This alternative to Kindle Scribe offers a great e-ink tablet for reading and writing.
This alternative to Kindle Scribe offers a great e-ink tablet for reading and writing.
Kobo Elipsa 2E: A Fantastic E-Ink Tablet for Note-Taking Freedom
I couldn’t help but be impressed with the Elipsa 2E the moment I laid my eyes on it. This e-ink tablet from Kobo, owned by Rakuten, is a stellar alternative to other stylus-compatible tablets like the Kindle Scribe and reMarkable 2. Not only does it offer an excellent note-taking experience, but it also boasts platform-neutral features such as the ability to read e-books, sync notes with Dropbox and Google Drive, and access saved articles in Pocket.
However, there is one drawback that may disappoint regular Amazon users like myself – the Elipsa 2E does not support Kindle books. As someone with a vast digital library on my Amazon Prime account, this limitation is a real pain point for me. Nevertheless, for those seeking a no-frills e-ink tablet with ample note-taking freedom, document annotation, and a stylus (complete with an eraser) in the box, the Elipsa 2E is an excellent choice.
When it comes to design, the Elipsa 2E keeps it simple, and that’s not a bad thing at all. Kobo uses recycled ocean-bound plastics and magnesium alloy for its construction, with a rubberized back for enhanced grip. I particularly appreciate the thick bezel on the right side, as it not only improves grip but also serves as a comfortable resting place for your thumb while reading or writing.
Speaking of reading and writing, you’ll be doing both on the Elipsa 2E’s generous 10.3-inch e-ink display. With a resolution of 1872 x 1404 and a density of 227 pixels per inch (PPI), the screen offers sharp and pleasant visuals. It is responsive, fluid, and looks great for general use, whether you’re enjoying your favorite novel or catching up on articles from the web. The display also features an automatic backlight when the surroundings are dim and adjustable color temperature to reduce blue light intake at night.
Powering on the device introduces you to Kobo’s custom e-reader experience, which is just as user-friendly as Amazon’s Kindle interface. However, the Elipsa 2E sets itself apart by offering features tailored to adapt to any reading or writing habits. It integrates seamlessly with Pocket, allowing you to save articles and blogs from the web and read them distraction-free on the e-ink screen. Additionally, it supports Dropbox and Google Drive, enabling you to save various file types and access them directly on the device. These cloud storage options also serve as convenient locations to sync your digital notebooks.
Kobo takes the integrations even further by supporting Readwise, a service that delivers a weekly list of your best highlights from e-books across various platforms. This feature can be tied in with popular note-taking apps like Notion and Evernote, providing a centralized place to store all your insights and thoughts.
Of course, the core experience of the Elipsa 2E lies in writing, which is why Kobo includes a stylus in the box. The device offers a range of tools for jotting down notes, annotating documents, and highlighting favorite phrases in books. It even has a dedicated section for notebooks, which can be organized with folders to maintain organization and ease of use. What’s impressive is that the Elipsa 2E can convert your handwritten manuscripts into text, and quite accurately too. Even with my barely legible handwriting, the device was able to decipher its nuances.
The Elipsa 2E comes with intuitive gestures for editing text and even includes an eraser, a feature lacking in the Kindle Scribe’s pen. With various page layouts available, users can customize their note-taking experience to suit their needs, making the Elipsa 2E a reliable everyday companion.
Writing on the device feels remarkably natural. While some may argue that it’s not as responsive as the Kindle Scribe, I found the writing experience on the Elipsa 2E to be more than satisfactory. The display kept up well with my speedy note-taking, and the textured finish on the glass provided a pen-to-paper feel.
Battery life is another highlight, as should be expected from an e-ink device. With a full charge, the Elipsa 2E can go for at least two to three weeks without needing to be plugged in, providing the convenience of lasting power.
So, is the Elipsa 2E worth its $399 price tag? If you prioritize a top-notch e-ink writing experience and don’t mind the lack of support for Amazon’s Kindle library, then yes, it definitely is. For those starting out with e-books and without an extensive library, the Elipsa 2E is an outstanding choice. Although the price may seem steep for a device mostly made of plastic, its capabilities and versatility cannot be denied. However, it’s essential to be aware of the device’s limitations and be prepared to take full advantage of its note-taking capabilities.
