[Sonist]

I have no reason to doubt that Harry and robko are both correct and that the substrata is broken. It kind of makes sense that the expansion from the sun may have been the needle that broke it.

But the fact remains that either I am peculiarly unlucky with my Kobo Auras, or the Kobos have an inherent problem which is not found in competing products.

I actually just did a little experiment with my last remaining working Kobo Aura HD, by applying minimal twisting pressure to the frame. Did the same with the Kindle DXG, which has both larger screen and is thinner than the Kobo.

The Kobo Aura exhibits noticeably more flexibility than the Kindle DXG. The Kobo actually squeaks under slight pressure.

Comparing the Kindle and the Kobo, the Kindle is considerably better made, with better fit and finish and less give, despite its thinness and larger surface.

Which would explain why three out of four Kobo Aura HDs have broken within their warranty period, while none of my other readers ever did.

Maybe the screens themselves are no more likely to suffer fractures than competing screens, but when placed in a substandard case and with substandard fit and finish, the likelihood of failures would be likely higher.

Kobo should make a better product and should stand by it better.

As is, based on my experience, I would still advise anyone against purchasing a Kobo Aura.