Bricked Aura HD - Bye, bye Kobo

arspr · 11-02-2014, 01:57 PM

My Aura HD (just one year old) has just broken I don't know how.

I just closed my sleepcover this afternoon and when I opened it again the Sleeping + Book cover screen (although slightly corrupted with 4 thin black vertical lines) stays forever.

At first I thought it was one of the not-so-rare device freezings. But I cannot recover it in any way. I've tried:

The long power button slide.
The pin hole reset button press.
Even a manual factory reset (light button press + power button). I've get even the fast blinking light process Kobo says in its troubleshooting help.

But the device doesn't recover. At the beginning I thought it was that the screen has broken somehow, but it doesn't really seem that. I mean, with the "soft" reset (long power button slide or pin hole button), the device test led blinks as usually within a power-on cycle. And both the screen front light or the power on/off cycle seem to work (remember that my screen is fully blocked so I cannot actually know what's happening). But there's something else going on because:

Sleep doesn't work. I mean with the front light turned on, a short power button slide doesn't turn that light off.
I cannot connect the device to a PC. Even touching around the area where the "Connect" button should be, the PC doesn't recognize it...

(Although even if it were "just" a screen issue I can assure that the device hasn't suffered any kind of blow or crash...)

A huge disappointment. I've been struggling with all the Kobo software annoyances for a year, I was even decided to accept them, I was even probably going to upgrade to the Carta H2O...

Sorry guys I'm leaving Kobo forever. It's really sad but I fear that my only feasible choice is Kindle Paperwhite despite its smaller screen... (and its capacitive layer on top of it). On the bright side I'm going to save some money versus a H2O, and I really hope it would be free from all the stupid Kobo software issues (beginning with the flattened TOC and ending in widows and orphans not working)

Dr. Drib · 11-02-2014, 02:03 PM

Sounds like you have a broken substrate, IF those lines are still there when you do things you do to try and fix it.

If that is the case (and I hope it isn't), then your Kobo is useless.

TimW · 11-02-2014, 02:21 PM

I'm concurring with Dr. Crib, it sounds like a broken screen. It doesn't have to be a blow or a crash to cause the thin glass substrates to crack. Enough pressure on the screen will do it. Twisting will do it. Oddly enough, you can do fatal damage to a screen and the frozen image doesn't emerge immediately. I had a K3 that I dropped a few years ago and the frozen image didn't show until several days later. Imperceptible damage to glass tends to travel. I'd love to tell you that Kindles are different...they aren't. They use the same eink screens as Kobo. Unless the eink screen is one of the new bendy types (very expensive), they're very prone to breakage.

arspr · 11-02-2014, 02:56 PM

It really doesn't seem a broken crashed (physically I mean) screen. I would upload a screenshot but I feel it's pointless.

They are four perfect vertical lines made by pixels in black so it looks as a corrupted something (or broken controller or whatever) rather than a physically damaged screen. OTOH broken eink displays don't usually stay completely frozen. You get partial damages, dark/light artifacts in the crashed areas, or whatever, but not a fully static image...

But even with a broken screen there are other symptoms like sleep not working or being unable to connect to a PC.

And as I said I do not even remember dropping my Aura HD once. (OTOH my old PRS-650 has suffered one thousand hits. It's even glued in the bottom and it perfectly works, but because of the battery bug PRS+ introduced)

arspr · 11-02-2014, 05:00 PM

By sheer luck I've been able to perform some tests in my sister-in-law's Paperwhite and Kindle doesn't seem to be SO much better than Kobo...

I'm really, really annoyed... I do not know what to do. I'm really angry with Kobo but I really expected more from Kindle (and I fear I've just scratched the surface of its own oddities).

As we say in Spain: I'll consult it with the pillow (meaning I will delay my replacement decision till tomorrow). But my serious problem is I need a true replacement soon, I cannot live without reading, and my Sony PRS-650 is not reliable anymore (it's battery just randomly evaporates, and FrontLight is SO wonderful).

jackastor · 11-02-2014, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arspr

By sheer luck I've been able to perform some tests in my sister-in-law's Paperwhite and Kindle doesn't seem to be SO much better than Kobo...

I'm really, really annoyed... I do not know what to do. I'm really angry with Kobo but I really expected more from Kindle (and I fear I've just scratched the surface of its own oddities).

As we say in Spain: I'll consult it with the pillow (meaning I will delay my replacement decision till tomorrow). But my serious problem is I need a true replacement soon, I cannot live without reading, and my Sony PRS-650 is not reliable anymore (it's battery just randomly evaporates, and FrontLight is SO wonderful).

