Any new Kobos coming out this year?

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But the bezel can be made smaller without the buttons being in the way. Win/win.

A smaller bezel = more discomfort. Bezels must be large enough to allow one to hold the device comfortably without using a cover.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

A smaller bezel = more discomfort. Bezels must be large enough to allow one to hold the device comfortably without using a cover.

If the buttons were not where they are, the bezel can be at least smaller enough to remove the space used by the buttons. So smaller can work. Heck, the Aura H2O has a good design with smaller bezels and no buttons. However, you could put buttons under the screen like Sony did.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If the buttons were not where they are, the bezel can be at least smaller enough to remove the space used by the buttons. So smaller can work. Heck, the Aura H2O has a good design with smaller bezels and no buttons. However, you could put buttons under the screen like Sony did.

I would like the design where the buttons are on the sides, like old nontouch Kindles had - Keyboard and K4NT.

Under the screen would be ok too. Above the screen would be nearly unusable.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Sirtel

I would like the design where the buttons are on the sides, like old nontouch Kindles had - Keyboard and K4NT.

Under the screen would be ok too. Above the screen would be nearly unusable.

Deal. Under the screen.

[MGlitch]

I can accept the buttons on the side. Though I maintain the bezel has enough empty space that could be removed without detracting from the comfort and usability of the buttons in relatively the same spot they are now. Basically the space from the top of the word kobo to the edge of the screen possibly a smidge more to the point the word kobo would run along the edge of the buttons if it were extended could be removed (to give a visual aid) if they shifted the board to the main part of the Libra.

For clarity I’m not saying to increase the button size just to draw a line from the edge nearer the screen to the top and bottom of the Libra when held in portrait.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by MGlitch

I can accept the buttons on the side. Though I maintain the bezel has enough empty space that could be removed without detracting from the comfort and usability of the buttons in relatively the same spot they are now. Basically the space from the top of the word kobo to the edge of the screen possibly a smidge more to the point the word kobo would run along the edge of the buttons if it were extended could be removed (to give a visual aid) if they shifted the board to the main part of the Libra.

For clarity I’m not saying to increase the button size just to draw a line from the edge nearer the screen to the top and bottom of the Libra when held in portrait.

That will not do at all for those of us who do not use the buttons. The buttons would be in the way. of where to hold the Reader. So nope.

[Desertway]

I had to return the last generation Paperwhite because it was impossible for me to hold with the tiny bezels - plus being too tall and wanting to topple backwards. I've got nerve damage and every bit of weight matters, so no cover for me. My Oasis 3 is perfect, but it won't last forever. I love the buttons, but could live without them as long as I had enough of a bezel to grasp. (Commenting in Kobo because I would be up for a Kobo if the ergonomics were right.)

[Rbneader]

Originally Posted by Desertway

I had to return the last generation Paperwhite because it was impossible for me to hold with the tiny bezels - plus being too tall and wanting to topple backwards. I've got nerve damage and every bit of weight matters, so no cover for me. My Oasis 3 is perfect, but it won't last forever. I love the buttons, but could live without them as long as I had enough of a bezel to grasp. (Commenting in Kobo because I would be up for a Kobo if the ergonomics were right.)

Ergonomics were one of the reasons I went for an Android phone-shaped ereader, and it's been great.

I keep checking Kobo's offerings but nothing has the features or ergonomics I want. It's too bad.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Rbneader

Ergonomics were one of the reasons I went for an Android phone-shaped ereader, and it's been great.

I keep checking Kobo's offerings but nothing has the features or ergonomics I want. It's too bad.

Ergonomics are important, but so is screen size, to some of us. I don't want to read on anything smaller than 7", so no phone-shaped ereaders for me. Besides, reading on a relatively narrow screen like phones have seriously sucks, IMO - I hate it. YMMV, of course.

The asymmetrical shape of recent Kobo devices larger than 6'' is perfect for me.

[Yapyap]

I have to admit that now that I’ve used the Boox Go 10.3 exclusively for reading for the last two weeks, I can’t imagine going back to even 7’’ as my primary e-reader size.

