Aura First Kobo Aura: return to sender :-(

Bever · 10-16-2013, 03:42 AM

Yesterday I received my first e-reader: the new Kobo Aura. Although I have an iPad and my wife uses a Nexus 7 for reading, I wanted E-Ink. As I wanted to be able to read in the dark, it needed to have light. So I was down to Kindle PW2, Kobo Aura and Nook GlowLight.

I don't like the closed environment of the Kindle and the lack of epub support, and the Nook had really horrible customer reviews. So Kobo it was!

When I was setting up the device, I noticed something funny (well not really funny...). Different keys were hit than the ones I was pushing with my finger. Not with all keys, but some. Then it hit me, silly me, I forgot to take off the screen protector :-) After removal: same issue. You try configuring your account when you can't see what you typed and the wrong keys are hit. Doesn't work.

So I contacted Kobo support by chat. They claimed it could be caused by the fact the device hadn't been charged 5 hours yet. Ok, sounds a bit strange to me as a techie, but hey, why not? So I charged it the whole night, this morning: same issue. So this one is getting returned to CoolBlue and they will send me a replacement if I want.

The question now is: do I want that, or should I just ask for a refund? Is this new device with new screen technology asking for trouble?

toddos · 10-16-2013, 03:48 AM

If you poke around in this forum, you'll find a lot of people having problems with their Auras. Keep in mind that this is the internet, and people don't say nice things on the internet. They come to complain. That means you'll get a very skewed view of many products.

I got my Aura last week. It's been perfect. No pinhole issues, no diamond pattern, no light leaking or popped bezel, no touch alignment issues, etc. Just pure, front-lit, capacitive-touch, flat screen reader goodness. In fact that only issue I've had was that my tracking number was wrong, and Kobo customer support explained that satisfactorily (they got a bad feed from their shipping provider that resulted in a batch of invalid tracking numbers). Since my device had already arrived, it wasn't worth pursuing further.

I suspect most people generally have a good experience with the Kobo, and you should at least try one replacement. If you're unlucky and that one's bad too, then feel free to get a different device. Personally, I'm very happy with my Aura.

jackastor · 10-16-2013, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bever

Yesterday I received my first e-reader: the new Kobo Aura. Although I have an iPad and my wife uses a Nexus 7 for reading, I wanted E-Ink. As I wanted to be able to read in the dark, it needed to have light. So I was down to Kindle PW2, Kobo Aura and Nook GlowLight.

I don't like the closed environment of the Kindle and the lack of epub support, and the Nook had really horrible customer reviews. So Kobo it was!

When I was setting up the device, I noticed something funny (well not really funny...). JDifferent keys were hit than the ones I was pushing with my finger. Not with all keys, but some. Then it hit me, silly me, I forgot to take off the screen protector :-) After removal: same issue. You try configuring your account when you can't see what you typed and the wrong keys are hit. Doesn't work.

So I contacted Kobo support by chat. They claimed it could be caused by the fact the device hadn't been charged 5 hours yet. Ok, sounds a bit strange to me as a techie, but hey, why not? So I charged it the whole night, this morning: same issue. So this one is getting returned to CoolBlue and they will send me a replacement if I want.

The question now is: do I want that, or should I just ask for a refund? Is this new device with new screen technology asking for trouble?

I have the kobo aura HD and have never seen this issue. I did have an issue similar with the glo, that was due to a poor fitting screen protector. The aura HD does have its original screen covering with the tab trimmed off, I haven't got around to ordering one yet. I don't know about the new aura with its edge to edge screen, but my guess is there is an issue with calibration.. Get the replacement you won't be disappointed..

Regards

Jack

Bever · 10-16-2013, 06:46 AM

Well, I can swap my Kobo tomorrow instead of doing it by mail. I will take the opportunity to check out the replacement Kobo before taking it home.

Things to check:
1) Does the touch display function OK this time (obviously)?
2) No white or black pixels?
3) With light on, does it leak?

Anything else?

jersysman · 10-16-2013, 07:54 AM

If you can read on it comfortably that would be good enough for me.

Canuck_in_Japan · 10-16-2013, 08:08 AM

Weird problem. That's the first I've heard of it.

NoUseToRush · 10-16-2013, 09:42 AM

Take a microsd card with you and see if you are comfortable with it exceeding the edge of the device

Tony1988 · 10-16-2013, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bever

Yesterday I received my first e-reader: the new Kobo Aura. Although I have an iPad and my wife uses a Nexus 7 for reading, I wanted E-Ink. As I wanted to be able to read in the dark, it needed to have light. So I was down to Kindle PW2, Kobo Aura and Nook GlowLight.

I don't like the closed environment of the Kindle and the lack of epub support, and the Nook had really horrible customer reviews. So Kobo it was!

