Kobo screen issues: what should I check new device for?

[LivresInOz]

Hey all,
I just got my hands on one of the last 32GB Formas and Im pretty happy with it, but being an informed consumer I thought I should do my due diligence and check for screen issues, since they seem so common.

So far I've heard of:
- the wedge issue
- yellow tint
- blue patches
- flickering

Are there any others?
What should I look for?

While nothing is really jumping out at me to the extent of making me unsatisfied with the reading experience, I do want to check the device.

I think it may actually have the wedge issue: a 'streak' that is very subtly gray on the left hand side...But VERY subtle. What is the right screen setting to check for this?

It also seems to show a couple of white specs on a dark screen, but perhaps this is dust under the screen protector?

[Skydog]

With all due respect, you've already posted numerous times regarding the price, availability and concerns of a Forma in the thread just below this one that has been properly titled with "Forma." Is it really necessary to start yet another thread with a come-on of "Kobo screen issues" that is nothing more than a continuation of your hand-wringing regarding your Forma purchase?

[Sirtel]

Eh, what? I never check for anything, as in going over every cm with a magnifying glass. Usually there are some inconsistencies, so what? You either live with them or not. Why look for something you can't see at first glance?

[RobertJSawyer]

Kobo devices are prone to very small bright spots caused (I think) by dust caught under the screen. These are most visible when the screen is set to a dark background. Some people refer to these as dead pixels or stuck pixels, but I don't think that's technically what they are. Anyway, they're quite obvious if you look closely. I've returned two Kobos (neither a Forma) over the years because of them. However, my current Kobos (a Clara HD and a Libra 2) have perfect screens with no such bright spots.

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by RobertJSawyer

Kobo devices are prone to very small bright spots caused (I think) by dust caught under the screen. These are most visible when the screen is set to a dark background. Some people refer to these as dead pixels or stuck pixels, but I don't think that's technically what they are. Anyway, they're quite obvious if you look closely. I've returned two Kobos (neither a Forma) over the years because of them. However, my current Kobos (a Clara HD and a Libra 2) have perfect screens with no such bright spots.

The "bright spots" were damage to the light guide that let light out when it shouldn't. I don't know if they were holes or something else. They are a manufacturing defect that was common in early e-ink devices with frontlights. They happened for manufacturers. As far as I can tell, they have virtually disappeared. I can't think of the last time one was reported here and I don't think I checked any of the last few devices for them. But, they were obvious enough on the Glo that had them that I didn't actually need to look for them.

@LivresInOz: Honestly, just use the device. And play with the settings. You will see the problems. If you think something is a problem, then it probably means it is a problem for you. But, if you want an opinion from us, ask and post a clear photo that demonstrates it. And looking at your list of "problems", on the "wedge issue" is one that can think of that applies to the Forma. And I've never heard of Kobo devices "flickering" in a way that anyone could actually see.

[LivresInOz]

Originally Posted by Skydog

Is it really necessary to start yet another thread with a come-on of "Kobo screen issues"

Hey Skydog, it sounds like you're concerned about having too many threads. Good on you for caring about the quality of the forum.

I think it will definitely add to the usefulness of it by having one thread that lists any screen issues, saving people from what I was confronted with: searching through many forums, yet even then still being unsure if all the major points are covered.

[LivresInOz]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

Why look for something you can't see at first glance?

Hey Sirtel, I can definitely see your approach there. It is mine too, esp with this device since I can't see myself easiliy being able to get another 32GB even as a replacement. Besides, it sounds like there are so many faults with Kobo's screens, that the replacement might have problems too!

Three reasons I think it's useful to check your device though are:

* To paraphrase an R&B song I heard once..."Small problems...can turn into big problems"

* Something you don't notice at first may be noticed later (for example under different screen settings and lighting conditions) and bother you then. It may then be too late for warranty[/I]

* It's just useful for consumers to make a note of any problems or errors. It helps other consumers choose wisely. And although some will claim Kobo's executives are (not very smart and therefore) ignore public forums, they may eventually realise that having all this stuff about problems out there warrants the expense of checking items better before they go out.

[LivresInOz]

Originally Posted by RobertJSawyer

Kobo devices are prone to very small bright spots caused (I think) by dust caught under the screen. These are most visible when the screen is set to a dark background. Some people refer to these as dead pixels or stuck pixels, but I don't think that's technically what they are. Anyway, they're quite obvious if you look closely. I've returned two Kobos (neither a Forma) over the years because of them. However, my current Kobos (a Clara HD and a Libra 2) have perfect screens with no such bright spots.

I've definitely got at least one of these.
But as I said: it seems there are so few Formas left, you might get a worse one in exchange.

Nevertheless, it's good to put this on record, for the reason I just stated.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by LivresInOz

I think it will definitely add to the usefulness of it by having one thread that lists any screen issues, saving people from what I was confronted with: searching through many forums, yet even then still being unsure if all the major points are covered.

What points covered? You either see something or not. If you don't, why go searching for it? If you do, still no one else can decide for you whether it's acceptable or not. Frankly, I don't get what you're trying to achieve here.

People usually post about screen issues when a new device is released. I'm not sure how many can be bothered to list them all over again in a separate thread.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by LivresInOz

Something you don't notice at first may be noticed later (for example under different screen settings and lighting conditions) and bother you then. It may then be too late for warranty.

Dunno. When I get a new reader, I immediately look at the screen a) in daylight, b) in the artificial light I use for reading. That covers everything for me. Nothing has ever turned up later that I'm aware of.

[meeera]

There is no "flickering" that human meatpeople can detect or react to, despite a tiny minority protesting the contrary. This has been covered at length, search PWM.