Aura First Kobo Aura: return to sender :-(

[Bever]

Well, if I read other experiences with Kobo RMA, I think I should be happy I got this device through a reseller. Their RMA is flawless. I already warned them that I might (depending on how much the pinprick of light annoys me) be returning this device as well...

All this knowing that for €100 more I can buy the best 7" tablet available right now... OK, no E-ink, but my confidence in backlit ereaders is very low right now...

[mr_nihilism]

I had two Aura's that had the scratching that resulted in the light bleeding through like in the picture. At least one other person on MR mentioned it as well. Pinhole pixels, diamond pattern on the top of the screen, darkish line visible when frontlight is on.....sigh....

Don't get me wrong, I love Kobo and I've had all of them at one point or another, but the Aura must be the worst for sheer number of QC problems coming out of the gate.

[Bever]

I returned my Kobo. Don't want a replacement. I don't think it is acceptable to have this many returns and have absolutely no confidence anymore in this product.

[jackastor]

Originally Posted by Bever

I returned my Kobo. Don't want a replacement. I don't think it is acceptable to have this many returns and have absolutely no confidence anymore in this product.

I Buy all my devices in store in un opened boxes. This at least ensures that the product is fit to be sold, if the box is open for any reason I will not buy it if they have new stock in un open boxes on hand. If the store does not have any un opened boxes I request that they contact the next nearest store to ensure that they have a brand new item. If there is no choice, then since the item is open there is no problem to inspect it for any visible damage. The issue with open box the sales rep can tell you any line about why the box is opened. But the reality of life is, it most likely was purchased used gently and returned(benefit of the doubt on the gentle part) Items that get returned to the manufacture most likely get an inspection and then get reshipped out as replacement units for those that get shipped back the resulting mess is as
Bever stated they don't want a replacement any longer because they are disappointed. And no one can fault them for that logic. The other issue with open box is you never know what your going to get, could be a fingerprint, a dent, a scratch etc., it could be 100 percent perfect but that would be rare indeed. When an item is purchased online over the phone there is no guarantee that the item will be handled like the new item is when its shipped, boxes get dropped, get crushed, get tossed, get dinged, exposed to moisture, heat, cold etc. You don't know. Most times the system works but when it breaks down its like pulling teeth for the common sense things.
Refunds should always be based on delivery time, meaning when you sign for the item into your care from the shipper the warranty should start. If there is any damage to the shipping box that should be noted and initialed by both you and the delivery driver, and a picture taken if possible of the damage to the box. Visible damage is cause for concern because it shows how rough that box was treated before it arrived in ones eager hands. How your item is packed inside goes along way as well. Some shippers will just toss a small amount of peanuts or other such packing materials that do little to ensure the safety of the item in the pkg.

regards

JAck

[thymaster]

I haven't seen any touch calibration problems with the Aura but the border leaking is a common issue. You have a valid point for a $159 device, you expect to unbox it in good condition. As a customer you shouldn't have to put black tape or cover up a chip on your new gadget for manufacture faulty.

Originally Posted by Bever

I now have my replacement Kobo. Touch works this time, which is a plus. After removal of the screen protector (at home doh!), I did notice some small scratches at the side of the kobo... (Picture One)

Added to that, when turning on the light, I can see one bright spot in the top right corner (Picture two, on the right of pagenumber 3).

I am now contemplating on returning this one as well. OK, one small bright spot in an area where there is no reading to be done is not so bad, I think. And the scratch is at the edge of the Kobo and probably won't be visible when I put my cover around it. But from a €159 device, I would expect it to not have any issues at all. And I have already ordered a €24 cover, so that will become useless as well.

I'm on a fence here...

[thymaster]

That's unfortunate. I wasn't expecting you to give up on this great device that easily. You should try the Kobo HD as there hasn't been many reported problems.

Originally Posted by Bever

I returned my Kobo. Don't want a replacement. I don't think it is acceptable to have this many returns and have absolutely no confidence anymore in this product.