Aura HD Looking to buy my first e-ink e-reader, considering a refurb Aura HD

[sk2003]

Hey guys. I'm brand new to the e-reader world and am looking to buy my first e-reader ever. I live in Canada, and there aren't any budget-friendly Kobo e-readers available brand new here. I don't want a Kindle because I hate the lack of storage and the DRM (not being able to load a lot of file formats). I think it's extremely weird that the Kindle e-ink readers don't have a microSD card slot.

Anyway, the only way to get a Kobo under a $100 here is to get one used. I was thinking of getting a refurbished 905 Touch for $40ish, but I don't know if it's worth paying that much for a used 5-year-old e-reader. I also found Kobo Minis for $30, but they don't have a microSD card slot, which I dislike.

Then I found a refurbished Kobo Aura HD for $120ish. Comes with a one year warranty, which the other Kobo e-readers I looked at lack. I think it's worth paying this much for the Aura HD, since it's got a crisp 1440p display and a nearly 7 inch form factor.

But... I've read too many scary things about the Aura HD and Kobo e-readers in general here. From Auras bricking themselves after firmware updates, to dying randomly, to the screen not being responsive, to the IR sensors not being responsive... I'm kind of afraid to take the plunge, lol.

Should I invest in an e-reader with good specs the first time around (i.e. Aura HD), or should I get a cheap e-reader and stick with it until, hopefully, the Aura One or Aura H2O come down in price here in Canada (if ever)? Wait it out and see if future Kindle e-ink readers come with more than 4 gigs of storage (it happened in Japan)?

Also, tell me about your experience with the Aura HD: how the build quality is, if you've ever run into issues, and if page-turning and refreshes are responsive!

Thanks.

EDIT: Got the H2O instead. It's sweet!

[rashkae]

Well, the device naming can be a bit confusing.. Aura HD is nowhere near the same device as the Aura was. (The Aura was the first Kobo device with a a capacitive touch screen, and it was pretty bad. I won't rehash all that discussion here, but unless you really had a strong preference for the no bazel flush screen, everything else about it was inferior to the previous Touch model.)

The Aura HD, however, was a bit of of a strange duck, in a good way. It was only supposed to be a limited edition device, (it was often speculated here that Kobo got a deal on E-ink overstock for a different device that didn't make it to market.). But it was in all technical respects a large improvement over other Kobo devices. The only criticism would be that the plastic case was very spartan and cheap looking. It looked and felt like a prototype device.

All that being said, the Successor to the Aura HD is the H20, which itself had some noticeable improvements. Not as dramatic as The difference to the fisrt HD screen, but still a noticeably better contrast. H20 new is less than $200, so there is no way I would pay $120 for a now obsolete, used model with only a taillight warranty. Value is, of course subjective, but from the top of my head, I would offer no more than $50 for a Aura HD.

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by sk2003

I think it's extremely weird that the Kindle e-ink readers don't have a microSD card slot.

The newest Kobo's don't either. It seems to be the way the market is going.


I'd think you could find an HD for a lot less than $120 though, seems high.

Also, tell me about your experience with the Aura HD: how the build quality is, if you've ever run into issues, and if page-turning and refreshes are responsive!

I got my Aura HD in April of 2013, when they first came out, and the only real issue I've ever had are occasional page-turn issues with some earlier firmware releases where occasionally. I'd have to try turning the page more than once or it would sometimes do 2 or 3 turns at once. Haven't had any of those issues with the current firmware I'm running (the latest official release for the HD). The only other issue was getting it to recognize the mSD card initially, but once I formatted it using the SD Formatter from the SD Association all has been well.

Looking at the stats on the device, which I'm not sure are 100% accurate since I sideload everything, I've read 548 books on it without major issues.


One of the biggest thing to remember is that the substrate on eInk screens is a very thin sheet of glass and treat it accordingly.

