Kindle Owners - cover with a light?

[Wallenstein]

As per this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=625932) I'm aiming to buy one of the new Kindles soon (probably the 6in non-keyboard version).

I guess a cover is worth getting, and I've seen some with a pop-out light which cost about £50 (so over half the cost of the Kindle itself). This compares to £20-30 for a basic cover with no light.

Is it worth getting a cover with an integral light? Most of my reading will be done at home in the same place I read paper books, so the light should be fine, but are there any times when you've been grateful you spent the extra and got the integral light? Or does it just add weight and drain the battery?

[LawMonkey]

As far as I know, it doesn't really drain the battery if you're not using it, though I've not done any rigorous testing to verify that.

As to how useful it'll be, that depends on your particular reading habits and situations. I use it sometimes at home, because the light in my bedroom isn't the best. I'm also known to go out to eat by myself fairly regularly; when I do that, my "dinner companion" is normally a book--or now, my Kindle. Plenty of restaurants have rather low light, and it's definitely come in handy there. Same thing goes if you've got a relatively quiet pub you might visit for a few pints and a few chapters.

[madmonk28]

My wife has a Kindle with a cover like the one you describe and she loves it. She uses it when she wants to stay up reading and I'm going to sleep, on airplanes, or when she is reading in a dark public place. It probably depends on when and where you read, although with a lightweight Kindle, you might find yourself carrying it more places than you did a heavy book.

[Yaxche]

I've had both, and now that I've tried one with a light, I wouldn't go back. The early covers without a light sold by Amazon had a defect, so I received a free upgrade, but if I was purchasing a new one, I'd definitely pay the difference.

As others have mentioned, it depends on where you read. I can read at night without keeping my wife up, and I read on the road a lot in questionable lighting situations.

It's got three white LED in the corner light (at least mine), and the battery impact is not noticeable to me. Perhaps instead of charging it every 3-4 weeks, I have to charge it every 2.5-3.5 or something, but nothing serious (unlike leaving the wi-fi on).

[Glory]

I have a Sony Reader (similar eInk, paper-like display) and I'm always amused by people who demand a lighted cover. It's just like a book! Somehow, I've managed to successfully read books in all sorts of conditions over the last 35+ years.

[Anaamika]

I loved the light, but it broke after about six months of having it. That is, it looks perfectly normal but when you pull it out, it no longer lights up. Sigh.

It is amazing to use - you can curl up in bed, and have no other lights on and read comfortably. I miss it. :(

[obbn]

I don't own a Kindle, however I can shed some *ahem* light on the subject. I have a Sony E Reader and before I purchased the cover with light built in it was pretty much useless as I always read at night in bed just before going to sleep.

The cover with the built in light is great. It uses a single AAA battery, however the battery life isn't that great. I get about 3 weeks with it at about an hour a night usage. It uses LED's and the light is white and easy on the eyes.

The biggest problem is the cost of the stupid cover. $60 for the damn thing. More than 1/2 the price of the reader itself. It locks onto the reader and does provide protection so it has that going for it. It is also either leather or leatherette covered. However, in my opinion the reader is useless without the light so my suggestion is to figure in the cost of the cover with the reader.

Now if you really want to hear me complain ask me about Ebook prices. Why in the world does a EBook have to cost $17 to $20? No binding, no storing, no shipping and no retail store. I thought that the selling point of the electronic readers was the big discounts on books. Seems to me that the publishers are getting very greedy.

[even sven]

I'd throw down for the lighted cover.

I use it most when I'm in bed and about to go to sleep (no need to get up and turn off the light) but I also use it at bus stops, in transit, etc. Even in a reasonably lit room, it can be nice to have a little extra focused light.

[grama]

The only that i've felt that the cover with light was necesary was whe the powerwent out.

[Soliloquy]

The lighted cover is awesome. I work in a small, dark room most of my workday, and find it invaluable for the dim conditions. I prefer keeping my work room dim so that people I am watching cannot see me. Also, as others have said, it's perfect for not waking an SO while reading at night. The light is very focused, spreads well across the entire page, and doesn't increase the battery drain so significantly that you'll really notice it. I received the free upgrade like someone upthread did, but I would totally put down the extra money for the lighted cover were I to buy a newer Kindle.