It does sound like a broken screen. Can you post a few images so we can see.

if you reset the device and the screen does not clear its most likely is broken. how ever you can reflash the image if you go to the developers corner if its bricked.

regards

Jack

filmo · 11-02-2014, 07:52 PM

Only reader screen I damaged was in foam rubber sleeve laying on car console. Might have put a little more arm pressure than it could withstand. I only use rigid covers now but often use no protection so I am careful not to damage reader. Being aware and careful is best protection. Rigid wood or plastic box is best for packing in suitcase to protect from twisting or pressure damage. Can make wood case easily. I have also used steel screen protector.

Ripplinger · 11-02-2014, 08:18 PM

Every ereader screen is vulnerable to the same twisting, flexing, pressure damage that sounds like you've encountered on your Kobo. No reader will be as sturdy as phones because the glass is much larger, which means it can be more easily flexed or broken with pressure applied at just the right spot. Keeping it covered and being more careful with the reader is really the only protection.

You might want to consider getting an extended warranty that includes accidental damage. SquareTrade has some really good deals if you watch for when they're running 30% off discounts, you can get 3 years for about $35-$40 total for an ereader. If you're careful, it's another expense not needed. If you end up with broken screens often, it's money well spent. And the company is very reliable and quick with claims.

meeera · 11-02-2014, 10:50 PM

If you bought with a credit card, your credit card company may double the warranty period for you (for faults, not breakage). Or if you live in a country with good consumer rights/statutory warranty protection. But yes, if possible post a good-quality picture of the screen here.

arspr · 11-03-2014, 01:29 AM

As you seem quite interested here I upload a picture from the upper part of the screen where the lines appear.

Nevertheless as I've said, I don't really think it's "just" a broken screen as the device doesn't seem to do the sleep/wake up cycle or I cannot connect it to my PC. So there's no way I can flash a fresh software, image or whatever.

In either way, being a broken screen (I don't know how) or a broken whatever (I don't either know how), my AuraHD is useless... Even being my fault somehow, (or just bad luck), I need a replacement (although I will also contact Kobo service, just in case).

And I am somehow fed up with Kobo and its software oddities, (and maybe building quality?), but a quick contact with a Kindle doesn't seem much better...

John F · 11-03-2014, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arspr

By sheer luck I've been able to perform some tests in my sister-in-law's Paperwhite and Kindle doesn't seem to be SO much better than Kobo...

I'm really, really annoyed... I do not know what to do. I'm really angry with Kobo but I really expected more from Kindle (and I fear I've just scratched the surface of its own oddities).

As we say in Spain: I'll consult it with the pillow (meaning I will delay my replacement decision till tomorrow). But my serious problem is I need a true replacement soon, I cannot live without reading, and my Sony PRS-650 is not reliable anymore (it's battery just randomly evaporates, and FrontLight is SO wonderful).

I've been thinking of switching to Amazon, the Voyage looks very promising (or maybe even a PW2). But I also prefer the more customizable reading experience of Kobo.

I started looking into KOReader on the Amazon, but got lost very quick. Maybe you could do a detailed guide on KOReader and report back.

sharphamster · 11-03-2014, 08:29 AM

The controller went bad on my HD last March, and Kobo got a replacement unit to me, which has had no problems. My lines were white, and my screen was still responsive, but I thought I'd link you to my experience in case it helped.

I went to Chat for help, and had a txt file outlining my issue that I posted after each rep asked how they could help. Didn't want to waste anyone's time covering the same prefab questions over and over. I also followed up via email. My return was not without snafus, but once I got the right CS rep my situation got handled properly.

I made sure to be persistent, polite and factual with CS, and after a few tries I got my problem solved.

Dr. Drib · 11-03-2014, 08:56 AM

Based upon your rhetorical stance here - even if you COULD get this fixed (or repaired) - I would respectfully suggest that you stay away from Kobo.

I think you'll be a lot happier.

Ken Maltby · 11-03-2014, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John F

I've been thinking of switching to Amazon, the Voyage looks very promising (or maybe even a PW2). But I also prefer the more customizable reading experience of Kobo.

I started looking into KOReader on the Amazon, but got lost very quick. Maybe you could do a detailed guide on KOReader and report back.

KOreader is an alternative software project that can be added to the software that comes with Kindle or Kobo devices. It needs to be "launched"/started by some additional software, this guide describes the older method of launching additional programs that used Icons to launch the programs, just as you would select a book to read. It also has links to other launching software, including Tshering's "Kobo Start Menu" which I use and recommend.