[sk2003]

Originally Posted by rashkae

H20 new is less than $200, so there is no way I would pay $120 for a now obsolete, used model with only a taillight warranty. Value is, of course subjective, but from the top of my head, I would offer no more than $50 for a Aura HD.

I know this is a forum for e-reader enthusiasts and avid readers who don't mind shelling out for the newest and greatest e-readers out there, but I want to take a leveled approach to this. I have a budget I'm trying to stick by, and that's $120 max. I just recalculated the price and it falls a bit short of that. It's from Kobo Canada.

EDIT: Oh wait, you live in Ontario! Hey, have you tried buying a used Kobo in the GTA recently? It's tough to find a good price. You should know that, being a Canadian resident. I challenge you to find a Kobo Aura HD for $50 in the GTA right now, online.

Do you live in the U.S.? I know you guys tend to get extremely cheap tech. In Canada, where I live (the GTA), we have to pay $13 in taxes on every purchase. And on top of that everything costs double the price it would in the U.S. So the Kobo H2O brand new here is $179 CAD. Add taxes and shipping to that and it's $200 from the Kobo website. Stores here sell it for $200. I can't afford to spend $200 on an e-reader, but $120 is within my range right now.

Absolutely no one is selling the Aura HD for a lower price where I live that I know of. Everyone's selling their old Kobo Minis and Kobo 905 Touches. Auras and Glos are available, but only refurbs, and they sell for $50+ in stores with taxes. Refurb Kobo Aura H2Os are more than $100 CAD.

I hope you can understand my situation. Even used e-readers are overpriced here. Would you suggest I wait? I doubt that Aura Ones will hit the used market here by December 2017, and I don't want to have to wait that long...

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

The newest Kobo's don't either. It seems to be the way the market is going.

Oh really? I never looked at the Aura One's specs. Thought it'd have a microSD slot... shame.

I'd think you could find an HD for a lot less than $120 though, seems high.

Not in Canada, or at least where I live in Canada.

I got my Aura HD in April of 2013, when they first came out, and the only real issue I've ever had are occasional page-turn issues with some earlier firmware releases where occasionally. I'd have to try turning the page more than once or it would sometimes do 2 or 3 turns at once. Haven't had any of those issues with the current firmware I'm running (the latest official release for the HD). The only other issue was getting it to recognize the mSD card initially, but once I formatted it using the SD Formatter from the SD Association all has been well.

Looking at the stats on the device, which I'm not sure are 100% accurate since I sideload everything, I've read 548 books on it without major issues.


One of the biggest thing to remember is that the substrate on eInk screens is a very thin sheet of glass and treat it accordingly.

Thank you for the input! Yes, the screen scares me and I'm very worried that something might happen to it. I intend on letting family members use it, so I'll put a case and a screen protector on it if I do get it.

[AnemicOak]

rashkae is in Ontario

[sk2003]

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

rashkae is in Ontario

Yeah, I realized that and edited my post. I hope rashkae can find me a Kobo Aura HD for $50 in Ontario right now. They'd probably just keep it to themselves if they did!

I mean, I saw an Aura (original model) for $30, so it's not impossible... the problem is, so many people are looking for e-readers here right now, judging by wanted posts on Kijiji. So it's impossible to nab one for a good price unless you're super fast.

[robko]

The HD is a good reader. My only problem with it (now that I have the KA1) is that it seems soooo small now (6" really doesn't work for me anymore). The screen is no more prone to issues than any other e-ink device. NOTE: a case may help, but IMHO it's twisting that breaks most screens and that's from being in a bag or purse etc with other stuff and (again IMHO) a case does very little to protect it from twisting (especially the bigger devices). If you're traveling around with it you need something solid to keep it in (personally I have a wooden box for when I'm traveling with it). Don't bother with screen protector. It could mess with the IR sensor if it's too thick and scratches on the screen aren't something that happens except in really, really rare conditions.
No idea what current prices are, but I don't think you'll regret the HD if you're happy with whatever price you pay for it.

