Aura HD I just purchased a refurbished Aura HD from Kobo

[mystika1]

Hi,
I hope that I did not make a mistake with this purchase,($76 shipping included in that from Canada) but I really have been itching for a larger screen. It comes with a one year warranty. I honestly don't "have to have" waterproofing. I don't read in the pool.(although I have been reading for years in the tub)

Anyone out there wanna share their opinions on the Aura HD?

Thanks,

Penny

[ottdmk]

I loved my Aura HD. I bought it as an upgrade to my first e-reader, an original Touch. The larger screen combined with the frontlight system made for a very, very nice upgrade.

I'd still be using my Aura HD had I not gotten clumsy and dropped it on a set of stairs. The screen did not survive the experience.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it. $76 is a very, very good price.

[Barbara1955]

Where did u buy it? Link?

[mystika1]

https://www.ebay.com/i/192457247039?...33c53bfffb8231

[CLMF]

I bought it from their eBay as well a few weeks ago.
First of all, make sure you charge for the recommended time and be patient as it boots up and loads the home screen, takes a minute or so.

The highlighting is really weird and it takes me a minute to actually get the passage I want highlighted. Everything else is fine, the light may seem a bit weird in the dark at the edges but when there is proper lighting it's great and once you use the big screen, there's no going back.

[Ksquared]

I have a recently purchased Aura HD to go along with my original Aura. I am very happy with it. The larger screen is great, the increased resolution is nice too.
I apply a couple of patches to use more of the footer and header space for text (and do the same on my Aura.)
You cannot beat the price - I think you'll be very happy!

[mystika1]

Originally Posted by CLMF

The highlighting is really weird and it takes me a minute to actually get the passage I want highlighted..

I've seen the awkward highlighting in videos. I have never really used highlighting on any of my readers, so that won't be an issue for me. Thankfully I don't put pdf's on my readers, as I know kobos aren't ideal for that either.

How is the text with the light on? My glo had gray text when the frontlight was on and that bothered me. I like black text. My glo also had a super bright blue light. I am hoping the aura hd is a bit warmer. Light cones don't bother me. It's better than a book light.

Thanks,

Penny

[Ksquared]

I think the text looks great. You can increase the text "weight" under the advanced settings of the text adjustment. For me, this gave me the a darker, better looking font. I use Georgia font with the weight at about 3/4 of the slider.

[meeera]

To improve highlighting performance, try kepubs instead of epubs and see if you prefer it.

The Aura HD was a good device in its time, but it was discontinued long ago. There are unlikely to be units left in existence whose batteries are going to last well for another 3-4 years or more. It depends how long you think you want it for, how long you usually read for or are away from power, that sort of thing. Unless "refurbished' means "a brand new battery was installed"?

[Ken Maltby]

I am probably bias, but I think the AuraHD is the best Kobo Reader. It is one of the last to have retained all the great hardware features. Including internal and external microSD card slots.

Luck;
Ken

[Ksquared]

Originally Posted by meeera

To improve highlighting performance, try kepubs instead of epubs and see if you prefer it.

The Aura HD was a good device in its time, but it was discontinued long ago. There are unlikely to be units left in existence whose batteries are going to last well for another 3-4 years or more. It depends how long you think you want it for, how long you usually read for or are away from power, that sort of thing. Unless "refurbished' means "a brand new battery was installed"?

I bought an Aura HD from the Kobo website in August of 2017. It was not listed as refurbished and appeared to be new in the package as received. While I don't keep track of my reading time, I think I read about an hour a day. With that level of use I charge it after about 3 weeks and it shows 35% - 40%. For me, that is a good level of use, but who knows how the battery will do over more time.

I knew I was taking a bit of chance buying an older discontinued model, but for me it was a good risk that has worked out well.

Compared to the 6" Aura the size is great, the weight can sometime feel a little much when reading in bed, and I really still like the flush screen/bezel of the Aura. I do see the difference with the higher definition text on the HD.

I don't do a lot of highlighting, but that does seem to have improved with the latest firmware releases.

Good Luck!

[jandrew]

I've been using my Aura HD for over 4 years --- very happily in fact. The light works well, though I rarely use it as I generally read with sufficient ambient light. The size is great, and it provides a great reading experience. Enjoy!

[RobertJSawyer]

Originally Posted by Ken Maltby

I am probably bias, but I think the AuraHD is the best Kobo Reader. It is one of the last to have retained all the great hardware features. Including internal and external microSD card slots.

Luck;
Ken

Yes, I agree with, you Ken.

[ilovejedd]

I really wanted to like the Aura HD. It checks off almost all the specs I wanted on paper so I had even pre-ordered at full price. Unfortunately, I didn't find it (the ridges in the back) particularly comfortable in hand. YMMV.

[koboy]

Originally Posted by Ken Maltby

I am probably bias, but I think the AuraHD is the best Kobo Reader. It is one of the last to have retained all the great hardware features. Including internal and external microSD card slots.

Luck;
Ken

it's in my top three.

best wishes koboy