3.0 out of 5 stars Great for novels, but a failure for research oriented readers.

A.C. · November 26, 2024

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } I have had no less than four Kindles that: "froze up" completely, or had the touch screen start "working" on its own, or stopped being able to sideload my books, or have a battery that only lasts an hour. So, I am swearing off Kindle's to see how long a KOBO lasts and how well it works.So far, so good. It is solidly built and comfortable to hold. The screen is crisp and clear, and I love the natural light. I like the side of the screen swipe for brightness, and for the most part the software is easy to find and to use. The battery charges quickly and lasts longer than the Kindle. I love not having the adverts and being able to read numerous formats.But, there are a few problems: 1) The thing is painfully slow, this is especially noticeable doing annotations, but also in changing fonts, margins and spacing; 2) I do a lot of annotations and the slowness and lack of response of the touch screen makes it difficult to get it right. I end up redoing it half the time, sometimes more than once; 3) Exporting the annotations they end up with all the code embedded, so, in able to really use them I have to go through a number of steps to delete the code; 4) the illustrations are embedded, but I can't enlarge them. This can be a game changer if one needs to read charts or see detail. Maybe there is a workaround, I don't know.My conclusion is that it would be about 5 stars if one is reading bestsellers and novels, but only 2 stars if one is doing research and needs annotations and illustrations. Average: 3 stars.

4.0 out of 5 stars Works as expected but wish it had a larger screen

D.S. · February 2, 2025

Wish I would have purchased the larger screen, a replacement for an older kobo lite that seemed to have a larger screen

1.0 out of 5 stars Ideal for shimming damaged coffee table legs.

J.P. · May 23, 2025

It works - sort of - sometimes.Try opening a book 'foo fast' after starting? Crash.Skip through the last few pages so it shows up as complete? Crash.These are if the system doesn't lock up, and you try everything but the Konami Code on the button to get it to reset.Sleep sometimes works (but still drains battery); if it powers off while in Sleep Mode, you'll lose your place in what you're reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars USBC capable, no subscription required to keep your books... unlike others

N.l. · April 21, 2025

The battery last forever, it's portable and waterproof which is nice... the indented screen helps with glare and I can read it comfortably in direct sunlight... plus, kobo still allows for direct download from a computer via usbc cable.Moreover, I am sold on Kobo vs other ereaders because I can still own my books and not lose access to them if I stop paying a monthly subscription.I also really like the build in dictionary and variable font options vs direct competitors...I'm happy with the product and the price, and I'd buy it over the competitor brands at this point even if it were more expensive having freedom to download outside of the Kobo environment and to keep my books for being off grid is invaluable to me.