I appreciate all the input; I have much to think about. There are options, at least sufficient options that I don't feel I have to jump on the GL4+ and can wait on developments. My sense, sadly, is that 8" B&W devices are kaput, but I'd love to be proved wrong.
So, that said, I hadn't really thought about battery replacement. In some ways, given how old the Aura One is, it would be nice to have a fresher device, but again, if they're not out there that's the end of that. And the Aura One is certainly good enough; in some ways better than a likely replacement as I don't want buttons anyway.
So, replacement options. I was really slow on the uptake! At first I googled UBreakiFix and there's one about 20 miles away but the website wasn't especially forthcoming about price. And then, duh, I remembered I live in a university town and of course there's a business like that! And there is, but it has horrible reviews and obviously only gets by because of foot traffic.
And then... I realized that one of my neighbors could replace the battery and would be happy to do it. But unfortunately I'm already in arrears when it comes to favors from him and my pride is kicking in.
But I suppose I'll get over that, sigh, and at least it takes the pressure off having to do something
now.
So, way TL;DR: very helpful input and it's let me marshal my thoughts. Thank you.