When it comes to most technologies, you have lots of options to choose from. But, in the case of some like eReaders, there are just a couple of companies that dominate. The note-taking eReader from Kobo, Elipsa 2E, has been introduced to take the place of Kindle Scribe.
Design
By far the biggest eReader that Kobo has introduced, the Elipsa 2E needs the extra display area for notetaking. You cannot use it with one hand, given that it is a 10.3 inch screen. It boasts the same design language as the previous models, as it has a plastic body with an E Ink display. There is a unique textured coating on the device’s rear, which makes it easy to grip and also looks good. However, as in the case of other eReaders, this one is available in black only.
With the Elipsa 2E, Kobo has also attempted to be more environment-friendly. According to the company, 85% of the device’s exterior is made of recycled plastic, which includes the 10% that would have eventually made it into the ocean. The eReader is also light and thin because Kobo decided not to use glass or aluminum. It weighs 390g and measures 7.5mm.
Despite being made of plastic, the Elipsa 2E still manages to feel premium and slick and is also quite durable. It also has a slot dedicated for the Kobo Stylus 2. The bottom-right is where the USB-C charging port can be found, just below the power button. The design is very minimalist, as there is just the Kobo logo on the back and front.
Display
As mentioned above, the Elipsa 2E has a 10-inch display, the largest you will find on an eReader. It has a 1404×1872 pixel resolution and an E Ink Carta 1200 panel. The display quality is outstanding, as everything seems crisp and clear and there is a dynamic contrast between dark and light colors. There are benefits of the matte finish as well.
First off, you do not have to worry about fingerprints building up. In addition, using the Elipsa 2E in bright environments is immensely easy. This is possible through an auto brightness feature.
Reading experience
The interface of the Elipsa 2E is similar to its other offerings and not very different from the Kindle. The big screen might not be appealing if you prefer to read while lying down, but it does show you more content and you can also turn the text size without changing the page. It is designed to be used in portrait mode like an actual book, but also works great in landscape mode. You will not see any formatting issues and it is comfortable to hold.
Writing experience
The pen support is the killer feature of the Elipsa 2E, as it comes with the Kobo Stylus 2 and it is great for annotating and writing. The design is similar to other digital pens, which makes it easy to hold and use. It also charges via USB-C, but you do not need to worry about battery life. It can last for months before you will have to plug in the stylus. It also pairs seamlessly with the device.
The Verdict
The fast and responsive performance of the Elipsa 2E, combined with the excellent battery life, make it an excellent eReader, not just for reading, but also for taking notes.