Solarfocus will introduce the SolarKindle cover at the Consumer Electronics Show today. With a built in reserve battery (1500mah) that will charge via USB or via an optional built in solar panel the cover also includes a built in LED reading light (800 lux) that will last up to 50 hours without using the Kindle’s own battery. The company claims that one hour of direct sunlight will result in 3 days of reading.
Currently only available for the latest Kindle non-touch however other models are in the pipeline.
The SolarKindle Lighted cover will be available January 15th for $79.99 from Solarfocus website and selected retailers.
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Sadly this cover would more than double the weight of the Kindle. Good if you’re going camping though…I guess.
No more forgetting to charge up the Kindle. It does add weight, but so does any case. I’m intrigued by this case, I’d never have to plug in the Kindle again.
like it, but too expensive
Aren’t Amazon branded lighted Kindle cases like $59.99 anyways? It looks like it’d work well if you’re at the beach as well, since you’re getting plenty of sun as is.
But I’d probably be using a waterproof case in most settings where I’d see this coming in handy, and a solar-powered USB charger.
I don’t like covers at all and use my Kindle 3 3g naked ( the Kindle…not me ) and normally use a lamp or torch for reading. I could see this useful in a number of ways:
1. As a docking station. When I’m not reading, throw my Kindle in and leave it on the bedside table in the sunlight. Never have to worry about it ever going flat or having to check the charge.
2. When I’m travelling, again most likely more as a docking station and protective cover.
3. As an “emergency” lighted cover and charger when I really need to read in the dark like camping.
Neat idea though, never see a USB cable and AC charger or computer again 🙂