half-dead (but twitching) Kobo N647-KBU-B Wireless

naltar · 10-11-2016, 02:06 PM

Hello,
I've got a request from a relative for help with an old Kobo, and since I'm not much wiser than him I'd like to ask if his issue is fixable, or should he be looking for a replacement.
The device, handsomely called "N647-KBU-B" still works, in this sense that it boots, displays a given book page, and then, when the physical button is pressed to go to the next page, it goes a few, sometimes several pages forward. For now (I need to confirm this), he can go back page by page, which suggests to me that, perhaps, it's a physical damage (worn connector under the button?), i.e. pressing forward makes something "stick" underneath.
I have several questions:
1. is this a well-known issue?
2. Is it likely to be mechanical (hardware) rather than software issue?
3. can it be fixed by updating firmware? (presumably not). Reset done several times, no effect
4. if hardware issue, can it be circumvented by re-programming physical buttons, i.e. switching the forward / back function? Not a perfect solution, but if he can't fix the hardware and if repair is not worth it, costwise, it's better to have a limping reader than none.

btw, his current firmware is pretty ancient, 1.9.10(r32284.Sep.8.2011) but anyway, is there any use updating it (which, I heard, won't be that easy as old firmwares are not exactly easy to find off Kobo site?)

I would appreciate any help or suggestions. I mean, sure, Xmas is coming, perfect timing, but we can't see a good e-reader replacement (other than the new Aura One, which is not available in Europe yet, and when it is, it's gonna be very expensive, and way too large for what he would find comfortable to carry around).

Regards,

n.

ZodWallop · 10-11-2016, 04:14 PM

I can't help with the repair, but:

Quote:

Originally Posted by naltar

I would appreciate any help or suggestions. I mean, sure, Xmas is coming, perfect timing, but we can't see a good e-reader replacement (other than the new Aura One, which is not available in Europe yet, and when it is, it's gonna be very expensive, and way too large for what he would find comfortable to carry around).

Wouldn't almost any e-reader be a huge upgrade? The Aura 2 isn't a bad reader. Just disappointing in specs.

I don't mean to sound argumentative. Just curious.

robko · 10-11-2016, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naltar

I have several questions:
1. is this a well-known issue?
2. Is it likely to be mechanical (hardware) rather than software issue?
3. can it be fixed by updating firmware? (presumably not). Reset done several times, no effect
4. if hardware issue, can it be circumvented by re-programming physical buttons, i.e. switching the forward / back function? Not a perfect solution, but if he can't fix the hardware and if repair is not worth it, costwise, it's better to have a limping reader than none.

Not a well known issue, but I'm not surprised by it assuming they have been using it since it was new. It really does sound like a hardware problem, not sure you're going to be able to fix it, or at least for a reasonable cost. You could try opening it and seeing if there is something obvious with the switch but you might break the screen in doing so (it can be opened safely, but there is always a risk of cracking the glass substrate of the screen).

JSWolf · 10-11-2016, 06:25 PM

I think the button is worn out. Maybe it was being pressed too hard or it just wore out. The only thing you can do is open it and have a look at the button and see if it is something that can be replaced.

If you don't want to do this, then it's time to get an H2O or an Aura One.

