New Kobo Aura user

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by tvuongpham

Interesting feature missing for Kobo (again with the PRS brig the reference ) integration with Dropbox and or calibre server. I cannot do that transfer books (sideload via wifi) into the kobo :-(

Oh well tethered. The wifi kobo store is fine. Limited but ok.

I'm not sure what "PRS brig" is, but you can use the browser to download books from the calibre server. I think you can do the same for Dropbox.

[tvuongpham]

Originally Posted by davidfor

I'm not sure what "PRS - being the reference. is, but you can use the browser to download books from the calibre server. I think you can do the same for Dropbox.

I don't see the browser loaded in the Kobo Aura - or at least in this firmware.
3.17.3

[tvuongpham]

Found it!
Beta features;
Go online using the experimental web browser on your eReader.

Since the browser is still a beta feature, some websites may not display properly. Please note that the browser is not officially supported by Kobo.
Go to your Home screen.
Tap the Menu icon at the top of the screen.
The Quick Settings panel will appear.
Tap Settings.
Tap Beta Features.
Tap Start under Web Browser.
Follow the prompts to connect to a wireless network.
Once you’re connected to a Wi Fi network, you’ll be able to browse most websites.

[tvuongpham]

Kepub vs ePub
Pretty cool.
I installed the plugin for calibre and it automatically converted my ePub books into kepub when it transferred to the kobo.

Reading stats available for each chapter and book - similar to a kindle.

Any dis-advantage to kepub? I noticed the plugin hasn't had an update in a long time.

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by tvuongpham

Kepub vs ePub
Pretty cool.
I installed the plugin for calibre and it automatically converted my ePub books into kepub when it transferred to the kobo.

Reading stats available for each chapter and book - similar to a kindle.

Any dis-advantage to kepub?

The main one I can think of is the books title is shown at the top of the page. The others are some differences in how some things are rendered, but none of the differences bug me.

I noticed the plugin hasn't had an update in a long time.

Looking at the plugins thread, the last update was the 5th of August. And it was the fourth this year. The plugin list might not have been updated with the latest changes, but it will be the latest version of the plugin.

[tvuongpham]

CRASH FROZEN.. ugh
The Kobo Aura froze and refuses to reboot.
I don't know the light (led) purpose. But the power switch isn't lighting up when plugged in anymore. (I don't know if it did before)

reset via paperclip (soft reset) failed
hold down powerswitch 27 seconds failed.

plug in usb charger several hours.. failed

maybe this is a bad unit.
warranty requires a receipts.. horrible frustrating customer service so far...

[tvuongpham]

Trying to do a factory reset.. hold down light button (next to power slide button) repeat slide power botton on/off and then when it flashes let go off the buttons..
NO good.. no LED lighting up.. it did for a second.. then didn't show "restore" on screen.

[meeera]

Try a different cable before anything more, I reckon. Then try a repeat of the hardware factory reset. (Have you lost the receipt, having bought it only last week?)

[tvuongpham]

Thanks.. I tried multiple micro usb cables. (kobo, kindle, generic ones)

I was annoyed with the CS agent reading me the script, because I took the time to detail all the troubleshooting steps I already did in the online ticket I created at Kobo website.

The didn't bother to read my notes. The just read their script. Then I was really annoyed when they closed my ticket saying I didn't do all their steps and needed a receipt for a RMA.

I can get a receipt, but the vendor should be able to look at the registered serial number of the device per my kobo account on the device.

What if I got the device as a gift? I should not have to have a receipt then...

My expectations of customer service is different.

So the device is stuck it looks like it cannot recycle and start the factory reset.. charged it all night

[tvuongpham]

FINALLY!!
When the KOBO is frozen... hold down the light button and repeatedly switch on/off the power slider button.

I put it on another micro usb cable (I literally have a drawer full of those cables) and got it to start the
"Restoring" process. The screen shows that.. hopefully it will complete that process.

I haven't a clue how long that will take.
... fingers crossed.

[tvuongpham]

Restore process stuck.. oh well.. I have to contact Kobo.. 3 out of 5 dots.. aka 60%

[tvuongpham]

The worst customer support system ever.
Inefficient.
I have had to repeat myself any times the same information for troubleshooting
My contact info, my device info, troubleshooting steps.

Despite correspondence via email with all of the above information. I had to fill out another email form with information already.

I told them in email to update their scripts for level 1

I asked what is location of the Call center : it is in the Carribean

[Ksquared]

That sounds the same as the first unit I got, bought directly from Kobo - worked for a couple of weeks, then began freezing. After a freeze I could not get a re-set / re-start to work all the way through, freezing like yours at one point or another, but if I let it sit for 24 - 48 hours it would start, and act normally for a few hours, then the problem would start again.

I went through Kobo customer service and did the script, sent a picture (to show the screen was not broken) and a receipt (they did not accept the shipping confirmation from Kobo as "proof of purchase", they sent me a new unit.

While I waited for the new unit the Aura began working again, and did not freeze for several days! It may have been cured of its ills, but I was not about to take a chance. After testing the new unit for a couple of days, I sent back the defective unit after doing one last factory reset. The new Aura is working perfectly (knock wood) after several weeks and may hours of use.

I did not find the customer service too bad, but it was funny that the instructions said to reply to the last e-mail with the shipping information for the returned unit. I did, and they thought I was trying to open a new help ticket, but could not understand what my problem was. No explaination would stop them, including "you can close this ticket", so I just let then send me a few more e-mails before they closed the ticket for lack of interest. I am not sure the folks on the other end read English very well.

I suggest letting it rest for a while, then do the light button and power switch again and see if you get going. I hope you get through the return process! Good Luck.

[tvuongpham]

Well the journey continues with KOBO customer support... now

"We have passed on the relevant details to the next support level in which they will review the information and provide you an update within 24-48 business hours time frame."

Looks like the Caribbean team really cannot "fix" your problem and will escalate to another different team to
1. ensure no damage to device (verified with pictures)
2. ensure all troubleshooting steps are done per script
3. ensure warranty period valid based on purchase receipt.

==
BUT Kobo Aura still looks great! lol if only it WORKED GREAT!

and now I wait....

[davidfor]

Originally Posted by tvuongpham

FINALLY!!
When the KOBO is frozen... hold down the light button and repeatedly switch on/off the power slider button.

If that worked, you were lucky that you managed to turn the device off somewhere along the way.

Firstly, you should have tried the pinhole at the bottom of the device. That will force a restart. Depending on why that was needed, it might solve the problems.

If it does, you need a factory reset, which is what you stumbled on. For an Aura, and the other devices with two buttons, this is:

- Put it on charge for an hour or so.
- Hold the power switch in the off position for 20 seconds. This is to ensure the device is off.
- Hold light button down.
- Turn the device on.
- When the LED starts to flash, release the button.

I miss the timing about half the time and have to repeat it.