[rashkae]

Originally Posted by robko

The HD is a good reader. My only problem with it (now that I have the KA1) is that it seems soooo small now (6" really doesn't work for me anymore). The screen is no more prone to issues than any other e-ink device.

Since he specifically mentioned the 7" Screen, I think the OP was referring to the venerable Aura HD, and not the newer GloHD

Second, every single GloHD display model I've seen anywhere, and the one I bought for myself, all developed an identical screen defect that looks like straight vertical and horizontal lines of dead pixels in a square pattern. I realize that's anecdotal, but I'm going to have to see some *real* statistics before i believe the screens in that model did not have a severe design flaw that left them easily damaged that way.

I hope rashkae can find me a Kobo Aura HD for $50 in Ontario right now.

I didn't say I could actually find one at that price, just that was the max I would be personally willing to shell out for it. (Heck, I just sold my A1 for $150 a month or so back.)

I actually went looking for my old AuraHD, as I don't recall giving that one away, but can't find it anywhere. I suspect it got disassembled.

[sk2003]

Originally Posted by robko

The HD is a good reader. My only problem with it (now that I have the KA1) is that it seems soooo small now (6" really doesn't work for me anymore). The screen is no more prone to issues than any other e-ink device. NOTE: a case may help, but IMHO it's twisting that breaks most screens and that's from being in a bag or purse etc with other stuff and (again IMHO) a case does very little to protect it from twisting (especially the bigger devices). If you're traveling around with it you need something solid to keep it in (personally I have a wooden box for when I'm traveling with it). Don't bother with screen protector. It could mess with the IR sensor if it's too thick and scratches on the screen aren't something that happens except in really, really rare conditions.
No idea what current prices are, but I don't think you'll regret the HD if you're happy with whatever price you pay for it.

Thanks for the info, and yes, you've got to keep it in a pouch as well as a case to protect it if you're taking it out of the house. I'm not planning to travel with it, so hopefully the screen will always be relatively safe with a screen protector + case, not that a non-tempered glass screen protector will do much to protect it (only from dust).

I'm glad you've had a good experience with the Aura HD.

Originally Posted by rashkae

Since he specifically mentioned the 7" Screen, I think the OP was referring to the venerable Aura HD, and not the newer GloHD

Second, every single GloHD display model I've seen anywhere, and the one I bought for myself, all developed an identical screen defect that looks like straight vertical and horizontal lines of dead pixels in a square pattern. I realize that's anecdotal, but I'm going to have to see some *real* statistics before i believe the screens in that model did not have a severe design flaw that left them easily damaged that way.

Hey rashkae, thanks for compelling me to go searching for used Kobos! I actually found the Glo HD for a decent price on Kijiji (but not for $50, sadly), but then I realized that it doesn't have a microSD slot. Same as the Kindle. Yet it still uses an internal SD card. I know everyone says the storage doesn't matter, but what about archives of manga/comics that exceed the internal storage? I always worry about that.

Anyway, that your Glo HD developed a defect worries me greatly. I'm somewhat concerned about the build quality for Kobo devices, it seems worse than Kindle devices. Maybe that's just because Kobo customer service is not as good as Amazon's?

[rashkae]

Careful with your models there. The Aura HD (7") and Glow HD (6") are very different devices.

My hearsay suspicion of widespread screen defect only applies to the 6" Glow HD. I've never heard bad things about the Aura HD.

I think most people other than Kobo's #1 fan JSWolf, would agree that the Kindles have a more rigid design overall and take a beating better. The Paperwhite especially. But I don't think the difference is all much. The glass substrate is still vulnerable to damage either way.


And as for archives of Manga/Comics... I know there are lots of people who do it,, but my opinion remains firmly that the e-ink devices are the wrong tech for that use.

[rashkae]

Deleted double post

[GeoffR]

Although the Kobo Mini and Glo HD don't have external micro-SD slots, they do have their storage on an internal micro-SD card which can be quite easily upgraded to a larger one. There are instructions in this forum somewhere.

