Glo Glo Frozen: hardware or software issue?

[ckhNL]

Hello all,

I've read almost all Kobo Glo post concerning Frozen and Broken e-readers, but can't figure out whats causing my Kobo Glo not to function anymore.

Very frustrating as I'm travelling the world (with 2 Glo's in our packpacks offcourse) and now my girlfriend and I finally found some time and peace to read my Glo is not working anymore. A luxery problem, I know. But still a problem ;-)

See the attached photo for its current status. The screen is frozen, but the light however works and after multiple factory resets (what was not easy as the screen is not working) the status is unchanged. My Windows tablet also doesn't recognize the Glo anymore.

Doesn't nothing happen after a factory reset? No, that not. The white light keeps on blinking for a while, but that's it. Nothing more.

Therefore my question to you experts: is my screen broken, or might this be a software issue? And what do you advise me to do?

As I'm on a island and can't buy a new one soon, I'm willing to open my Glo and do what's needed to do. I've also already already looked into http://gergith.com/kobohack/ to maybe open both my Glo's and copy the working SD card. But only if its a software issue and actually preferbly with a SD image I can download, so I don't risk my second still working Kobo Glo.

Many thanks in advance!

[JSWolf]

Question... Did you have the Kobo Glo in a cover/case? The reason I ask is because you had it in your backpack and something caused the screen to break. Your Kobo Glo is dead because the screen is broken. The glass substrate under neath is broken and thus, you won't be able to use it while on vacation. You will have to contact Kobo to find out what they will do for you.

As for the other Kobo Glo, take it out of the backpack as you might have too much stuff in there. if you don't have a case/cover, you'll have to be very careful with it as that's a Kobo waiting to break.

[ckhNL]

Today I for this first time took to Glo out of its official Case. I never used it without. We are also quite careful with our gadgets (tablets, phones, mini-router, etc etc) ... but nevertheless travelling causes more wear and tear then normal.

So there is nothing do fix?

Also, as I forgot to mention that the stripes on the screen were primarily caused by trying to reset the Glo. There was actually some slight movement on moments.

[PeterT]

That picture to my eyes clearly shows damage to the screen and not a software issue.

[meeera]

Yep, you can see the diagonal lines. Broken glass substrate.

[filmo]

Originally Posted by ckhNL

Also, as I forgot to mention that the stripes on the screen were primarily caused by trying to reset the Glo. There was actually some slight movement on moments.

Your saying saw movement on part of screen image when resetting the Kobo?
This could still be damaged screen. Damage can be caused by pressure on part of screen or twisting force. Common reader covers give some protection but damage can still happen.

For example light weight plastic storage container sized for sliced bread sandwich. Without lid it is easy to twist this container. Snap on cover and it becomes much harder to twist this container. If you push on top or bottom flat surface it is easy to flex the large flat surface. Better container with thicker plastic and 4 side locks for lid is more rigid. This thicker plastic requires more force to flex the flat surface. Thin screen glass doesn't flex it breaks. Readers Covers add some padding and spread out point force on screen offering some protection. The more rigid front and back covers are provides better protection but the reader covers I've seen do little to prevent twisting or point force damage to reader in a tightly packed backpack or suitcase. Reader inside dedicated rigid padded case made of plastic, wood, or metal would be best. This could be a Pelican case or food storage container. Reader between 2 boards secured with duck tape would be better than nothing or most reader covers in a suitcase or backpack.

[robko]

What Filmo said. A cover likely isn't going to protect an ereader from twisting (which is the real killer IMHO) when packed in a backpack. You need something that is rigid. If you can twist the case (without the reader in it of course!!), it's not going to protect it for your purposes. A cover will basically protect it from direct screen impacts and maybe give a little bit of shock absorption if you drop it. Having said that, I've never used a cover and even though I've managed to drop devices (in one case it deformed the plastic on the corner) and I've never broke one. BUT I have a wooden case that it travels in when it's going into my luggage for travel to keep it safe.
Ereaders are a different beast to tablets and phones which have solid and thick glass screens that are a lot tough to break or twist. You need to treat them a lot more carefully when transporting them.

And as to how to know your screen is broken, if you look at the right side you'll see the curved line down it. That's the break point. The other lines are artifacts of the broken screen trying to refresh.

[ckhNL]

Thank you all, even if the news you all brought me is not so nice ;-) And thanks for the advise about finding a more solid cover. I'll certainly buy a better one even if I believe a official Kobo cover should be enough.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by ckhNL

Thank you all, even if the news you all brought me is not so nice ;-) And thanks for the advise about finding a more solid cover. I'll certainly buy a better one even if I believe a official Kobo cover should be enough.

What I suggest is keep the Kob cover and just find something to put around the other Glo when keeping it in the backpack.

[filmo]

Many small remote Islands have craftsmen that can make you custom wood case surprisingly cheap.