[Edward The Head]

I've had both, and now that I've tried one with a light, I wouldn't go back. The early covers without a light sold by Amazon had a defect, so I received a free upgrade, but if I was purchasing a new one, I'd definitely pay the difference.


This happened to me as well so I ended up with the light. I've used it a few times, and while I like it, I don't really read in the dark that much. There's just me in the house so the few times I've used it it was because of the kids in the hotel room. Other then that I don't need it. That said it does light up the book quite well so if you are going to read at night then go for it.

[PunditLisa]

I love, love my Kindle leather cover with a light attached. However, it does make it heavier.

http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Lighted-Leather-Burgundy-Keyboard/dp/B003DZ166Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1318008922&sr=8-4

I also have the Kindle app on my iPad2, but the back-lighting at night is really hard on my eyes. I much prefer the Kindle for reading.

[Implicit]

I got the light since I used to carry a booklight with me for reading in poorly lit hotel rooms or airplanes anyway.

[arnesw]

I love, love my Kindle leather cover with a light attached. However, it does make it heavier.

http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Lighted-Leather-Burgundy-Keyboard/dp/B003DZ166Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1318008922&sr=8-4

I also have the Kindle app on my iPad2, but the back-lighting at night is really hard on my eyes. I much prefer the Kindle for reading.

+1

I got the cover mainly to protect the Kindle when traveling, but the light is really useful. The e-ink screen does need a bit more light than a regular book - and this solution actually turned out to be very good. Haven't noticed much impact on battery life either.

I got the black one, though. A bit more manly I think :p

[PunditLisa]

I got the black one, though. A bit more manly I think :p

I hear ya. I got one that would be the easiest to find when I lose it. :)

[Wallenstein]

Thanks all, I will be mostly reading in bed in the evenings, so it does sound like a plan if the missus wants to sleep. I'm not too fussed about the extra weight and as long as it doesn't completely hammer the battery life I'm fine charging a little more frequently.

I don't think (m)any cover options are available for the new range, so might be a few weeks before some decent cheaper covers become available.

[Mama Zappa]

Not a Kindle-owner here, but remember there are third-party lights that you can obtain. I bought an e-ink Nook as a gift and they had the lights available. I don't think those are customized for the Nook, and I'd bet Amazon has the freestanding lights as well.

While the idea of a cover with the light built in has some appeal, what if it quits working? Then you've go an expensive case, and you've got to either do without the light, buy a separate one, or spend the big bucks on a *new* lighted case.

Not what the OP asked, but: consider a case that can allow for the book being propped up on a table - e.g. so you can read while eating. I have a Nook, and I do prop it up, but I have to lean it against something. No easel built-in and I miss it.

[Eleanor of Aquitaine]

Not what the OP asked, but: consider a case that can allow for the book being propped up on a table - e.g. so you can read while eating. I have a Nook, and I do prop it up, but I have to lean it against something. No easel built-in and I miss it.I didn't feel the need for a light, but my case has a built-in prop, and I use it all the time.

[minor7flat5]

Last year, I gave my daughter a Kindle in a pastel-green leather case with integrated light. My personal Kindle is older and unlighted, so I was quite interested in examining hers when it came in.

I like it, and considering how she likes reading in the dark, I presume that she likes it too.
Go for it.

[Belrix]

My wife likes her Kindle cover with the integrated light. I have a zip-up "Latitude" cover by M-Edge. I like that I can fully encase my Kindle, it fits my lifestyle, but I have lamented the lack of a light.

Just a couple weeks ago, I bought a clip-on light and I've gotten some good use from it.

However $25 cover and a $20 light, awfully close to the $50 that the Amazon cover has.

[Mauvaise]

If you're not already completely sold:

I can not recommend Oberon Designs highly enough. http://www.oberondesign.com/Kindle.php

I have two of their covers and want more of their products. You can always get a third party light (as suggested upthread) if you want a clip on light.

[Kolga]

I have the cover with integrated light, and it is SO worth the extra money. I never have to deal with a wonky third-party light that may or may not clip where I need/want it to, and don't have to remember to throw the third-party light into the bag with my Kindle. It doesn't drastically affect battery life, as it is off when the Kindle is off.

