Canadian bookseller Indigo Books & Music Inc. made the big reveal today on their long-rumoured eBook reader device. While the Kobo eReader has a 6" screen and uses the same Electronic Ink display technology used by other eBook devices on the market, it will differ greatly in its fewer features and smaller price tag. At $149 the 221 gram device will allow users to simply read books and view illustrations. Unlike the higher-priced competition, there will be no options for listening to audiobooks, MP3s, or connecting to the internet through a wireless store.

When it launches in early May it will have the capability to subscribe to and view magazines and newspapers. Users can transfer content purchased from the Kobo online store either through a USB connection to their personal computer or through a wireless bluetooth from a compatible smartphone. Indigo's Kobo store also supports a range of other devices, including iPhones, BlackBerry devices, and the upcoming iPad. The Kobo can sync its content with these devices to allow users to transfer bookmarks and reading places as they move from device to device. With 1 GB of memory it will be able to hold approximately 1000 eBooks plus an additional 4GB of memory through an added SD memory card. At purchase, it will include 100 free eBook Classics. The Kobo is available for pre-order today through Chapters.indigo.ca.