Just an fyi. If you read the Nook reviews on the barnes and noble site, dozens of them are either disgruntle past customers for other items or people who do not own the device and rated it down based on hearsay. I read through most of them and could not believe the amount of bogus reviews. Without those reviews the device would probably get a 4 or 4.5 out of 5. For a better more honest review model go to amazon.

mr_nihilism · 10-16-2013, 11:45 AM

The lesson I have learned is a rather simple one: Do not purchase a device at launch. Wait for any potential hardware/software issues to get ironed out. This goes for Kobo or anything else.

Of course this is just my opinion. After three Aura's returned, it's a rule I intend to live by.

jackastor · 10-16-2013, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bever

Well, I can swap my Kobo tomorrow instead of doing it by mail. I will take the opportunity to check out the replacement Kobo before taking it home.

Things to check:
1) Does the touch display function OK this time (obviously)?
2) No white or black pixels?
3) With light on, does it leak?

Anything else?

its funny all the ney sayers seem to have no kobo device listed of any kind. Regardless its one of the best out there for hardware and readability and with anything there are always gonna be a few cracked eggs every now and again. Most problems seem to be due to user ignorance, and yes even some real device issues on occasion overall its about a 8.5 to 9 out of 10 in favour of the device.

good luck and good reading

regards

JAck

eReaderRay · 10-16-2013, 11:17 PM

I was pleased to receive the Aura in near perfect condition. I said they have a winner on another forum. Then, after about 2 hours of use, the software went buggy. The Aura would not reset. I returned it for a refund and purchased a Kindle PW2 which I received today. So far the PW2 is working well and looking well.

I can't understand how Kobo has the best e Reader form, features and hardware but has the worst firmware. What a shame. I didn't try a replacement for the Aura because of the convoluted customer service methods, although they are very polite.

I hope Kobo can get its act together soon. They have have a great e Reader, if it will just work they way it is meant to work.

Ray

TechniSol · 10-17-2013, 01:00 AM

If it's like some capacitive tablets, a reset is occasionally required if the screen calibration is off. Power it down completely and reboot. If that's not enough, try a reset. Couldn't hurt anyhow.

Bever · 10-17-2013, 04:39 AM

I did try a reset, poweroff, the works. To no avail. I'm guessing it's just the display that is not functioning correctly. Anyway, picking up my replacement in two hours. Hope it's fine.

Bever · 10-17-2013, 07:41 AM

I now have my replacement Kobo. Touch works this time, which is a plus. After removal of the screen protector (at home doh!), I did notice some small scratches at the side of the kobo... (Picture One)

Added to that, when turning on the light, I can see one bright spot in the top right corner (Picture two, on the right of pagenumber 3).

I am now contemplating on returning this one as well. OK, one small bright spot in an area where there is no reading to be done is not so bad, I think. And the scratch is at the edge of the Kobo and probably won't be visible when I put my cover around it. But from a €159 device, I would expect it to not have any issues at all. And I have already ordered a €24 cover, so that will become useless as well.

I'm on a fence here...

Canuck_in_Japan · 10-17-2013, 09:51 AM

Sigh. What is Kobo doing? A brand new unit should not come with a scratch on it. Is there any QA at all?

10-16-2013, 03:42 AM	#1
Bever Member Posts: 10 Karma: 11516 Join Date: Oct 2013 Device: Kobo Aura	First Kobo Aura: return to sender :-( Yesterday I received my first e-reader: the new Kobo Aura. Although I have an iPad and my wife uses a Nexus 7 for reading, I wanted E-Ink. As I wanted to be able to read in the dark, it needed to have light. So I was down to Kindle PW2, Kobo Aura and Nook GlowLight. I don't like the closed environment of the Kindle and the lack of epub support, and the Nook had really horrible customer reviews. So Kobo it was! When I was setting up the device, I noticed something funny (well not really funny...). Different keys were hit than the ones I was pushing with my finger. Not with all keys, but some. Then it hit me, silly me, I forgot to take off the screen protector :-) After removal: same issue. You try configuring your account when you can't see what you typed and the wrong keys are hit. Doesn't work. So I contacted Kobo support by chat. They claimed it could be caused by the fact the device hadn't been charged 5 hours yet. Ok, sounds a bit strange to me as a techie, but hey, why not? So I charged it the whole night, this morning: same issue. So this one is getting returned to CoolBlue and they will send me a replacement if I want. The question now is: do I want that, or should I just ask for a refund? Is this new device with new screen technology asking for trouble?