Luck;
Ken

John F · 11-03-2014, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Maltby

KOreader is an alternative software project that can be added to the software that comes with Kindle or Kobo devices. It needs to be "launched"/started by some additional software, this guide describes the older method of launching additional programs that used Icons to launch the programs, just as you would select a book to read. It also has links to other launching software, including Tshering's "Kobo Start Menu" which I use and recommend.

Luck;
Ken

I've started many times, but I never get anywhere. For example, your link says it is not available for the H2O. I don't think it is available for the Voyage. I'm not sure about the PW2014.

And that is just if it "may" work. I than need to do some digging to figure out KOreader versions, device firmware, jailbreaking, start menus, ... I could most likely get it "working", but I'm not even sure I will like it once I do.

I just want some nice reading software that is supported by the manufacturer.

11-02-2014, 01:57 PM	#1
arspr Dead account. Bye Posts: 587 Karma: 668244 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	Bricked Aura HD - Bye, bye Kobo My Aura HD (just one year old) has just broken I don't know how. I just closed my sleepcover this afternoon and when I opened it again the Sleeping + Book cover screen (although slightly corrupted with 4 thin black vertical lines) stays forever. At first I thought it was one of the not-so-rare device freezings. But I cannot recover it in any way. I've tried: The long power button slide. The pin hole reset button press. Even a manual factory reset (light button press + power button). I've get even the fast blinking light process Kobo says in its troubleshooting help. But the device doesn't recover. At the beginning I thought it was that the screen has broken somehow, but it doesn't really seem that. I mean, with the "soft" reset (long power button slide or pin hole button), the device test led blinks as usually within a power-on cycle. And both the screen front light or the power on/off cycle seem to work (remember that my screen is fully blocked so I cannot actually know what's happening). But there's something else going on because: Sleep doesn't work. I mean with the front light turned on, a short power button slide doesn't turn that light off. I cannot connect the device to a PC. Even touching around the area where the "Connect" button should be, the PC doesn't recognize it... (Although even if it were "just" a screen issue I can assure that the device hasn't suffered any kind of blow or crash...) A huge disappointment. I've been struggling with all the Kobo software annoyances for a year, I was even decided to accept them, I was even probably going to upgrade to the Carta H2O... Sorry guys I'm leaving Kobo forever. It's really sad but I fear that my only feasible choice is Kindle Paperwhite despite its smaller screen... (and its capacitive layer on top of it). On the bright side I'm going to save some money versus a H2O, and I really hope it would be free from all the stupid Kobo software issues (beginning with the flattened TOC and ending in widows and orphans not working)

11-02-2014, 02:03 PM	#2
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 45,438 Karma: 59592133 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: KINDLE: Oasis 3, Scribe (1st), Matcha; KOBO: Libra 2, Libra Colour	Sounds like you have a broken substrate, IF those lines are still there when you do things you do to try and fix it. If that is the case (and I hope it isn't), then your Kobo is useless. Last edited by Dr. Drib; 11-02-2014 at 02:05 PM.

11-02-2014, 02:21 PM	#3
TimW Wizard Posts: 1,022 Karma: 6824104 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southeastern Kentucky Device: KK3G, KPW1, Sony PRST1, Sony PRS350, iPod Touch 5G	I'm concurring with Dr. Crib, it sounds like a broken screen. It doesn't have to be a blow or a crash to cause the thin glass substrates to crack. Enough pressure on the screen will do it. Twisting will do it. Oddly enough, you can do fatal damage to a screen and the frozen image doesn't emerge immediately. I had a K3 that I dropped a few years ago and the frozen image didn't show until several days later. Imperceptible damage to glass tends to travel. I'd love to tell you that Kindles are different...they aren't. They use the same eink screens as Kobo. Unless the eink screen is one of the new bendy types (very expensive), they're very prone to breakage. Last edited by TimW; 11-02-2014 at 02:22 PM. Reason: added word

11-03-2014, 01:29 AM	#10
arspr Dead account. Bye Posts: 587 Karma: 668244 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	As you seem quite interested here I upload a picture from the upper part of the screen where the lines appear. Nevertheless as I've said, I don't really think it's "just" a broken screen as the device doesn't seem to do the sleep/wake up cycle or I cannot connect it to my PC. So there's no way I can flash a fresh software, image or whatever. In either way, being a broken screen (I don't know how) or a broken whatever (I don't either know how), my AuraHD is useless... Even being my fault somehow, (or just bad luck), I need a replacement (although I will also contact Kobo service, just in case). And I am somehow fed up with Kobo and its software oddities, (and maybe building quality?), but a quick contact with a Kindle doesn't seem much better... Attached Thumbnails

