Looking to upgrade and could use some advice!

liandera · 11-07-2016, 12:07 AM

Hi everyone,

I've been using a Sony PRS-T2 for a long time now, but I really need to upgrade to something with a light for when I'm travelling. Unfortunately, my options seem very limited and I'm not really happy with what I'm seeing!

I'm on a budget so fancy models are out. Kindle Paperwhite is both too heavy for me and is unable to access the library, so it's out of the question. (Plus I have hundreds of epubs that I don't want to bother with converting.) So that leaves me looking at Kobo, but currently the only ones available at stores near me are the Edition 2, the H2O, and the One. The One is far too big for me so I crossed that off the list (though I'm pretty upset that it is the only one that comes with OverDrive, since I would love that). The H20 is also bigger than I'd like, and far more expensive, so I'm not keen on that. So that leaves the Edition 2, but after some searching I seem to find an awful lot of threads in which people express their dislike for it.

Any advice? I've spent time searching for a Glo HD but they don't seem to be available anymore. Is the Edition 2 worth the cost? Should I try to wait and hope for a better 6" reader to hit the market, or just grab the Edition 2 if I see it on a sale? Or if there is a better option for something lightweight, reasonably priced, with a frontlight and epub compatibility let me know!

(In Canada if that makes any difference!)

meeera · 11-07-2016, 04:19 AM

Are you only looking to buy brand new? The Kobo Mini, or an older first edition Aura if you want a frontlit device, may suit you. They're the two smallest readers Kobo have made.

LucyOne · 11-07-2016, 04:26 AM

The Kobo Mini does not have a light, and the Aura Edition 2 has a worse display than the Glo HD. Are the Pocketbook models available in Canada? The PB Sense is lightweight. Or you could look for a used Kobo Glo or Glo HD.

meeera · 11-07-2016, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LucyOne

The Kobo Mini does not have a light, and the Aura Edition 2 has a worse display than the Glo HD.

Indeed. The most important criteria from the OP were price and size, as well as availability and epub compatibility. These devices can be had at a bargain, and are perfectly good readers for those on a strict budget. A Kobo Mini can be had for fifty dollars, and an Aura only a little more. I don't know how one would go about buying a Pocketbook Sense in Canada, let alone at a cheap price.

John F · 11-07-2016, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liandera

...

Any advice? I've spent time searching for a Glo HD but they don't seem to be available anymore. Is the Edition 2 worth the cost? Should I try to wait and hope for a better 6" reader to hit the market, or just grab the Edition 2 if I see it on a sale? Or if there is a better option for something lightweight, reasonably priced, with a frontlight and epub compatibility let me know!

(In Canada if that makes any difference!)

There have been reports that the Glo HD can still be found in B&Ms in Canada, if you are interested.

JSWolf · 11-07-2016, 05:02 AM

I know you said the h2O is too big, but if you can afford it, it's a great choice. The extra size is very nice. Plus, it is compatible with the ePub eBook you already have. The front light is very good and so is the screen. Compared to the T2, you'll never want to go back.

meeera · 11-07-2016, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I know you said the h2O is too big, but if you can afford it, it's a great choice. The extra size is very nice.

I love my H2O also; but the OP clearly said the Paperwhite was too heavy for them as well as the H2O being too expensive, so the H2O is not going to suit at all.

JSWolf · 11-07-2016, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meeera

I love my H2O also; but the OP clearly said the Paperwhite was too heavy for them as well as the H2O being too expensive, so the H2O is not going to suit at all.

Since the Kindle Paperwhite is too heavy ad the H2O is too expensive, then the only choice is the Kobo Aura Edition 2. It's not bad like some make it out to be. Plus the Kobo Aura Edition 2 does support borrowing eBooks from Overdrive.

The H2O is too heavy and too expensive.
The Paperwhite is too heavy.
The Voyage is too expensive.
The Basic Kindle is too blah.
The Kobo Touch 2.0 is too blah.

church mouse · 11-07-2016, 05:44 AM

The only alternative I can suggest is the Tolino Shine 2 HD, however I have no idea if this European model can be sourced in Canada. It has a 300dpi screen, solid, though basic, firmware and reads epubs. (I use the slightly more expensive Tolino Vision version)

I am not aware of any fundamental issues with the Aura 2, simply that it is clearly a downgrade from the "no longer in stock" Glo HD.

