Summary
The Kobo Elipsa 2E is Rakuten’s answer to an eReader and a smart notebook.
A SleepCover is available for an additional cost to protect the screen and automatically turn off when not needed.
It is important to note that a charging adapter is not included and will need to be purchased separately.
When fitted to the optional SleepCover accessory, you’ll also find a Kobo Stylus 2 magnetic attachment point.
The rig itself measures 193 x 227 x 7.5mm (7.60 x 8.94 x 0.30 inches).
This design also allows for ease when writing on the gadget with the cover attached.
The Kobo Elipsa 2E is an eReader with a large, 10.3-inch display with features that make it perfect for taking notes. It also comes with an excellent stylus that allows you to write, draw, and annotate PDFs and ebooks.
These features add up to a unit that is much easier on eye strain than traditional screens.
It is both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, and the 2GHz CPU allows for minimal delay in page turning.
The lasso tool allows users to select text with the stylus, adding ease for cutting and copying text.
Kobo’s TypeGenius feature allows content to be displayed in 12 fonts and more than 50 font styles.
Local libraries are consistently an excellent resource for accessible literary content.
Additionally, Kobo audiobooks are only available in select regions.
It was also quicker when turning pages, or changing from one publication to another.
Additionally, the machine is designed very intuitively, which lends itself to quick adoption by users.
It’s well organized and designed in a way most are accustomed to.
This led to a more pleasant experience than using a traditional glass screen tablet and smart stylus.
All of these options, once customized to the user’s preferences, allow for a more tailored experience.
I was easily able to customize the text to my preference.
For those who enjoy annotating traditional books, the Kobo Elipsa 2E has a huge advantage over other eReaders.
Additionally, they can search for their annotations at any time in the future.
Within two weeks, I didn’t need to recharge the stylus at all.
So you could’t charge both simultaneously unless you purchase another cable.
The stylus occasionally experienced some latency and errors, likely due to poor palm rejection.
Resting my arm on the screen of the gear was sometimes registered as writing.
Additionally, the stylus isn’t pressure sensitive.
To change line thickness, you better adjust the setting on-screen.
The highlight button is situated in a somewhat inconvenient location on the side of the stylus.
The large screen size is an asset when using the unit as a note-taking or studying tool.
For this reason, I did not find it comfortable to read in an inclined position.
Additionally, unlike other eReaders on the market, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is not waterproof.
Is the Kobo Elipsa 2E the Right Choice for You?
I believe this gear is headed in the right direction.
The hardware is well-designed, it feels like a quality product, and certainly serves multiple purposes for consumers.
However, for the price point, I had hoped for a more seamless and error-free operation.
With future updates, I’m sure the Kobo Elipsa 2E will become an excellent tool.
