Kobo Elipsa 2E Review
The Kobo Elipsa 2E is the open-ecosystem answer to the Kindle Scribe: a big 10.3 inch e-reader with a bundled pen, built for people who want to read library books and take handwritten notes without signing up to Amazon. It reads EPUB, borrows from Libby and even folds recycled plastic into its build. It is not the best pure writer or the sharpest reader, but as a do-both device for Kobo fans, it makes a lot of sense.
Specifications
| Screen | 10.3" |
|---|---|
| PPI | 227 |
| Colour | No |
| Frontlight | Yes |
| Waterproof | No |
| Stylus | Yes |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Weight | 390 g |
| Price | $399 |
Verdict
The Kobo Elipsa 2E is the natural pick for anyone who wants a large read-and-write e-ink device but refuses to be locked into Amazon. It reads library books and EPUB freely, takes competent notes, and bundles the pen. It gives up some screen sharpness and the last word in writing feel, but as an open-ecosystem alternative to the Kindle Scribe, it is exactly what a lot of Kobo readers have been waiting for.
What we like
- Large 10.3 inch screen for reading and note-taking
- Bundled stylus with capable note and PDF markup software
- Native EPUB and excellent Libby/OverDrive library support
- Open alternative to the Kindle Scribe
Worth noting
- Lower screen resolution than Kobo's small readers
- Not waterproof
- Writing feel trails reMarkable and Supernote
- Mono only, no colour
Reading and Writing on a Big Screen
The 10.3 inch screen is roomy and comfortable for large-format books, textbooks and PDFs, and the bundled stylus writes with decent latency and feel. Kobo's note software handles handwriting, has good PDF markup and can convert handwriting to text. It is more capable than the Kindle Scribe's notebooks were at launch, if not quite at reMarkable or Boox level.
The screen resolution is a step below the 300 ppi of Kobo's small readers, so text is slightly less crisp than a Clara or Libra. On a device this size, at normal reading distance, most people will not mind.
The Kobo Advantage
This is where the Elipsa earns its place. It reads EPUB natively, borrows library books through OverDrive and Libby in supported regions, and takes your own files without a conversion dance. For a large reading-and-writing device, that openness is a real edge over the Kindle Scribe's walled garden.
It is not waterproof, and the bundled stylus, while convenient, is not as refined as a reMarkable Marker.
Price and Who It Is For
At around 399 USD, pen included, it sits just above the Kindle Scribe. Buy it if you want one big device to read library books and take notes, and you value open formats and Kobo's ecosystem.
Look at the Kindle Scribe if you are committed to Amazon, at a reMarkable Paper Pro if writing feel is the priority, or a Boox Note Air 4C if you want colour and Android apps too.
Frequently asked
Does the Kobo Elipsa 2E come with a pen?
Yes, a stylus is included in the box, so there is nothing extra to buy to start taking notes and marking up PDFs.
Can it borrow library books?
Yes. OverDrive and Libby borrowing is built into the interface in supported regions, and it reads EPUB natively, which is its main advantage over the Kindle Scribe.
Elipsa 2E or Kindle Scribe?
Choose the Elipsa for open formats and easy library borrowing. Choose the Scribe if you are in the Amazon ecosystem and want a slightly sharper reading experience.
Is it good for handwriting?
It is competent, with handwriting-to-text and PDF markup, but a dedicated reMarkable or Supernote has a better pen feel and deeper note software if writing is your main use.