[sinjin]

I have the case with the integrated light and I love it. I read outside at night a lot. I used to use a seperate led light when I read paper books and when I got my first kindle. I went thru three of them and never found one I liked. It was also a pain in the ass, getting it in the right place and finding it, heh. When I got a kindle 3 I got the book cover (blue) with the integrated light and I love it. I don't have to look for it, I don't have to focus it, it's just there.

[GameHat]

Speaking as a voracious reader,

I read books in my place for years without a book-light.

Then I got a Kindle (Kindle 2, to be exact)

The Kindle was just as good as print books in the light in which I was used to reading.

So I guess I'd say - if you needed a book-light for your previous books, get a case with a light for the Kindle. If you didn't need a book-light previously, you probably won't need one now.

A Kindle case with a light could still be useful, but the necessity of one is no different than the necessity of a book-light with a print book.

[Mama Zappa]

If you're not already completely sold:

I can not recommend Oberon Designs highly enough. http://www.oberondesign.com/Kindle.php

I have two of their covers and want more of their products. You can always get a third party light (as suggested upthread) if you want a clip on light.
oooooooh....... prettttyyyyyy......... WANT!!!!!!

(they make Nook covers also).

[Rachellelogram]

If you're not already completely sold:

I can not recommend Oberon Designs highly enough. http://www.oberondesign.com/Kindle.php

I have two of their covers and want more of their products. You can always get a third party light (as suggested upthread) if you want a clip on light.
Wow, now I feel like I have to buy a kindle just so I can buy one of their cases. I really like the demo video they posted of it: http://www.oberondesign.com/k2vid01.php

[Mauvaise]

oooooooh....... prettttyyyyyy......... WANT!!!!!!

(they make Nook covers also).

And iPad covers, and checkbook holders, and wallets, and, and, and....


Wow, now I feel like I have to buy a kindle just so I can buy one of their cases. I really like the demo video they posted of it: http://www.oberondesign.com/k2vid01.php


They have other products as well.

I have (2) Kindle covers: Celtic Hounds in wine for Fall/Winter and Hummingbirds in Red (the red is GORGEOUS) for Spring/Summer. I want an iPad cover but I can't decide which design, so I've held off.

[Max Torque]

+1

I got the cover mainly to protect the Kindle when traveling, but the light is really useful. The e-ink screen does need a bit more light than a regular book - and this solution actually turned out to be very good. Haven't noticed much impact on battery life either.

I got the black one, though. A bit more manly I think :p

I got "chocolate brown". Brown leather is still manly and book-like, right?

The light built in to the cover is nice, but I wish I didn't have to use it as often as I do; the light in my living room is atrocious. Gonna go buy a floor lamp while the wife is away that I can use as a reading light.

I was an insatiable reader as a kid, but after college, somehow I slipped out of the habit. My wife bought me the Kindle for my birthday in June, and since then, I think I've read more than 25 books, probably more than I've read in the previous three years. It's awesome!

[Mama Zappa]

And iPad covers, and checkbook holders, and wallets, and, and, and....
....
aHA!!!! I *knew* there was a reason I needed an iPad :D.


Seriously, while their stuff is gorgeous.... can't see spending the cash when I already have a decent wallet, a decent checkbook cover, a decent Nook cover. Damn fiscal responsibility. Baby doesn't really need to go to college, does he????

[Rachellelogram]

I was an insatiable reader as a kid, but after college, somehow I slipped out of the habit. My wife bought me the Kindle for my birthday in June, and since then, I think I've read more than 25 books, probably more than I've read in the previous three years. It's awesome!
Congrats to you. This totally describes me as well. I had supplanted reading with gaming, but now that I've quit gaming I want to go back to reading again!

I just wish you could go to a brick and mortar store to try out Kindles before buying them. If I can't handle each model before choosing (keyboard? touchscreen? :confused:), it's really hard to be decisive and pick one. :(

[Mama Zappa]

Congrats to you. This totally describes me as well. I had supplanted reading with gaming, but now that I've quit gaming I want to go back to reading again!

I just wish you could go to a brick and mortar store to try out Kindles before buying them. If I can't handle each model before choosing (keyboard? touchscreen? :confused:), it's really hard to be decisive and pick one. :(

Staples carries Kindles. And they carry Nooks: http://www.staples.com/Electronic-Book-Readers/cat_CL164364

[Max Torque]

I've seen Kindles at Target and Best Buy, too.

