As Kindle 3 details trickled out last night, what most interested me was not the refreshed e-reader, but Amazon’s new Kindle cover with integrated light.
The “Kindle Lighted Leather Cover” is similar in appearance to previous Amazon covers, but obviously the retractable LED lighting sets it apart. Unlike every other light accessory currently on the market, that either unbalances the unit with regular batteries or requires the additional expense of those watch-type batteries when the juice runs out, Amazon’s light draws power directly from the Kindle itself – across the gold plated hinge points. Clever!
The new $60 cover is available in 7 colors and can be pre-ordered now. It’s expected to arrive August 27th, along with the refreshed 6″ Kindle hardware.
At what point does the cost of the cover as a percentage of the cost of the device get too high>
Looks like an awkward kludge to me. I thought the point of a Kindle was that its non-lighted screen was so much easier to read. Once you buy the Kindle plus the nightlight, you’re halfway to buying an iPad.
The screen is very easy to read. When there’s ambient light around. But not in bed. So I’ve been researching the existing lights. THEY are most definitely kludges. Amazon’s solution is more elegant. Although not a backlit screen and, as Dave and you point out, the price quickly creeps up.
Is the retractable light restricted to only one side or can it be used on the left or the right?
Also, wouldn’t that still cause it to be unbalanced?
I can’t imagine it’d be anything like the unbalance found from a light using three AAAs bring (Belkin). The stalk probably weighs next to nothing, but I do believe it’s limited to just that one side.
The kindle is not BACKLIT like an iPad is – there is a rather big difference.
What’s not funny is adding the price of shipping to bring the lighted cover to Canada.
$189 for the Kindle 3 turned into $230
$60 turns into $80
Thank UPS for Obscene Brokerage charges and Amazon.com for not allowing shipping via USPS.
I like to read in bed, it helps me fall asleep and normally use a booklight so it doesn’t keep my husband awake. What sold me on this was the fact that it powers from the Kindle so you never have to worry about the battery running out. Cant wait until my Kindle arrives!
So aggravated that they come out with this light and ONLY offer it on a cover that fits the new device…what about those of us who own the older version???? Really pisses me off that they have tossed us aside to cater to those who waited for it to get cheap!
@Nan
Old versions of Kindle do not have power conectors like new one so it is not posibble to make cover with light for them.
instead of this , couldn’t we buy the other book lights in market and a case too , simple – add pads like this one has and wire it , im sure that will work
I purchased a clip on book light at the $99Cent store works well on the bottom area where the Book light doesn’t cover.