naltar · 10-12-2016, 08:34 AM

what can I say...
well, first, thanks very much for the comments and suggestions. In general, this is kind of what I (half) expected (no easy fix).
I have little doubt it's due to heavy use over, well, at least 4 years, and given the cost of manufacturing and price at that time any effort to revive it seems like flogging a dead horse.
Unfortunately I can't look inside the device, as it's about 1500 miles away (and with my skills I'm just as likely to stab myself as to break off a hinge or something). However, it remains an option, as we can get it shipped to a relatively cheap repair shop (device is abroad), and if they can't fix it, they won't charge, so at worst it's just cost of postage.
Getting any replacement would be smarter but there are several obstacles:
1. he likes the stuff he knows well (me too, so I sympathise)
2. he likes hardware buttons (bad luck, given they're out of fashion)
3. there is (in my view) a very, very, very, very limited choice of e-readers that fit his bill (and ours, literally).
- Amazon readers are not an option (I applaud! ;), most of his e-books are epubs, rtfs, htmls, etc. Yes, you can convert them, but it's an extra step. Ultimately though he might have to settle for a kindle :(
- Aura One is apparently great, but not available in Europe yet, and it's a very steep price. Plus he doesn't need waterproofing, but definitely wants something pocketable. No micro-sd slot either (not a deal-breaker, but still)
Of all other e-readers available, the only OK-ish one would be what I use myself (Aura), although it's out of production, and still rather pricey (approx. GBP 130 / USD 160ish, if you can find it). Actually I also miss physical buttons on my Aura (migrated from nook) and find having to keep touching the screen quite distracting and tiresome, and I'm pretty sure he will dislike it too.
- Aura 2... I see it's ok, but actually not cheap at all, AND they skimped on micro-SD slot (he can live with that, but GBP 100 for such a _basic_ reader AD 2016, seriously?)
- Aura H2O, likewise, no slot, waterproofing unncessary (for him), GBP 130. No.
So it looks like we might have be stuck with kindle (shudder), as I don't think there are any decent no-brand Chinese equivalent e-readers available, as you could find if you want a better "budget" mobile phone.

Regards,

n.

JSWolf · 10-12-2016, 09:52 AM

The Aura H2O DOES have a card slot. Plus, the screen is very nice. It is so much better than Kobo you'd be replacing. It's night and day.

naltar · 10-12-2016, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The Aura H2O DOES have a card slot. Plus, the screen is very nice. It is so much better than Kobo you'd be replacing. It's night and day.

Interesting, I _thought_ (wrong!) this is what I read about (no card slot) a year ago when it came out, and lost interest. Also, I had a peek on their website, and the specs don't mention the card, only "storage" (4 GB on-board memory, holds up to 3,000 eBooks).
But never mind, I was definitely wrong!
This changes things, a little. Still no physical buttons, the price is still a bit too high, but there might be some pre-Christmas reductions available, so we'll keep our eyes open, thank you very much for pointing it out then!

Regards,
n.

JSWolf · 10-12-2016, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naltar

Interesting, I _thought_ (wrong!) this is what I read about (no card slot) a year ago when it came out, and lost interest. Also, I had a peek on their website, and the specs don't mention the card, only "storage" (4 GB on-board memory, holds up to 3,000 eBooks).
But never mind, I was definitely wrong!
This changes things, a little. Still no physical buttons, the price is still a bit too high, but there might be some pre-Christmas reductions available, so we'll keep our eyes open, thank you very much for pointing it out then!

Regards,
n.

Having used the H2O for almost 2 years, it's well worth the price. I don't find the lack of buttons and issue. It's so much nicer that the buttons won't be missed.

dordale · 10-14-2016, 05:16 PM

I agree with JSWolf--the H2O would be a great replacement reader.

But another option if money is an issue is the Kobo Touch 2.0 (if it's available in your friend's area). It doesn't have a front light, but neither does the reader your friend is coming from. Personally, I think the Aura 2 with light is worth the extra $30(US), but if your friend is truly on a budget the Touch 2.0 would be a good reader. Although--no SD card slot or buttons.

10-11-2016, 02:06 PM	#1
naltar Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2016 Device: none	half-dead (but twitching) Kobo N647-KBU-B Wireless Hello, I've got a request from a relative for help with an old Kobo, and since I'm not much wiser than him I'd like to ask if his issue is fixable, or should he be looking for a replacement. The device, handsomely called "N647-KBU-B" still works, in this sense that it boots, displays a given book page, and then, when the physical button is pressed to go to the next page, it goes a few, sometimes several pages forward. For now (I need to confirm this), he can go back page by page, which suggests to me that, perhaps, it's a physical damage (worn connector under the button?), i.e. pressing forward makes something "stick" underneath. I have several questions: 1. is this a well-known issue? 2. Is it likely to be mechanical (hardware) rather than software issue? 3. can it be fixed by updating firmware? (presumably not). Reset done several times, no effect 4. if hardware issue, can it be circumvented by re-programming physical buttons, i.e. switching the forward / back function? Not a perfect solution, but if he can't fix the hardware and if repair is not worth it, costwise, it's better to have a limping reader than none. btw, his current firmware is pretty ancient, 1.9.10(r32284.Sep.8.2011) but anyway, is there any use updating it (which, I heard, won't be that easy as old firmwares are not exactly easy to find off Kobo site?) I would appreciate any help or suggestions. I mean, sure, Xmas is coming, perfect timing, but we can't see a good e-reader replacement (other than the new Aura One, which is not available in Europe yet, and when it is, it's gonna be very expensive, and way too large for what he would find comfortable to carry around). Regards, n.

