Kobo’s new Elipsa 2E eInk eReader and included upgraded Stylus 2 are both refreshed versions of those launched almost 2 years ago.
These features are better than the original Kobo Elipsa:
- new warm colour ComfortLight Pro setting, this is my preferred reading option as I don’t like blue light.
- faster 2Gz processor
- more grippable textured back
- exterior is made with more than 85% recycled plastic, including 10% ocean-bound plastic
- better stylus that has an eraser tip at the top, charges via USB instead of needing throwaway batteries
You can listen to Audiobooks purchased from the Kobo store on the Elipsa 2E by pairing a bluetooth speaker, earphones or headphones.
Personally I don’t see the point in this feature on an eInk eReader because it’s easier to listen to Audiobooks on my phone since I can listen to ones I’ve paid for on Kobo or Audible as well as free Audiobooks on ABC Listen and apps provided by my local library like Libby (Overdrive) and Borrowbox.
Regarding note taking I didn’t test that function because I don’t actually hand write anything day to day.
Be aware that PDFs with digital rights management or permission limitations won’t allow mark-up or annotation with any Kobo note taking ereader.
On the plus side if you’re a student, academic or other hand written regular note taker you’ll be glad to know your Kobo notes can be synched with on a lot of services including Dropbox, Google Drive (coming soon), on the kobo.com cloud and Evernote.
Should you buy the Elipsa 2E with Stylus 2?
Two years ago you could buy the original Kobo Elipsa eReader, Kobo Stylus and Kobo Elipsa SleepCover in a bundle for $599.95.
Now the Elipsa 2E with Stylus 2 sells for $629.95 and the Sleepcover is an additional $119.95 for a total of just under $750. Thanks inflation.
I tried reading with the Elipsa 2E on the train but it needs two hands to hold properly and it’s not waterproof so you need to store it away if it’s drizzling while you carry it outside.
While reading with the Elipsa 2E at home I placed it on a phone stand which solved needing to hold it, the lack of physical page turn buttons meant all I had to do was tap lightly on the screen edge to page turn.
The Elipsa 2E’s large screen is especially useful for anyone who needs to read larger print because of poor eyesight but still wants to fit lots of words/page on the screen or view documents, Manga stories etc that have lots of graphics/pictures. I can see the Elipsa 2E being popular with Australians in this situation, if they can afford it.
I think the Elipsa 2E could be the ideal eInk eReader for someone who doesn’t care about the cost and wants a big screen at home ebook reading experience with battery life that lasts for weeks before needing a recharge. I have previously reviewed the 8 inch Kobo Sage which promised this but had a disappointingly short battery life.
If your budget is not so big personally I think the sweet spot for best value for money Kobo eInk eReader is the IPX8 waterproof Libra 2 which is currently $279.95. With a 7 inch E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen and ComfortLight PRO it’s the perfect size for reading while commuting to/from work, sitting on the sofa at home, at the beach or pool side.
I wish Kobo would unbundle the Elipsa 2E from the Stylus 2 and offer it for $100 less as that would make it much better value for money for someone who wants to use it for the dedicated purpose of a home use premium eReader with a super long lasting battery.
If I was a frequent digital writing note taker I’d strongly consider getting a 64GB iPad 9th Gen tablet and Apple Pencil instead of a eInk eReader that supports note taking, simply because a tablet like that offers at double or more the storage and so many more apps besides reading and note taking.
