The three products work in tandem so brilliantly that it wouldn’t have made sense to not package them together. Unlike Kobo’s other e-readers, the Elipsa comes packaged with all its available add-ons: the SleepCover (a long-time Kobo fav) and the brand-new Kobo Stylus. Using it is very much like holding a hardcover, whereas Kobo’s other e-readers are closer to a paperback. The Elipsa weighs in at 383 grams (nearly a pound!) but never feels unbalanced.

Kobo’s experience with crafting devices made specifically for reading goes a long way, here. I didn’t expect to love the oversized feel of the Elipsa, but in my testing I never found it to be cumbersome, even when taking it with me for on-the-go reading. It sends Kobo’s already-impressive lineup soaring. Even with a few bugs here and there, the Elipsa is a marvelous e-reader and note-taking device, and one that’s relatively unmatched right now. In breaking out of its long-standing model - the same one Amazon has used forever with the Kindle - Kobo really separates itself from the pack of same-minded e-reader products available on the market in 2021. Kobo’s no longer just an e-reader - it’s a do-it-all note-taking device. It’s an extremely responsive peripheral that makes note-taking on the Elipsa effortless and - dare I say it - fun. The Stylus is the real game-changer here. Kobo’s Elipsa comes bundled as a “pack” with the brand new Kobo Stylus and a larger version of the SleepCover sold with its other e-readers. The Elipsa is a marvelous e-reader and note-taking device. It’s also $399, which makes it Kobo’s most expensive offering. It’s a definite departure from the company’s modus operandi, which has for years focused on a casual reading experience with some perks (like highlighting). Unlike Kobo’s other flagship e-readers, the Elipsa is not for everyone.

The Elipsa experience is very much telegraphed by the device’s bulk. This isn’t a take it to the park for some casual reading e-reader it’s a sit at your desk and get shit done e-reader. With its 10.3-inch screen, the Elipsa feels more like holding an iPad than a new book.

The first thing I noticed upon opening up Kobo’s new Elipsa e-reader is that it’s big.

Dropbook ereader