Kobo Aura One -vs- Forma ?

jgbout · 02-22-2021, 11:59 AM

So, as you may know, I've been debating Forma vs Libra.
However, a local used Kobo Aura One has come up at 1/2 the price of a Forma.

Since both seem very similar, besides the hard page buttons and 0.2" screen difference, is there ANY reason(s) to still pay a lot more for a Forma?

I mean in features and viewing ability, anything pushing one way or the other?
I haven't research Auro One to see if there were known issues (as in why this one might be up for sale).
Lastly, does the Libra compete with the Aura, or just Aura/Forma ?

Thanks folks - appreciate the helps

NiLuJe · 02-22-2021, 12:48 PM

The Aura One is much, much, much worse.

The Libra doesn't really compete with anything in the current lineup, it's in its own segment, as a successor to, well, the H2Os *and* the Aura One, I guess?

(The only weird product in the current lineup is the Nia, which gets cannibalized by the Clara (but mostly by the Kindle, if we're being honest ^^) unless you can get it *extremely* cheap, which hasn't really happened, I think?).

jgbout · 02-22-2021, 12:50 PM

Well, that came through loud and clear. Thank you.

pgilster · 02-22-2021, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbout

Since both seem very similar, besides the hard page buttons and 0.2" screen difference, is there ANY reason(s) to still pay a lot more for a Forma?

My biggest complaint with the Aura ONE (which is my personal choice) is the screen, which can be erratic when you're trying to do an annotation. I manage to work around it but find that doing annotations on my Forma is much easier. I rarely use the Forma, though, because I prefer a device with the Aura ONE's form factor -- no buttons, no asymmetrical design, etc.

That said, I personally wouldn't want to buy an Aura ONE now, as it's an older model and I'd worry about battery issues. I'd also advocate waiting to see what Kobo comes up with in terms of the new device that's apparently coming.

jgbout · 02-22-2021, 02:13 PM

Thanks.
Personally, I do like the landscape option, so I guess it's back to forma/libra.
Not really interested in waiting on kobo's next, simply because I imagine the price factor will be outside what i'd consider. a Forma is already more than I want to spend, but considering it. Here, the forma would be $345+a sleep cover. A libra is $235+sleep cover.

Anyhoot, back to the mental paralysis !

Owl_ · 02-22-2021, 02:25 PM

The KA1 comes often with factory flaws (for example touch accuracy problems, uneven light, fast battery drain)

I read the Forma is great exept for a slightly slower hardware performance than the KA1.

Anyhow Koreader solved ALL my software issues

s4nder · 02-22-2021, 02:39 PM

I prefer the Aura One for the automatic backlight alone.

JSWolf · 02-22-2021, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiLuJe

The Aura One is much, much, much worse.

The Libra doesn't really compete with anything in the current lineup, it's in its own segment, as a successor to, well, the H2Os *and* the Aura One, I guess?

(The only weird product in the current lineup is the Nia, which gets cannibalized by the Clara (but mostly by the Kindle, if we're being honest ^^) unless you can get it *extremely* cheap, which hasn't really happened, I think?).

The Forma is the successor to the Aura Oe and the Libra H2O is the successor to the Aura H2O.

DNSB · 02-22-2021, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Owl_

I read the Forma is great exept for a slightly slower hardware performance than the KA1.

Sadly, I have to disagree with you. In my experience with both, the Forma has faster hardware performance than the Aura One.

petercreasey · 02-22-2021, 07:07 PM

I prefer the KA1, but the point about the battery possibly being aged at this point is valid.

Owl_ · 02-22-2021, 09:23 PM

Good new

Mercador · 02-23-2021, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petercreasey

I prefer the KA1, but the point about the battery possibly being aged at this point is valid.

I would say the same, even if it's a new unit, the battery decay is still a thing. Unless you plan changing within 12-18 months, I would go the Forma route.

Or, do like me and wait a bit for the new model. My estimate would be Mother's day or September.

John F · 02-24-2021, 05:21 AM

How long do you plan on keeping the ereader? I purchased my Glo HD in 2015, and the battery seems fine.

Watanabe · 02-24-2021, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbout

So, as you may know, I've been debating Forma vs Libra.
However, a local used Kobo Aura One has come up at 1/2 the price of a Forma.

