Kobo Elipsa 2E: problems, parts and running costs
Checked: 2026-10-25
Summary
The Kobo Elipsa 2E is a 10.3-inch E Ink note-taking eReader sold with a bundled Kobo Stylus 2 at a $399.99 list price. Owners and reviewers flag a fragile E Ink screen that standard warranty excludes, plus software bugs such as ghost highlights, Bluetooth audio lag and unresponsive touch. Running costs are low and optional, so the device is a good buy for annotators when discounted toward $350, and a weaker value at full price against the Kindle Scribe.
Common problems and fixes
- Fragile E Ink screen — an owner reported screen breakage after less than a month of normal bag transport; Kobo support attributed it to physical damage, initially declined coverage, then offered a one-time replacement after escalation. A Reddit thread raises the same concern. Kobo’s standard warranty excludes physical and screen damage. [9][10]
- OS and software bugs — ghost highlights that persist after “Undo Highlight”, Bluetooth audio lag, unresponsive touch hitboxes needing 2-3 taps, and occasional lag. [4][6][7]
- Page turns while annotating — resting the side of the hand on the screen while writing can flip pages. [7]
- Lower 227 PPI panel — the 227 PPI screen is below the 300 PPI Kindle Scribe; speech bubbles in comics and manga can look slightly fuzzy by comparison. [6]
- SleepCover sold separately — the cover that shipped with the original Elipsa is now a separate purchase at about $69.99. [2][4][5]
Parts and consumables
- Kobo Stylus 2 replacement tips — pack of 10 for $29.99 from the Kobo store; 2 spare tips ship in the box. [1]
- SleepCover — sold separately at about $69.99 from Kobo; the original Elipsa included one. [5]
- No user-replaceable repair parts — Kobo’s self-repair program covers newer models only, not the Elipsa 2E; only an eRecycling or disposal program is referenced. [11]
Yearly running cost
No published annual figure. Optional costs are a SleepCover at about $69.99 as a one-time purchase, a pack of 10 stylus tips at $29.99, and an optional Kobo Plus subscription reported at $7.99 per month for eBooks or audiobooks and $9.99 per month combined by one set of sources, or $9.99 for either and $12.99 combined by another. eBooks can be sideloaded over USB-C at no cost. [1][5][7][8]
When it is a good buy
- $399.99 list price — a specialist device for readers who want a large screen plus handwriting and annotation; overkill for reading-only buyers. [7]
- Kindle Scribe at a reported $339-$390 with comparable storage — the Elipsa 2E offers more writing tools, broader file support and direct on-page eBook annotation, but lower 227 PPI, more screen flash and a less premium feel. [2][5][6][8]
- reMarkable 2 at $399 plus a separate pen — the Elipsa 2E is the better eReader with front light, store and OverDrive, but a weaker pure writing feel. [5][8]
- Value improves if discounted toward $350; at full price it competes closely with the Kindle Scribe and reMarkable Paper Pure. [5][7][8]