Kobo Elipsa 2E guide

FOR ME, THERE is absolutely nothing that beats putting real pen to real paper. There's also nothing that beats folding a paperback book, smelling the pages—and if you're Team Jess from Gilmore Girls, maybe also writing in the margins. But sometimes, and I say this as someone who held out on using an e-reader until it became my job, digital comes in handy.

It's nice to bring a single lightweight device to the beach or on the train—no need to pack several different books or plan ahead what you want to read. More e-readers are adding the ability to jot down notes, too, which makes them even more alluring. I can take notes and organize them digitally without having to rip out and waste paper. This second-generation Kobo Elipsa 2E does all of that with a large screen and an included stylus. The downside? It's pricier than much of the competition.

Kobo Elipsa 2E review: A note-worthy successor

BY

VERITY BURNS

UPDATED MAY 13, 2023

How does Kobo's second-generation Elipsa E Ink tablet hold up against the Amazon Kindle Scribe? Here is our full review.

It's been almost two years since the original Kobo Elipsa was released, beating Amazon's Kindle Scribe to the E Ink tablet chase by some 18 months. Now its major rival has its stake in the game though, and with the introduction of the Remarkable 2 to boot, the company has decided it's time for an upgrade on its biggest ereader, to ensure its staying competitive.

This time round, it offers a more eco-friendly design, a faster processer, new upgraded note-taking experience and a much-improved stylus. But does it hold its own in this growing marketplace? Here's our full review.

Kobo Elipsa 2E

There's plenty to love in the Kobo Elipsa 2E. It might not offer the very best writing experience nor the most premium design, but it offers a greater selection of writing tools, better format support and useful features like Dropbox and OverDrive integration. If you aren't already in the Amazon ecosystem, this is a fantastic alternative.

Kobo Elipsa 2E Review

A big, library-friendly ebook reader with an adjustable front light

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Kobo Elipsa 2E adds adjustable color temperature to its front light while keeping the same impressive OverDrive library integration, excellent file support, and stylus-based, note-taking features of its predecessor.

The new Kobo Elipsa 2E ($399.99) has the same 10.3-inch E Ink Carta screen as its predecessor, but its front light now supports adjustable color temperature—an essential upgrade for reading comfortably in all lighting conditions. Otherwise, it boosts the processor slightly, carries over the same allotment of storage, and is manufactured from recycled materials. Like the first Elipsa, it's a light and well-made tablet with a responsive stylus, built-in support for the OverDrive library borrowing system, and wide file compatibility. The Amazon Kindle Scribe ($339.99) is still the only large-screen e-reader for dedicated Amazon users with large Kindle collections, but the Elipsa 2E is the best bet for anyone who wants to read books and comics from other sources as well as take notes, earning it our Editors' Choice award.

Review: Kobo Elipsa 2E

The e-reader is expensive, but it has a big plus over Amazon’s Kindle Scribe.