10-17-2013, 07:41 AM	#14
Bever Member Posts: 10 Karma: 11516 Join Date: Oct 2013 Device: Kobo Aura	I now have my replacement Kobo. Touch works this time, which is a plus. After removal of the screen protector (at home doh!), I did notice some small scratches at the side of the kobo... (Picture One) Added to that, when turning on the light, I can see one bright spot in the top right corner (Picture two, on the right of pagenumber 3). I am now contemplating on returning this one as well. OK, one small bright spot in an area where there is no reading to be done is not so bad, I think. And the scratch is at the edge of the Kobo and probably won't be visible when I put my cover around it. But from a €159 device, I would expect it to not have any issues at all. And I have already ordered a €24 cover, so that will become useless as well. I'm on a fence here... Attached Thumbnails

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10-16-2013, 03:48 AM	#2
toddos Guru Posts: 695 Karma: 822675 Join Date: May 2010 Device: Kobo Aura, Nokia Lumia 920 (Freda)	If you poke around in this forum, you'll find a lot of people having problems with their Auras. Keep in mind that this is the internet, and people don't say nice things on the internet. They come to complain. That means you'll get a very skewed view of many products. I got my Aura last week. It's been perfect. No pinhole issues, no diamond pattern, no light leaking or popped bezel, no touch alignment issues, etc. Just pure, front-lit, capacitive-touch, flat screen reader goodness. In fact that only issue I've had was that my tracking number was wrong, and Kobo customer support explained that satisfactorily (they got a bad feed from their shipping provider that resulted in a batch of invalid tracking numbers). Since my device had already arrived, it wasn't worth pursuing further. I suspect most people generally have a good experience with the Kobo, and you should at least try one replacement. If you're unlucky and that one's bad too, then feel free to get a different device. Personally, I'm very happy with my Aura.

10-16-2013, 06:46 AM	#4
Bever Member Posts: 10 Karma: 11516 Join Date: Oct 2013 Device: Kobo Aura	Well, I can swap my Kobo tomorrow instead of doing it by mail. I will take the opportunity to check out the replacement Kobo before taking it home. Things to check: 1) Does the touch display function OK this time (obviously)? 2) No white or black pixels? 3) With light on, does it leak? Anything else?

10-16-2013, 07:54 AM	#5
jersysman Wizard Posts: 1,747 Karma: 3761220 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pennsylvania Device: T1 Red, Kindle Fire, Kindle PW, PW2, Nook HD+, Kobo Mini, Aura HD	If you can read on it comfortably that would be good enough for me.

10-16-2013, 08:08 AM	#6
Canuck_in_Japan Wizard Posts: 1,476 Karma: 14328611 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tokyo, Japan Device: Aura, Aura H2O, Kindle PW3	Weird problem. That's the first I've heard of it.

10-16-2013, 09:42 AM	#7
NoUseToRush Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 11516 Join Date: Apr 2012 Device: sony prs-t1	Take a microsd card with you and see if you are comfortable with it exceeding the edge of the device

10-16-2013, 11:45 AM	#9
mr_nihilism Always been the caretaker Posts: 479 Karma: 1406369 Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Canada Device: Aura H2O, PW2	The lesson I have learned is a rather simple one: Do not purchase a device at launch. Wait for any potential hardware/software issues to get ironed out. This goes for Kobo or anything else. Of course this is just my opinion. After three Aura's returned, it's a rule I intend to live by.

10-16-2013, 11:17 PM	#11
eReaderRay New Guy Posts: 8 Karma: 11516 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Colorado Rockies Device: Kobo Aura	I was pleased to receive the Aura in near perfect condition. I said they have a winner on another forum. Then, after about 2 hours of use, the software went buggy. The Aura would not reset. I returned it for a refund and purchased a Kindle PW2 which I received today. So far the PW2 is working well and looking well. I can't understand how Kobo has the best e Reader form, features and hardware but has the worst firmware. What a shame. I didn't try a replacement for the Aura because of the convoluted customer service methods, although they are very polite. I hope Kobo can get its act together soon. They have have a great e Reader, if it will just work they way it is meant to work. Ray

10-17-2013, 01:00 AM	#12
TechniSol GranPohbah-Fezzes r cool! Posts: 1,056 Karma: 3151024 Join Date: Jul 2010 Device: Nook STRs, Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo	If it's like some capacitive tablets, a reset is occasionally required if the screen calibration is off. Power it down completely and reboot. If that's not enough, try a reset. Couldn't hurt anyhow.

10-17-2013, 04:39 AM	#13
Bever Member Posts: 10 Karma: 11516 Join Date: Oct 2013 Device: Kobo Aura	I did try a reset, poweroff, the works. To no avail. I'm guessing it's just the display that is not functioning correctly. Anyway, picking up my replacement in two hours. Hope it's fine.

10-17-2013, 09:51 AM	#15
Canuck_in_Japan Wizard Posts: 1,476 Karma: 14328611 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tokyo, Japan Device: Aura, Aura H2O, Kindle PW3	Sigh. What is Kobo doing? A brand new unit should not come with a scratch on it. Is there any QA at all?

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