Rakuten Kobo Needs to Stop Producing the Elipsa E-Reader Device
E-Note Wars: The Case of Kobo's Elipsa
Let's dive into Kobo's latest offering - the Elipsa. This hybrid e-reader and digital notebook stands out with its unique ability to cater to both reading enthusiasts and note-takers. Offering an experience that combines reading, sketching, annotating, and writing directly on the device, the Elipsa is an intriguing choice for students, professionals, and avid annotators.
With a large, glare-free screen, a smooth-gliding pen on a matte, paper-like surface, and adjustable ComfortLight PRO, reading on the Elipsa is as comfortable as it gets. Users can write directly on e-books and PDFs, create and organize notebooks, and easily export their notes via cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
The Elipsa is not a front-runner in terms of freehand drawing systems or advanced features, but it can certainly tackle complex math equations. It's important to note that the Remarkable, in contrast, boasts the best drawing experience in the e-notebook market, and its latest model boasts a full-color Gallery 3 e-paper display. The Elipsa sports a lower-resolution black and white display.
While Kobo holds the number two spot globally for e-book reading and retailing, the price tag of the Elipsa may be a stumbling block. Starting at $400, it's a steep step up from the cost of their entry-level e-readers. In fact, many bookstores and big-box retailers have stopped selling the Elipsa due to a lack of demand.
So, is it time for Kobo to quit the e-notebook game? Let's break it down. The average Kobo customer typically spends under $100 for an e-reader or a few hundred for a color screen model. These customers are primarily book readers or audiobook listeners who might pick up a Kobo device on a whim when shopping at a local bookstore. Investing in an Elipsa, however, is a more significant commitment.
Kobo now finds itself in a tough spot as it competes with powerhouses like Amazon (and their Kindle Scribe) and up-and-comers like Remarkable, Supernote, and Onyx Boox. To stay competitive, these companies constantly refine their products and introduce new features via firmware updates. If Kobo wants to stay in the game, it needs to invest similar resources into the Elipsa, and it's unclear if they're ready for that commitment.
It seems Kobo may be mistakenly courting a niche market that doesn't align well with their core customer base. If sales don't pick up, it might be time for Kobo to reconsider the Elipsa project and refocus their efforts solely on e-book readers.
--
Michael Kozlowski
michael@our platform
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at our platform, having written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. His thought-provoking articles have been picked up by the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post, and the New York Times, among others. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Michael is a renowned expert in the e-reader industry.
As Kobo faces stiff competition from devices like Amazon's Kindle Scribe and other e-note brands with their continuous firmware updates, it's pivotal for Kobo to consider the Elipsa's niche market. In addition, with the increased preference for smart-home-devices among gadget enthusiasts and technology users, it's crucial for Kobo to adapt and provide similar advances in their e-readers, such as the Elipsa, to stay relevant in the market.