BTW from what I've seen Canada seems to have the lowest prices on Kobo devices. Where I live the H2O sells for $NZ309 (about $CA295).

[AnemicOak]

Originally Posted by sk2003

Thank you for the input! Yes, the screen scares me and I'm very worried that something might happen to it. I intend on letting family members use it, so I'll put a case and a screen protector on it if I do get it.

As long as it's treated with some care I wouldn't worry too much, just be aware of the possibility and treat it accordingly.

I've had eInk readers since 2007 and my original two devices (Sony 505 & Kindle 2) have been passed around a lot, even to fairly young kids, and all are still intact.

A cover/case or protective sleeve are definitely not a bad idea (I use a sleeve when not reading), but I'm not sure how much good a screen protector might do. I'd be afraid it might reduce screen clarity.

[sk2003]

Originally Posted by rashkae

Careful with your models there. The Aura HD (7") and Glow HD (6") are very different devices.

My hearsay suspicion of widespread screen defect only applies to the 6" Glow HD. I've never heard bad things about the Aura HD.

I think most people other than Kobo's #1 fan JSWolf, would agree that the Kindles have a more rigid design overall and take a beating better. The Paperwhite especially. But I don't think the difference is all much. The glass substrate is still vulnerable to damage either way.


And as for archives of Manga/Comics... I know there are lots of people who do it,, but my opinion remains firmly that the e-ink devices are the wrong tech for that use.

I don't know why I'm so hung up on a microSD card slot! I feel like I absolutely need one to "futureproof" the device, in a sense. I guess it all stems from my first smartphone, which had a measly 1 gig of internal storage. I'm looking at some of my books in Calibre right now (I've got maybe 5), and two of them are 2.2 MB. I'm sure there's an easy way to reduce the size while still maintaining the quality.

Now I want to get the basic 8th generation Kindle e-reader from Amazon, since internal storage shouldn't matter much, and because it comes to $90 with taxes. But that 1440p screen and 6.8 inch size on the Aura HD...

Originally Posted by GeoffR

Although the Kobo Mini and Glo HD don't have external micro-SD slots, they do have their storage on an internal micro-SD card which can be quite easily upgraded to a larger one. There are instructions in this forum somewhere.

BTW from what I've seen Canada seems to have the lowest prices on Kobo devices. Where I live the H2O sells for $NZ309 (about $CA295).

Yup, that's true, but I don't want to have to fiddle around with the hardware just for extra space. But it might be something to consider doing in a few years' time of owning the device. What scares me a lot is removing the screen in order to get to the microSD slot. So many things can go wrong, considering how delicate the screen and substrate are.

Yes, I suppose I shouldn't complain about Canada's pricing. We're so close to the U.S. that it's difficult not to complain about Canadian pricing! It's a national pastime, lol.

Originally Posted by AnemicOak

As long as it's treated with some care I wouldn't worry too much, just be aware of the possibility and treat it accordingly.

I've had eInk readers since 2007 and my original two devices (Sony 505 & Kindle 2) have been passed around a lot, even to fairly young kids, and all are still intact.

A cover/case or protective sleeve are definitely not a bad idea (I use a sleeve when not reading), but I'm not sure how much good a screen protector might do. I'd be afraid it might reduce screen clarity.

Thank you for assuaging my doubts! I was thinking of using a protector to reduce glare under sunlight (if that's even something worth doing). And to prevent dust.

[koboy]

Originally Posted by sk2003

I don't know why I'm so hung up on a microSD card slot! I feel like I absolutely need one to "futureproof" the device, in a sense. I guess it all stems from my first smartphone, which had a measly 1 gig of internal storage. I'm looking at some of my books in Calibre right now (I've got maybe 5), and two of them are 2.2 MB. I'm sure there's an easy way to reduce the size while still maintaining the quality.

i wouldn't buy an e-reader unless it had a microSD card slot.

best wishes koboy