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10-11-2016, 06:25 PM	#4
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,575 Karma: 145863177 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I think the button is worn out. Maybe it was being pressed too hard or it just wore out. The only thing you can do is open it and have a look at the button and see if it is something that can be replaced. If you don't want to do this, then it's time to get an H2O or an Aura One.

10-12-2016, 08:34 AM	#5
naltar Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2016 Device: none	what can I say... well, first, thanks very much for the comments and suggestions. In general, this is kind of what I (half) expected (no easy fix). I have little doubt it's due to heavy use over, well, at least 4 years, and given the cost of manufacturing and price at that time any effort to revive it seems like flogging a dead horse. Unfortunately I can't look inside the device, as it's about 1500 miles away (and with my skills I'm just as likely to stab myself as to break off a hinge or something). However, it remains an option, as we can get it shipped to a relatively cheap repair shop (device is abroad), and if they can't fix it, they won't charge, so at worst it's just cost of postage. Getting any replacement would be smarter but there are several obstacles: 1. he likes the stuff he knows well (me too, so I sympathise) 2. he likes hardware buttons (bad luck, given they're out of fashion) 3. there is (in my view) a very, very, very, very limited choice of e-readers that fit his bill (and ours, literally). - Amazon readers are not an option (I applaud! ;), most of his e-books are epubs, rtfs, htmls, etc. Yes, you can convert them, but it's an extra step. Ultimately though he might have to settle for a kindle :( - Aura One is apparently great, but not available in Europe yet, and it's a very steep price. Plus he doesn't need waterproofing, but definitely wants something pocketable. No micro-sd slot either (not a deal-breaker, but still) Of all other e-readers available, the only OK-ish one would be what I use myself (Aura), although it's out of production, and still rather pricey (approx. GBP 130 / USD 160ish, if you can find it). Actually I also miss physical buttons on my Aura (migrated from nook) and find having to keep touching the screen quite distracting and tiresome, and I'm pretty sure he will dislike it too. - Aura 2... I see it's ok, but actually not cheap at all, AND they skimped on micro-SD slot (he can live with that, but GBP 100 for such a _basic_ reader AD 2016, seriously?) - Aura H2O, likewise, no slot, waterproofing unncessary (for him), GBP 130. No. So it looks like we might have be stuck with kindle (shudder), as I don't think there are any decent no-brand Chinese equivalent e-readers available, as you could find if you want a better "budget" mobile phone. Regards, n.

10-12-2016, 09:52 AM	#6
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,575 Karma: 145863177 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	The Aura H2O DOES have a card slot. Plus, the screen is very nice. It is so much better than Kobo you'd be replacing. It's night and day.

10-14-2016, 05:16 PM	#9
dordale Wizard Posts: 1,731 Karma: 3472866 Join Date: Apr 2008 Device: Sony PRS-650 & 350; Kindle Voyage; Kobo Aura HD, Aura One, and Forma	I agree with JSWolf--the H2O would be a great replacement reader. But another option if money is an issue is the Kobo Touch 2.0 (if it's available in your friend's area). It doesn't have a front light, but neither does the reader your friend is coming from. Personally, I think the Aura 2 with light is worth the extra $30(US), but if your friend is truly on a budget the Touch 2.0 would be a good reader. Although--no SD card slot or buttons.

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