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sladflob · 04-09-2017, 09:15 PM

Just catching up on this thread as I haven't looked on this site for a while. My previous device was an original Kobo Touch, which I would probably still be using if it had a lit screen. Since I wanted something with a light I figured I'd upgrade to the KA1 because the bigger screen size also appealed to me.

My observations on the KA1:

1) My biggest problem with the KA1 is the quality of the light. Given that this was the main reason I upgraded from the Touch it has been very disappointing. The bottom of the screen looks kind of crinkled due to the positions of the individual lights there. It's mostly noticeable if I'm reading in a darkened room. This is my second KA1 and it's not really any better than the first, so I suspect this is just how this device is. Not having had another ereader with a light I can't say that other models or brands are better or worse. I can live with it but for the money I kind of feel I shouldn't have to.

2) The comfort light thing is next to useless. I turned off the auto sensor the day I got it. If I'm reading before bed with the bedside lamp off I sometimes make the light a little more orange, but it can make the screen imperfections more obvious and I often can't handle that degree of distress that close to bedtime.

3) ePub handling could definitely be faster. I only ever sideload books I've bought from whoever is cheapest, and I like to read in fullscreen mode (still experimental after all this time?) so don't like the extra space the kePubs introduce. I think I've adjusted by tapping the screen as I start reading the last line of the screen so the delay isn't such a big deal but I don't think this is really acceptable in a AU$300 device.

4) The size/weight doesn't worry me though I can't hold it quite as comfortably between my thumb and index finger as I could my original Touch. I think this is at least partially due to the smaller bezel along the bottom.

5) Build quality isn't wonderful and I do have a fairly large gap along the right hand side of the device (which already has noticeable dust and junk in it) but it's not the end of the world.

In summary, I'd say the device is ok... not terrible but not super-great or exciting. Upgrading from my 5 year old Touch wasn't mind-blowing which probably tells you more about my feelings about the KA1 than anything else I've written above.

04-09-2017, 09:15 PM	#110
sladflob Connoisseur Posts: 63 Karma: 10 Join Date: Feb 2013 Device: Kobo Touch, Aura One	Just catching up on this thread as I haven't looked on this site for a while. My previous device was an original Kobo Touch, which I would probably still be using if it had a lit screen. Since I wanted something with a light I figured I'd upgrade to the KA1 because the bigger screen size also appealed to me. My observations on the KA1: 1) My biggest problem with the KA1 is the quality of the light. Given that this was the main reason I upgraded from the Touch it has been very disappointing. The bottom of the screen looks kind of crinkled due to the positions of the individual lights there. It's mostly noticeable if I'm reading in a darkened room. This is my second KA1 and it's not really any better than the first, so I suspect this is just how this device is. Not having had another ereader with a light I can't say that other models or brands are better or worse. I can live with it but for the money I kind of feel I shouldn't have to. 2) The comfort light thing is next to useless. I turned off the auto sensor the day I got it. If I'm reading before bed with the bedside lamp off I sometimes make the light a little more orange, but it can make the screen imperfections more obvious and I often can't handle that degree of distress that close to bedtime. 3) ePub handling could definitely be faster. I only ever sideload books I've bought from whoever is cheapest, and I like to read in fullscreen mode (still experimental after all this time?) so don't like the extra space the kePubs introduce. I think I've adjusted by tapping the screen as I start reading the last line of the screen so the delay isn't such a big deal but I don't think this is really acceptable in a AU$300 device. 4) The size/weight doesn't worry me though I can't hold it quite as comfortably between my thumb and index finger as I could my original Touch. I think this is at least partially due to the smaller bezel along the bottom. 5) Build quality isn't wonderful and I do have a fairly large gap along the right hand side of the device (which already has noticeable dust and junk in it) but it's not the end of the world. In summary, I'd say the device is ok... not terrible but not super-great or exciting. Upgrading from my 5 year old Touch wasn't mind-blowing which probably tells you more about my feelings about the KA1 than anything else I've written above.