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11-02-2014, 02:56 PM	#4
arspr Dead account. Bye Posts: 587 Karma: 668244 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	It really doesn't seem a broken crashed (physically I mean) screen. I would upload a screenshot but I feel it's pointless. They are four perfect vertical lines made by pixels in black so it looks as a corrupted something (or broken controller or whatever) rather than a physically damaged screen. OTOH broken eink displays don't usually stay completely frozen. You get partial damages, dark/light artifacts in the crashed areas, or whatever, but not a fully static image... But even with a broken screen there are other symptoms like sleep not working or being unable to connect to a PC. And as I said I do not even remember dropping my Aura HD once. (OTOH my old PRS-650 has suffered one thousand hits. It's even glued in the bottom and it perfectly works, but because of the battery bug PRS+ introduced)

11-02-2014, 05:00 PM	#5
arspr Dead account. Bye Posts: 587 Karma: 668244 Join Date: Mar 2011 Device: none	By sheer luck I've been able to perform some tests in my sister-in-law's Paperwhite and Kindle doesn't seem to be SO much better than Kobo... I'm really, really annoyed... I do not know what to do. I'm really angry with Kobo but I really expected more from Kindle (and I fear I've just scratched the surface of its own oddities). As we say in Spain: I'll consult it with the pillow (meaning I will delay my replacement decision till tomorrow). But my serious problem is I need a true replacement soon, I cannot live without reading, and my Sony PRS-650 is not reliable anymore (it's battery just randomly evaporates, and FrontLight is SO wonderful).

11-02-2014, 07:52 PM	#7
filmo Wizard Posts: 1,326 Karma: 1077205 Join Date: Jun 2011 Device: Kobo Touch, Sony T1, Kobo Mini	Only reader screen I damaged was in foam rubber sleeve laying on car console. Might have put a little more arm pressure than it could withstand. I only use rigid covers now but often use no protection so I am careful not to damage reader. Being aware and careful is best protection. Rigid wood or plastic box is best for packing in suitcase to protect from twisting or pressure damage. Can make wood case easily. I have also used steel screen protector.

11-02-2014, 08:18 PM	#8
Ripplinger 350 Hoarder Posts: 3,574 Karma: 8281267 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Midwest USA Device: Sony PRS-350, Kobo Glo & Glo HD, PW2	Every ereader screen is vulnerable to the same twisting, flexing, pressure damage that sounds like you've encountered on your Kobo. No reader will be as sturdy as phones because the glass is much larger, which means it can be more easily flexed or broken with pressure applied at just the right spot. Keeping it covered and being more careful with the reader is really the only protection. You might want to consider getting an extended warranty that includes accidental damage. SquareTrade has some really good deals if you watch for when they're running 30% off discounts, you can get 3 years for about $35-$40 total for an ereader. If you're careful, it's another expense not needed. If you end up with broken screens often, it's money well spent. And the company is very reliable and quick with claims.

11-02-2014, 10:50 PM	#9
meeera Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,814 Karma: 68407974 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2, iPadMini4, iPad4, MBP; support other Kobo/Kindles	If you bought with a credit card, your credit card company may double the warranty period for you (for faults, not breakage). Or if you live in a country with good consumer rights/statutory warranty protection. But yes, if possible post a good-quality picture of the screen here.

11-03-2014, 08:29 AM	#12
sharphamster Anathema Device Posts: 283 Karma: 257456 Join Date: Oct 2011 Device: Sony T3/350, Kobo AuraH20/Mini, Axim X50v	The controller went bad on my HD last March, and Kobo got a replacement unit to me, which has had no problems. My lines were white, and my screen was still responsive, but I thought I'd link you to my experience in case it helped. I went to Chat for help, and had a txt file outlining my issue that I posted after each rep asked how they could help. Didn't want to waste anyone's time covering the same prefab questions over and over. I also followed up via email. My return was not without snafus, but once I got the right CS rep my situation got handled properly. I made sure to be persistent, polite and factual with CS, and after a few tries I got my problem solved.

11-03-2014, 08:56 AM	#13
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 45,438 Karma: 59592133 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: KINDLE: Oasis 3, Scribe (1st), Matcha; KOBO: Libra 2, Libra Colour	Based upon your rhetorical stance here - even if you COULD get this fixed (or repaired) - I would respectfully suggest that you stay away from Kobo. I think you'll be a lot happier.

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