Aura HD Looking to buy my first e-ink e-reader, considering a refurb Aura HD

[robko]

Originally Posted by rashkae

Since he specifically mentioned the 7" Screen, I think the OP was referring to the venerable Aura HD, and not the newer GloHD

Oh I know, and going from KA1 back to 6.8" HD seems so small. I was meaning that going back even further to a 6" would seem really small.

Originally Posted by rashkae

Second, every single GloHD display model I've seen anywhere, and the one I bought for myself, all developed an identical screen defect that looks like straight vertical and horizontal lines of dead pixels in a square pattern. I realize that's anecdotal, but I'm going to have to see some *real* statistics before i believe the screens in that model did not have a severe design flaw that left them easily damaged that way.

Are you sure you're talking about the Glo HD? I don't recall reading issues with the screen on it. The original Aura 6" capacitive screen had weird pattern issues, but I don't recall that with the 6" Glo HD.

Originally Posted by sk2003

I was thinking of using a protector to reduce glare under sunlight (if that's even something worth doing). And to prevent dust.

Really, I doubt a protector is going to reduce glare much for you. I would definitely recommend trying without before you shell out for a protector. IIRC people have had issues with interference from a screen protector and ended up taking it off and throwing it away because it messed with the IR sensors.

[PeterT]

Aura HD $65 in GTA http://www.kijiji.ca/v-other/city-of...new/1233118043

[Pajamaman]

I had an aura hd and sold it. it was okay. but I found the font to ne quite pale which bugged me. I think this is because of the light layer on the pearl screen. the h2o uses a carta screen which makes the font darker. personally I would get a glo or a toich unless yoire reading comics. 6 inches is fine for fiction. check your pm.

[sk2003]

Originally Posted by PeterT

Aura HD $65 in GTA http://www.kijiji.ca/v-other/city-of...new/1233118043

Yeah, that's actually the Aura, not the Aura HD. It's Aura comma HD. I emailed the seller about it and they still haven't gotten back to me.

Originally Posted by Pajamaman

I had an aura hd and sold it. it was okay. but I found the font to ne quite pale which bugged me. I think this is because of the light layer on the pearl screen. the h2o uses a carta screen which makes the font darker. personally I would get a glo or a toich unless yoire reading comics. 6 inches is fine for fiction. check your pm.

I thought you could change the font boldness in the settings? I saw Goodereader's review of it on Youtube and they managed to make the font as bold as the Paperwhite's, and it looked good. But I agree, the screen is rather pale and bluish, especially at max brightness.

Thanks for the PM! I wish I could find an e-reader with a Carta screen and a backlight for $100ish, but it looks like that's not gonna be possible unless I manage to nab a used H2O.

[ottdmk]

Don't know much about this place, but it might be worth investigating:

http://www.liquidationmania.com/Brow...Ereader_Tablet

[graycyn]

FWIW, my Kobo Aura HD is 3 years old and still going strong. It's a very nice reader! Until I got the KA1, it went everywhere with me, in a cover of course! So if you take the plunge, I think you'll be happy. I wouldn't bother with a screen protector, just use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the screen.

Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk

[sk2003]

Originally Posted by ottdmk

Don't know much about this place, but it might be worth investigating:

http://www.liquidationmania.com/Brow...Ereader_Tablet

That was the first place I checked when I start my search. I don't think it's worth it because getting one from the auctions is gonna be difficult, and their fixed prices are atrocious, especially given that you're taxed on the item. I don't want to pay around $120 or more for a refurbished e-reader with just 14-30 days of warranty, when I could get a refurb Aura HD straight from Kobo with one year of warranty for the same price. Even the normal Aura and the first gen Touch is overpriced there!

Originally Posted by graycyn

FWIW, my Kobo Aura HD is 3 years old and still going strong. It's a very nice reader! Until I got the KA1, it went everywhere with me, in a cover of course! So if you take the plunge, I think you'll be happy. I wouldn't bother with a screen protector, just use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the screen.

Sent from my Pixel C using Tapatalk

That's great to know! Thanks for the info. I'm feeling reassured now, after seeing so many threads about Aura HD problems here.

[soulfuldog]

I don't own an Aura HD but I'll chime in with some thoughts mostly to agree with a few bits and pieces that people have already said. :-)

You won't need a screen protector of any kind, there's no glare and the only dust that gathers on e-readers is on the shiny plastic bezel that surrounds the screen! Definitely get a case though, the fragile glass substrate beneath the screen is the issue with ereaders and their fragility. Treat them carefully, and be aware that any flexing/twisting forces on the ereader, as well as anything leaning on the screen, are what causes them to break, not necessarily dropping them.

Unless you want to be able to carry your entire library with you all the time and will use it to read primarily manga/comics, then the SD slot isn't a must, since you can fit hundreds of standard books on them without needing additional storage.

The value of the Aura HD is set by the market and I think between $60-90 for a used Aura HD, and maybe around $100 for a refurbished model sold with warranty is the kind of price you should hope for. I think the Aura HD in particular is a model that holds its value better than most, as it still has its attractions for some (great screen and the SD card slot).

You might have to be patient to snap one up for a really bargain price. The fact is, there doesn't appear to be that many available used (not here in the UK anyway), although Canada seems like the ideal place to be able to find one, even if you think they are over-priced.

[sk2003]

Hey guys! Thanks to rashkae, who brought up a very logical and excellent point about not paying a lot of money for an old Kobo, I managed to nab a lightly used H2O that he linked me to! Thank you so much, rashkae!!

The H2O is in great shape, and I'm going to charge it for four hours before using it. When I set it up, it upgraded to 3.19.5761 (is that a good or bad firmware?). Man, this thing is surprisingly snappy and the screen is absolutely amazingly crisp.

I wanted my family members to try it but they're not interested. :S They prefer physical books or tablets.

Thanks again, rashkae, and everyone in this thread!