com.

About Indigo Books & Music Inc.

Indigo is a publicly traded Canadian company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (IDG). As the largest book and specialty retailer in Canada, Indigo operates in all provinces under different banners including Indigo Books & Music; Indigo Books, Gifts, Kids; IndigoSpirit, Chapters, The World's Biggest Bookstore, and Coles. The online division, www.chapters.indigo.ca, features books, eBooks, toys, music and DVDs, and hosts the award winning Indigo Online Community. Chapters and Indigo are rated as the number one and number two retailers in Canada by the Kubas Major Market Retail Report, and have been on that list since 2000.

About Kobo, Inc.

Kobo is a global eReading service backed by majority shareholder Indigo Books & Music, Borders Group, REDgroup Retail, and Cheung Kong Holdings. Kobo believes consumers should be able to read any book on any device. With a catalog of over two million eBooks, and an open platform, Kobo enables retailers, device manufacturers and mobile operators to bring the joy of eReading to customers everywhere. For more information, visit www.kobobooks.com.

For further information: Media Contact: Janet Eger, Director, Public Relations, Indigo Books and Music Inc., [phone], [email protected]