Which makes me think that if I want a new dedicated e-reader at some point, I’d be better off with a 8’’ screen (and buttons - for anything smaller than 10’’, I’d definitely want the side buttons I’m so used to with the Oasis and that I really enjoy on the Boox Go 7).

Although honestly right now I’m not even sure I’d need an additional dedicated reader any time soon .. in my home reading spot, the Go 10.3, while greyer than I expected, is fine for reading without additional light, and I’ve yet to need to charge it (it arrived at 87% charged and now that I’ve done two system updates, looked around in the settings, tweaked things, and read five mid-size novels on it, about 25 hours of total reading time, it’s at 48%).

I really did worry that it’d be too large for daily reading but since I read with the device propped up on my knees anyway, not holding it one hand, and I’ve always preferred larger hardcovers to mass market paperbacks, I’m finding it very comfortable to read, very similar to a good hardcover page. And I like having the font larger than I do on the smaller devices.

But still, something shaped like a Sage (Sage 2?) but with good battery life, Carta 1300, side buttons and a backlight for the rare times I’d need it … I think I’d be very tempted!

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by Yapyap

I have to admit that now that I’ve used the Boox Go 10.3 exclusively for reading for the last two weeks, I can’t imagine going back to even 7’’ as my primary e-reader size.

Which makes me think that if I want a new dedicated e-reader at some point, I’d be better off with a 8’’ screen (and buttons - for anything smaller than 10’’, I’d definitely want the side buttons I’m so used to with the Oasis and that I really enjoy on the Boox Go 7).

Although honestly right now I’m not even sure I’d need an additional dedicated reader any time soon .. in my home reading spot, the Go 10.3, while greyer than I expected, is fine for reading without additional light, and I’ve yet to need to charge it (it arrived at 87% charged and now that I’ve done two system updates, looked around in the settings, tweaked things, and read five mid-size novels on it, about 25 hours of total reading time, it’s at 48%).

I really did worry that it’d be too large for daily reading but since I read with the device propped up on my knees anyway, not holding it one hand, and I’ve always preferred larger hardcovers to mass market paperbacks, I’m finding it very comfortable to read, very similar to a good hardcover page. And I like having the font larger than I do on the smaller devices.

But still, something shaped like a Sage (Sage 2?) but with good battery life, Carta 1300, side buttons and a backlight for the rare times I’d need it … I think I’d be very tempted!

I would love to buy a Kobo Sage 2, if one ever came out. In the meantime, what are your thoughts on a Pocketbook Inkpad 4 ?

[MGlitch]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

That will not do at all for those of us who do not use the buttons. The buttons would be in the way. of where to hold the Reader. So nope.

Fortunately the buttons wouldn’t be in the way since as previously stated they require force in excess of what a typical grip of the ereader requires. Glad you’re now on board since your only stated objection is rendered moot as the buttons would only serve as an additional grip for those who don’t want to utilize their primary function. And as someone who insists on cases for devices to protect them from fall damage, and who insists they can’t be placed in pockets for similar damage concerns, you must agree that anything which would reduce the likelihood of the device being dropped in the first place is ultimately far better than merely limiting the damage caused by falls.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by MGlitch

Fortunately the buttons wouldn’t be in the way since as previously stated they require force in excess of what a typical grip of the ereader requires. Glad you’re now on board since your only stated objection is rendered moot as the buttons would only serve as an additional grip for those who don’t want to utilize their primary function. And as someone who insists on cases for devices to protect them from fall damage, and who insists they can’t be placed in pockets for similar damage concerns, you must agree that anything which would reduce the likelihood of the device being dropped in the first place is ultimately far better than merely limiting the damage caused by falls.

If I have to touch the buttons to hold onto the Reader then the buttons are in the way.

[MGlitch]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

If I have to touch the buttons to hold onto the Reader then the buttons are in the way.

So you’re supporting a less secure grip on a device which will increase the chances you drop it. Noted.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by MGlitch

So you’re supporting a less secure grip on a device which will increase the chances you drop it. Noted.

Not at all. I'm advocating for a more secure (aka tighter) grip. If you have buttons where you hold the Reader, you won't have as tight a grip so you won't press any button when you don't want to. If the buttons are not under your fingers, you will have a tighter (aka more secure) grip as you have no buttons to accidentality press.