ZodWallop · 11-07-2016, 10:28 AM

The Aura 2 is getting a worse reputation than it deserves, because people (like me) are judging it for what it isn't, as much as for what it is.

If you absolutely need a new device on a budget that handles ePub, it is perfectly fine. However, the original Aura is equally nice and can be had on eBay for a song.

ZodWallop · 11-07-2016, 10:31 AM

Double post. Sorry guys.

liandera · 11-07-2016, 12:18 PM

Thanks everyone. I have been looking around for the original Aura but for places like ebay, I'm not sure what sources are trustworthy, and I don't really want a used one. I found a liquidation site that sells open box models for good prices but again, I don't know if it is trustworthy. At this point I just feel safer being able to buy it from a store where I can return it if there is an issue.

The problem with the weight of readers like the H20 is that I have arthritis in one hand (which is why I got a reader; I can no longer hold books open) so I'm looking for one I can hold in one hand only, for at least two hours a day. My father recently purchased a new Paperwhite and I borrowed it to test - it was too heavy and I found I was unable to hold on to it comfortably for a length of time. I assumed because of this that the H20 would be unsuitable. I'll take a look at one in a store where I can handle the display model - maybe the size/shape of it would make it easier to hold onto than the Paperwhite. (Edit: just noticed when comparing specs that the H20 is actually even heavier than the Paperwhite. So it is very likely out of the question, unfortunately.)

But if anyone knows of a reliable site to get an original Aura or a Kobo Glo HD in Canada I would love to know!

(John F, I don't know what you mean by B&Ms!)

ZodWallop · 11-07-2016, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liandera

But if anyone knows of a reliable site to get an original Aura or a Kobo Glo HD in Canada I would love to know!

(John F, I don't know what you mean by B&Ms!)

A couple of folks here (including myself) have had good turns with the seller Spinningnoon on eBay: Kobo Aura

B&M = brick and mortar

PeterT · 11-07-2016, 01:12 PM

You might also want to check out Kijiji; I recently bought a new Glo HD for $90. I'd had a Glo HD (and case) that I'd dropped and broken the screen so for the longest time has reverted to my Glo.

JSWolf · 11-07-2016, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by church mouse

The only alternative I can suggest is the Tolino Shine 2 HD, however I have no idea if this European model can be sourced in Canada. It has a 300dpi screen, solid, though basic, firmware and reads epubs. (I use the slightly more expensive Tolino Vision version)

I am not aware of any fundamental issues with the Aura 2, simply that it is clearly a downgrade from the "no longer in stock" Glo HD.

Where does one buy Tolino products?

11-07-2016, 12:07 AM	#1
liandera Member Posts: 15 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Victoria, Canada Device: Sony PRS-T2, Kobo Glo HD	Looking to upgrade and could use some advice! Hi everyone, I've been using a Sony PRS-T2 for a long time now, but I really need to upgrade to something with a light for when I'm travelling. Unfortunately, my options seem very limited and I'm not really happy with what I'm seeing! I'm on a budget so fancy models are out. Kindle Paperwhite is both too heavy for me and is unable to access the library, so it's out of the question. (Plus I have hundreds of epubs that I don't want to bother with converting.) So that leaves me looking at Kobo, but currently the only ones available at stores near me are the Edition 2, the H2O, and the One. The One is far too big for me so I crossed that off the list (though I'm pretty upset that it is the only one that comes with OverDrive, since I would love that). The H20 is also bigger than I'd like, and far more expensive, so I'm not keen on that. So that leaves the Edition 2, but after some searching I seem to find an awful lot of threads in which people express their dislike for it. Any advice? I've spent time searching for a Glo HD but they don't seem to be available anymore. Is the Edition 2 worth the cost? Should I try to wait and hope for a better 6" reader to hit the market, or just grab the Edition 2 if I see it on a sale? Or if there is a better option for something lightweight, reasonably priced, with a frontlight and epub compatibility let me know! (In Canada if that makes any difference!)

