I had a Kobo Touch for a couple of years. It didn't break, even though it was stuck into book bags without any cover for protection while travelling all of the way across Canada on airlines, being taking on hikes into the bush, and carried while cycling around cities. I had an Aura HD for a few months. It broke even though it was usually stored in a rigid case, and was rarely used outside of the apartment or trips to the park. (And it broke soon after I sold off the Touch. Whimper!) Sometimes things happen.

As for Kobo quality being lesser than Kindle. Well, if it is true, maybe Kobo should adopt a similar replacement to Amazon. It would give them a bit of incentive to make more durable devices.