The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A large, versatile reading and note-taking device, but pricey and not as portable as smaller e-readers.What's good
- Large 10.3-inch display
- Included stylus for notes
- OverDrive library access
- Minimum light eye strain
- Eco-friendly design
- Extensive file support
What's bad
- Heavy for long reading
- Stylus charging frustration
- Lagging stylus feedback
- No waterproof feature
- High price tag
- Basic audiobook support only
Design
The Kobo Elipsa 2E sports a light and sturdy build using 85% recycled plastic, but some feel the material choice reduces its premium feel. It includes a broad side bezel providing space to grip but misses out on using this space for extra features like page-turn buttons.
Reviewers from multiple sources mention the asymmetrical design that allows for good stability when reading, yet note the device's significant size and weight make it less portable, ideal for at-home use rather than for travelers on-the-go.
The device's magnetic attachment for the Stylus ensures it won't easily detach, a nifty feature emphasized in reviews. Meanwhile, Text 'comfortable design and build,' highlighted by experts, offers reassuring durability but no waterproofing is present, keeping it away from the pool or tub.
Screen
The 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display ensures you can read comfortably in any light, with 227 PPI offering crisp text. Readers love that "The text remained clear with dark contrast even in direct sunlight," as noted by reviewers.
Adjustable brightness and color temperature features let you tailor the display to your comfort, minimizing blue light exposure for nighttime reading.
Storage
The 32GB storage on the Kobo Elipsa 2E allows you to keep thousands of books within easy reach.
While 32GB is generous for ebooks and PDFs, you'll find audiobooks take up more space, meaning you'll need to manage your storage wisely.
Kobo Elipsa 2E reviews emphasize the absence of a microSD slot, meaning users must rely on the built-in storage capacity or cloud options like Dropbox for increased flexibility.
Battery Life
Equipped with a 2400mAh battery, this eReader can easily reach two weeks of battery life with average daily use such as reading for a few hours each day. One expert mentioned they managed "over two weeks out of it on one charge, with about two hours of reading daily."
Charging is efficiently handled via USB-C and a 45W charger can rejuvenate the battery in a little over an hour. This ensures that minimal time is spent with the device tethered to a power source, so you can dive back into your eBooks quickly.
However, reviews note that the stylus can lose its charge unexpectedly, lacking easy monitoring and often being out of power when needed. It's recommended to plug it in for a bit every few days to avoid any interruptions.
Software & File Format Support
The software on this device allows you to enjoy a wide variety of content through compatibility with formats including EPUB, EPUB3, FlePub, PDF, MOBI, and more.
This wide file support means you aren't tied down to just purchasing from the Kobo Store; you can also bring your own files in formats such as JPEG and GIF, providing flexibility for different reading tastes and needs.
The impressive integration with platforms like OverDrive allows you to borrow books from local libraries, enriching your reading experience without spending extra cash, which many reviewers appreciated.
The Kobo Elipsa 2E's seamless Dropbox and Pocket integration further expand its utility, letting you sync your e-books and articles easily across devices.
"You'll find powerful handwriting recognition," experts reveal, which enhances your ability to take notes directly on e-books, a standout feature among eReaders.
Extras
The Kobo Elipsa 2E includes a Kobo Stylus 2 as part of the package, providing a user-friendly tool for annotating text or creating digital notebooks.
You can write, draw, or sketch directly on your eBooks, a feature not common in many eReaders. The stylus feels intuitive, with reviews pointing out "excellent handwriting-to-text conversion" (Creative Bloq).
An optional SleepCover is available from Kobo for $70. It protects the screen and provides a magnetic slot to help prevent losing the stylus.
The Bottom Line
This device excels for reading, writing, and drawing with its big screen, adjustable lighting, and included stylus, making it a solid choice for an in-depth reading and note-taking experience. Reviewers note, "the Kobo Elipsa 2E is like having a virtual library at your fingertips," thanks to its extensive book and file format support. However, its size and weight can make it less convenient for casual, on-the-go reading. Consider whether you need the advanced note-taking features before you buy.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Jon GIlbert, Android PoliceThe Kobo Elipsa 2E's backlit display lets you read, write, and sketch under practically any conditions. It's the perfect device for reading or writing, although some users could struggle to make the most of this versatile device.
- Kendra Gerken, Make Use OfOverall, the Kobo Elipsa 2E is an excellent tool for those who need to read, write, and gather ideas all in one place—especially for those who may be consistently on the go. These attributes make it an asset to academics or those who wish to utilize the device within an office or school environment.
- Sarah Saril, Business InsiderThe Kobo Elipsa 2E is the best writable e-reader you can buy right now. It beats its main competitor, the Kindle Scribe, by having a sturdier build, more memory, and better annotation features. However, the Elipsa 2E's $400 price tag is high and limits its audience to enthusiasts or those with extra...
- Cianna Garrison, How-To GeekThe Kobo Elipsa 2E is a solid choice for people looking for more than just an eReader. If you like to mark up books for educational purposes and have a library of digital notebooks with convert-to-text on one device, the Kobo Elipsa might be for you.
- Leigh :) Stark, PickrThere are things that we love about Kobo’s Elipsa 2E, namely just how easy it is to use, and how considered it is. Kobo has definitely been paying attention to Apple with this tablet, and has managed to one-up even Kindle, not only giving you a better stylus, but one that magnetically attaches to th...
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