11-07-2016, 12:18 PM	#12
liandera Member Posts: 15 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Victoria, Canada Device: Sony PRS-T2, Kobo Glo HD	Thanks everyone. I have been looking around for the original Aura but for places like ebay, I'm not sure what sources are trustworthy, and I don't really want a used one. I found a liquidation site that sells open box models for good prices but again, I don't know if it is trustworthy. At this point I just feel safer being able to buy it from a store where I can return it if there is an issue. The problem with the weight of readers like the H20 is that I have arthritis in one hand (which is why I got a reader; I can no longer hold books open) so I'm looking for one I can hold in one hand only, for at least two hours a day. My father recently purchased a new Paperwhite and I borrowed it to test - it was too heavy and I found I was unable to hold on to it comfortably for a length of time. I assumed because of this that the H20 would be unsuitable. I'll take a look at one in a store where I can handle the display model - maybe the size/shape of it would make it easier to hold onto than the Paperwhite. (Edit: just noticed when comparing specs that the H20 is actually even heavier than the Paperwhite. So it is very likely out of the question, unfortunately.) But if anyone knows of a reliable site to get an original Aura or a Kobo Glo HD in Canada I would love to know! (John F, I don't know what you mean by B&Ms!) Last edited by liandera; 11-07-2016 at 01:01 PM.

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11-07-2016, 04:19 AM	#2
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	Are you only looking to buy brand new? The Kobo Mini, or an older first edition Aura if you want a frontlit device, may suit you. They're the two smallest readers Kobo have made.

11-07-2016, 04:26 AM	#3
LucyOne Librocubicularist Posts: 617 Karma: 11908623 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Germany Device: PocketBook InkPad 3 & Touch HD 3, Kobo Clara HD, Kindle Paperwhite 5	The Kobo Mini does not have a light, and the Aura Edition 2 has a worse display than the Glo HD. Are the Pocketbook models available in Canada? The PB Sense is lightweight. Or you could look for a used Kobo Glo or Glo HD.

11-07-2016, 05:02 AM	#6
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 79,750 Karma: 145864619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	I know you said the h2O is too big, but if you can afford it, it's a great choice. The extra size is very nice. Plus, it is compatible with the ePub eBook you already have. The front light is very good and so is the screen. Compared to the T2, you'll never want to go back.

11-07-2016, 05:44 AM	#9
church mouse Evangelist Posts: 485 Karma: 5277078 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: UK Device: Kobo Clara HD, Boox Poke 2, PocketBook Verse Pro (634)	The only alternative I can suggest is the Tolino Shine 2 HD, however I have no idea if this European model can be sourced in Canada. It has a 300dpi screen, solid, though basic, firmware and reads epubs. (I use the slightly more expensive Tolino Vision version) I am not aware of any fundamental issues with the Aura 2, simply that it is clearly a downgrade from the "no longer in stock" Glo HD.

11-07-2016, 10:28 AM	#10
ZodWallop Gentleman and scholar Posts: 11,479 Karma: 111164374 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Space City, Texas Device: Clara BW; Nook ST w/Glowlight, Paperwhite 3	The Aura 2 is getting a worse reputation than it deserves, because people (like me) are judging it for what it isn't, as much as for what it is. If you absolutely need a new device on a budget that handles ePub, it is perfectly fine. However, the original Aura is equally nice and can be had on eBay for a song.

11-07-2016, 10:31 AM	#11
ZodWallop Gentleman and scholar Posts: 11,479 Karma: 111164374 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Space City, Texas Device: Clara BW; Nook ST w/Glowlight, Paperwhite 3	Double post. Sorry guys.

11-07-2016, 01:12 PM	#14
PeterT Grand Sorcerer Posts: 13,511 Karma: 78910202 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto Device: Libra H2O, Libra Colour	You might also want to check out Kijiji; I recently bought a new Glo HD for $90. I'd had a Glo HD (and case) that I'd dropped and broken the screen so for the longest time has reverted to my Glo.

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