Since both seem very similar, besides the hard page buttons and 0.2" screen difference, is there ANY reason(s) to still pay a lot more for a Forma?

I mean in features and viewing ability, anything pushing one way or the other?
I haven't research Auro One to see if there were known issues (as in why this one might be up for sale).
Lastly, does the Libra compete with the Aura, or just Aura/Forma ?

Thanks folks - appreciate the helps

Aura one with koreader is perfect…

bearymore · 02-24-2021, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgbout

Thanks.
Personally, I do like the landscape option, so I guess it's back to forma/libra.
Not really interested in waiting on kobo's next, simply because I imagine the price factor will be outside what i'd consider. a Forma is already more than I want to spend, but considering it. Here, the forma would be $345+a sleep cover. A libra is $235+sleep cover.

Anyhoot, back to the mental paralysis !

There is a patch which allows you to add a button that puts the Aura One into landscape mode.

02-22-2021, 11:59 AM	#1
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	Kobo Aura One -vs- Forma ? So, as you may know, I've been debating Forma vs Libra. However, a local used Kobo Aura One has come up at 1/2 the price of a Forma. Since both seem very similar, besides the hard page buttons and 0.2" screen difference, is there ANY reason(s) to still pay a lot more for a Forma? I mean in features and viewing ability, anything pushing one way or the other? I haven't research Auro One to see if there were known issues (as in why this one might be up for sale). Lastly, does the Libra compete with the Aura, or just Aura/Forma ? Thanks folks - appreciate the helps

02-22-2021, 12:48 PM	#2
NiLuJe BLAM! Posts: 13,506 Karma: 26047202 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Paris, France Device: Kindle 2i, 3g, 4, 5w, PW, PW2, PW5; Kobo H2O, Forma, Elipsa, Sage, C2E	The Aura One is much, much, much worse. The Libra doesn't really compete with anything in the current lineup, it's in its own segment, as a successor to, well, the H2Os and the Aura One, I guess? (The only weird product in the current lineup is the Nia, which gets cannibalized by the Clara (but mostly by the Kindle, if we're being honest ^^) unless you can get it extremely cheap, which hasn't really happened, I think?). Last edited by NiLuJe; 02-22-2021 at 12:52 PM.

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02-22-2021, 12:50 PM	#3
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	Well, that came through loud and clear. Thank you.

02-22-2021, 02:13 PM	#5
jgbout Groupie Posts: 190 Karma: 20210 Join Date: Feb 2021 Device: none	Thanks. Personally, I do like the landscape option, so I guess it's back to forma/libra. Not really interested in waiting on kobo's next, simply because I imagine the price factor will be outside what i'd consider. a Forma is already more than I want to spend, but considering it. Here, the forma would be $345+a sleep cover. A libra is $235+sleep cover. Anyhoot, back to the mental paralysis !

02-22-2021, 02:25 PM	#6
Owl_ Enthusiastic reader Posts: 424 Karma: 3880485 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Italy Device: Kindle paperwhite3, Kobo aura one, kobo touch 2.0, Kobo Clara HD,Poke2	The KA1 comes often with factory flaws (for example touch accuracy problems, uneven light, fast battery drain) I read the Forma is great exept for a slightly slower hardware performance than the KA1. Anyhow Koreader solved ALL my software issues

02-22-2021, 02:39 PM	#7
s4nder Connoisseur Posts: 75 Karma: 546874 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Estonia Device: Kobo Aura One	I prefer the Aura One for the automatic backlight alone.

02-22-2021, 07:07 PM	#10
petercreasey Wizard Posts: 1,188 Karma: 1119516 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: Sony: PRS 950 & T1, Kobo: Aura One & Forma	I prefer the KA1, but the point about the battery possibly being aged at this point is valid.

02-22-2021, 09:23 PM	#11
Owl_ Enthusiastic reader Posts: 424 Karma: 3880485 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Italy Device: Kindle paperwhite3, Kobo aura one, kobo touch 2.0, Kobo Clara HD,Poke2	Good new

02-24-2021, 05:21 AM	#13
John F Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,921 Karma: 70186655 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: Kobo Clara 2E	How long do you plan on keeping the ereader? I purchased my Glo HD in 2015, and the battery seems fine.

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