Reality Check/Advice needed: Kindle or Kobo

[pidgeon92]

Originally Posted by Ripplinger

But even in a good cover, when readers are placed in backpacks, something pressing against it in the wrong way can flex it enough to crack the thin layers of glass. I've never done it yet though to any reader and I use mine daily and take it with whenever I leave the house.

My husband had his original Kindle in a nice, heavy Oberon cover in his briefcase. He also had a bottle of wine he was bringing home in the briefcase. He came home with an intact bottle of wine and a broken Kindle screen. No visible damage to the Kindle screen other than the etch-a-sketch like image on it. The substrate was clearly broken. I have pics of the disassembled unit here:

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2650/...88d92351_o.jpg
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2632/...9b757e9c_o.jpg

[Superphil]

For what it is worth, I have the original Kobo reader and it is still going strong after four years.

[JaneD]

Originally Posted by Alohamora

After 7 "failures", it's time to say that e-ink screens and you weren't meant for a long and happy relationship.

My suggestion would be a Fire HD 6 inch tablet. Gorilla glass is a wonderful invention. While not unbreakable, the tablets can take more rough handling than e-ink screens can.
I'm very pleased with my HD6 for reading, although I did have to install a matte screen protector to cut glare on the screen. The 8gb one would work if it's just for reading, but go with 16gb if you're at all likely to put apps and music or video on it as well.

I'd second this suggestion. The glass in a Fire is sturdier than in a Kindle, and you'd still have access to all your Amazon content.

[Tarana]

I agree with the others. The problem is not Amazon's QC, but something you are doing and are not aware that you are doing it. My suggestion is that you get the HDX or other tablet reader instead of an e-ink reader. Get a non-glare clear cover to reduce the annoyance of lights. A tablet is far more sturdy, which is what I think you need.

I broke my first reader (the screen blots like you describe) when I tripped while holding my kindle. All I did was press my fingers slightly more tightly to prevent it from falling and it broke that inner screen. You can't see it until you take it apart. Amazon replaced it (just out of warranty) with a refurbished model and I'm still using it 4 years later (kindle keyboard). The wifi stopped working about 2 months ago, otherwise, it's good to go.

[RobertJSawyer]

I've never had any hardware problems with Kobo E Ink devices. Software, yes, from time to time, but the hardware seems robust, and I own every Kobo model except the very first and the most recent (Aura H2O). I'd recommend a Kobo Aura or a Kobo Aura HD (or its successor, the Kobo H2O). The Aura HD and the H20 have higher-resolution and larger (6.8" vs. 6.0") screens than any Kindle model, except the ancient Kindle DX.

[JSWolf]

What I want to know is what is the OP doing with those Kindles that causes then to end up with broken screens?

[Lin2412]

My kindle once fell down the stairs. My niece was recommending a lot of books to me and it slipped out as I was getting my kindle out of my bag. It almost gave me a heart attack, but the screen never got broken, and it's still all good after checking it up. I don't have a kobo, but my dad does. He's very meticulous though. I doubt it falls out of his hands like I do.

[howyoudoin]

Originally Posted by Lin2412

My kindle once fell down the stairs. My niece was recommending a lot of books to me and it slipped out as I was getting my kindle out of my bag. It almost gave me a heart attack, but the screen never got broken, and it's still all good after checking it up. I don't have a kobo, but my dad does. He's very meticulous though. I doubt it falls out of his hands like I do.

Your dad must be a very strong, albeit clumsy man if he carries you around now

[barryem]

I've had at least one of every Kindle since the Kindle Keyboard. Since I have to save up for these things I've often had both a Wifi and a 3G version of those where 3G was available, getting the Wifi version when I can and saving for the 3G version, which is what I really want.

I live in a retirement home in a rural area where a lot of people love to read but most are afraid of technology, so I've helped maybe a dozen, maybe 2 dozen people get Kindles and learn to use them.

In all of these Kindles I've had 2 problems. One 3G Kindle came without a working 3G and it was quickly replaced. The other problem was when I lent a Kindle to a neighbor with a book on it she wanted to read and she returned it to me with a badly scratched screen. It was still in warranty but it wasn't Amazon's fault and I told them I was hoping to replace it and pay the difference. Instead they insisted on replacing it under my warranty.

Of all the Kindles I've had and I've helped other people with none has ever had an slightest problem whatever. They've all been and still are perfect. Even the older Kindle Keyboard that I sold to a neighbor is still like a new one.

I also have 2 Kobos. An Aura and a Mini. The Aura came with a defect and it was so much trouble getting through to Kobo support that I decided to give up and live with it. It works and I use it but I have to be careful how I hold it. Both Kobo's have moderately buggy software. Nothing terrible. I can honestly say that I enjoy both devices. I'm not sorry I bought either. But I've given up on Kobo for the foreseeable future. They're not bad devices but the Kindles are great devices.

Barry