Is the Sage Discontinued?

[Aleron Ives]

You aren't alone in your frustration. A lot of people are disappointed that Kobo isn't releasing a Libra BW or a Sage 2/Forma 2.

[cgsmom]

Originally Posted by enuddleyarbl

I think these corporations have been drinking their own Kool-Aid for too long. They seem to think we can't see through obvious corporate non-answer double-speak.

The problem is that even though I told them I'm going to have to look elsewhere for my e-reader hardware, there doesn't appear to be a new 8" non-color e-reader anywhere. AFAIK, the last 8" e-reader any company at all introduced was something like 2 years ago. Of the existing old-tyme 8-ish-inch stuff, the PocketBook InkPad 4 is probably the best. But, it was introduced over 3 years ago and, from what I can see, has about half the performance of the Kobo Sage (which is something like 5 years old now).

I've even considered tablets. But, it seems like only Apple makes decent tablets and I really don't want to join their walled garden (let alone if something like their Minis work with Calibre).

I know that this is a very unpopular suggestion here, but the Nook Glowlight 4+ is still available. It is 7.8 inch and not color. I have one and I know the software is lacking, but you can sideload epubs. I haven’t used mine for a while because my husband took it over. I think it has a very good screen and page turn buttons.

[Aleron Ives]

If the stock software isn't up to your standards, it appears that you can also use KOReader. Here's a fork that's meant specifically for the GL4P, with some extra features:

https://github.com/backcountrymounta...r-nook-gl4plus

[JSWolf]

The way I see it, these companies don't understand what it is the customers actually want. What we want are non-color Readers with fast processors, hefty battery, and CVarta 1399 screen.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by cgsmom

I know that this is a very unpopular suggestion here, but the Nook Glowlight 4+ is still available. It is 7.8 inch and not color. I have one and I know the software is lacking, but you can sideload epubs. I haven’t used mine for a while because my husband took it over. I think it has a very good screen and page turn buttons.

The software is not only lacking, it's downright disgustingly bad.

[cgsmom]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The software is not only lacking, it's downright disgustingly bad.

I knew you would jump in to disparage the Nook, even though you haven't used the Glowlight 4 or 4+.

The software is NOT disgustingly bad in my opinion. It is a little slower at opening a book than Kindle or Kobo and does not have all the customization features of Kindle or Kobo. However, if all you want to do is read, it works just fine.

I have seen several people have said that you can install KOReader without having to jailbreak the device. I have not tried it. It is still a 7.8 inch screen reader for under $200 and I think that is worth something.

[Ummagumma]

I think Kobo should release a new 8" e-reader, or even an 8.5" or 9" one as a maximum size in this category. It would be a must-buy for me.
The Sage has been very versatile, both for traveling and for reading in bed. I can't go back to a 6" or 7" device.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Ummagumma

I think Kobo should release a new 8" e-reader, or even an 8.5" or 9" one as a maximum size in this category. It would be a must-buy for me.
The Sage has been very versatile, both for traveling and for reading in bed. I can't go back to a 6" or 7" device.

Kobo should release a new 7", 8", and 10.3". I've never read of anyone wanting 8.5" or 9" before now. Do you think 8.5" or 9" would sell?

[Ummagumma]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Kobo should release a new 7", 8", and 10.3". I've never read of anyone wanting 8.5" or 9" before now. Do you think 8.5" or 9" would sell?

I think 9" would be the ideal size, but I'm not sure if they would sell well. I also don't think they exist on the market. In my case, and thinking about a device for use both at home and on public transport, I wouldn't buy anything smaller than 8" or larger than 9". I think I'll have to settle for 8".

[Apollyon202]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Kobo should release a new 7", 8", and 10.3". I've never read of anyone wanting 8.5" or 9" before now. Do you think 8.5" or 9" would sell?

That's also a question, whether these sizes of E Ink screens even exist. Because there are several types of screens for different purposes and sizes, but BW Carta 1300 screens for ereaders don't exist in every size. If we can believe E Ink's website, that is.

One thing though, Xteink's small ~4 inch displays aren't listed here. I'd guess those devices also use E Ink displays. So who knows. Smaller ereaders are more popular because they're more affordable, so probably Kobo gives them more priority.

[khaoohs]

To add in my 0.02c to the discussion if anyone from Kobo is reading this. I purchased a Libra 2 7" BW back in 2023, and returned it the day it arrived. It was too small, felt like a toy in my hand. Ordered the Kobo Sage 8" that same day and have been reading from it practically every day since.

Goes a week+ on a single charge, light enough to hold for hours, hold a ton of books (maybe not literally).

I sync with calibre-web and it's been an amazing experience I'd recommend to anyone.

With the way all compute components has effectively tripled in price since last year, I have doubts we'll be seeing anything nice coming out any time soon at a reasonable price.

If/when the sage is available again, I'd probably buy another just as a backup device in case anything happens to my current. I'm not interested in a small form factor color device.

The last tablet i used was the Pixel C with it's almost 3:2 form factor, it was perfect for reading manga/comics at dual screen.

[talaivan]

I just managed to get 2 Kobo Formas, one from China one from the UK, both 32 gb. They are significantly (40 grams) lighter than the sage and are easier to hold because of the weight distribution. No audio or bluetooth, but I don't need those. I am very pleased with these Formas and wish Kobo would bring out a new updated model with the same weight and weight distribution.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Apollyon202

That's also a question, whether these sizes of E Ink screens even exist. Because there are several types of screens for different purposes and sizes, but BW Carta 1300 screens for ereaders don't exist in every size. If we can believe E Ink's website, that is.

One thing though, Xteink's small ~4 inch displays aren't listed here. I'd guess those devices also use E Ink displays. So who knows. Smaller ereaders are more popular because they're more affordable, so probably Kobo gives them more priority.

The smaller Realer like the Xteink's 4.3" Reader is popular because it's very portable and good for out and about reading.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by talaivan

I just managed to get 2 Kobo Formas, one from China one from the UK, both 32 gb. They are significantly (40 grams) lighter than the sage and are easier to hold because of the weight distribution. No audio or bluetooth, but I don't need those. I am very pleased with these Formas and wish Kobo would bring out a new updated model with the same weight and weight distribution.

But how are the batteries? The Forma is not easy to open and swap the battery. That's why I would not buy one. I might know someone who maybe could open it to get at the battery, but if it goes wrong, goodbye Forma.

[talaivan]

yes, you’re right. The Forma of battery is almost impossible to update. I have an older forma and it’s battery is shot. Nothing seems to fix it except replacing the battery. I asked an online service but they said they could not find the battery and couldn’t help me. Fortunately the two formas I just acquired are working well. Hoping by the time they stop working there will be a new 8” Kobo to replace them — something light like the Forma, not the Sage.