MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Is it worth to buy a new Kobo Aura One in 2019?

Tokei · 05-01-2019, 08:14 AM

Thanks moorekom for the helpful answer. I think it is good advice to not take chances with the screen lottery. But will not be easy since I don't think the Aura One is still sold (at least not in the markets where I could buy). So I thought about buying one used but that might be more risky in terms of getting a good screen.

There is a good thread regarding the Forma's PWM here: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=312108

It is very hard to say whether PWM is really a problem or something in your head. Most in the above's thread said they do not have an issue with the Forma's PWM. Also, based on what can be found in the internet, a 1khz PWM used by the Forma should not be a problem (below 200Hz is considered noticeable and the higher the Hz the better).

Nonetheless, I am thinking of selling the Forma and buying another reader for that very reason. I am pretty sure that if I didnt know about PWM I wouldnt have a problem with it, but knowing it and looking for it, I have the feeling that indeed the display is not perfectly still. It is very subtle but in my impression there is a difference in terms of the lighting's stillness vs. my old Paperwhite. I dont think it will cause me headaches or eyestrain but it's there and now I cannot unsee it.

Reading your post and your concerns about PWM I would recommend to stick with the Aura1. If there is that voice in your head about PWM your are already slipping down the slope - will be hard to dispel the doubts. I think 30gr of weight is not that huge of a difference. The handling of the Forma is admittedly very nice though - I was surprised how light it is and I like to have some space to properly grab it. Buttons also a plus. If you have any chance definitely check it out before you buy.

05-01-2019, 08:14 AM	#47
Tokei Member Posts: 19 Karma: 2075226 Join Date: Apr 2019 Device: Kobo Forma	Thanks moorekom for the helpful answer. I think it is good advice to not take chances with the screen lottery. But will not be easy since I don't think the Aura One is still sold (at least not in the markets where I could buy). So I thought about buying one used but that might be more risky in terms of getting a good screen. There is a good thread regarding the Forma's PWM here: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=312108 It is very hard to say whether PWM is really a problem or something in your head. Most in the above's thread said they do not have an issue with the Forma's PWM. Also, based on what can be found in the internet, a 1khz PWM used by the Forma should not be a problem (below 200Hz is considered noticeable and the higher the Hz the better). Nonetheless, I am thinking of selling the Forma and buying another reader for that very reason. I am pretty sure that if I didnt know about PWM I wouldnt have a problem with it, but knowing it and looking for it, I have the feeling that indeed the display is not perfectly still. It is very subtle but in my impression there is a difference in terms of the lighting's stillness vs. my old Paperwhite. I dont think it will cause me headaches or eyestrain but it's there and now I cannot unsee it. Reading your post and your concerns about PWM I would recommend to stick with the Aura1. If there is that voice in your head about PWM your are already slipping down the slope - will be hard to dispel the doubts. I think 30gr of weight is not that huge of a difference. The handling of the Forma is admittedly very nice though - I was surprised how light it is and I like to have some space to properly grab it. Buttons also a plus. If you have any chance definitely check it out before you buy.