[PunditLisa]

I can not recommend Oberon Designs highly enough. http://www.oberondesign.com/Kindle.php


Very cool designs, but it needs an integrated light! The cool thing about the integrated light is that it's self-contained in the cover. I have a separate clip-on light, but it's one more thing to have to pack (and lose). Oh, and the light died after a month or two.

[arnesw]

I got "chocolate brown". Brown leather is still manly and book-like, right?

The light built in to the cover is nice, but I wish I didn't have to use it as often as I do; the light in my living room is atrocious. Gonna go buy a floor lamp while the wife is away that I can use as a reading light.

I was an insatiable reader as a kid, but after college, somehow I slipped out of the habit. My wife bought me the Kindle for my birthday in June, and since then, I think I've read more than 25 books, probably more than I've read in the previous three years. It's awesome!

Brown is acceptable :D I do have a boring and conservative taste, so I usually go for no bright colors and no ornaments.

The light works very well for me, but I'm a little worried about the pull-push mechanism. If it should break - like Anaamikas ' then there is probably very little you can do yourself to fix it.

[Anaamika]

Brown is acceptable :D I do have a boring and conservative taste, so I usually go for no bright colors and no ornaments.

The light works very well for me, but I'm a little worried about the pull-push mechanism. If it should break - like Anaamikas ' then there is probably very little you can do yourself to fix it.

I came in to say I fixed it, or it sort of fixed itself. On a whim I pulled the Kindle off the case and thoroughly cleaned the contact points and then put it back in - it works fine now. AND I obtained a used glider chair this weekend, so Mika is a very happy girl. I can sit in my glider and rock and read. I've wanted a rocking chair/glider all my life.

ETA: My case is orange. :) I like bright colors. I think as adults we are always expected to go to boring, bland colors.

[arnesw]

I came in to say I fixed it, or it sort of fixed itself. On a whim I pulled the Kindle off the case and thoroughly cleaned the contact points and then put it back in - it works fine now. AND I obtained a used glider chair this weekend, so Mika is a very happy girl. I can sit in my glider and rock and read. I've wanted a rocking chair/glider all my life.

ETA: My case is orange. :) I like bright colors. I think as adults we are always expected to go to boring, bland colors.

Ah - I'm glad the solution turned out to be so simple.

And now I want a rocking chair. And a fireplace!

[Mauvaise]

aHA!!!! I *knew* there was a reason I needed an iPad :D.


Seriously, while their stuff is gorgeous.... can't see spending the cash when I already have a decent wallet, a decent checkbook cover, a decent Nook cover. Damn fiscal responsibility. Baby doesn't really need to go to college, does he????

That's why I haven't bought a wallet or checkbook cover yet. But I've added an iPad cover to my cart soooo many times. It's only the fact that I just paid for braces that I don't click through and buy. Someday...


Very cool designs, but it needs an integrated light! The cool thing about the integrated light is that it's self-contained in the cover. I have a separate clip-on light, but it's one more thing to have to pack (and lose). Oh, and the light died after a month or two.

I never had a book light with paper books, so I never saw a need for one with a Kindle. But then I live alone and never have to worry about disturbing someone by staying awake to read in bed.

[Scathach]

I really like the lighted cover. It's really useful for reading in bed / on planes/ buses etc. I agree though the price is ridiculous - I asked for it for Christmas because I couldn't justify spending so much money on something so frivolous. (But frivolous presents are the best kind!)

It might be worth having a look at the third party lights though. I doubt they can really be that much different except for needing their own power.

[Cubsfan]

My wife and I both have the Amazon lighted cover for our kindles. They seem pricey until you price a leather cover and separate light for them. They do cost a little more though but once you get one you can't go back. It's just too convenient. The light is totally hidden in the cover and is entirely unobtrusive. It lights the screen almost perfectly and runs off the kindles built in internal battery so you never have to changes batteries. Really nothing negative to say about this cover, and I can find negative things to say about almost anything.

[Wallenstein]

I've ordered my Kindle but the covers are not in the shops yet, so will wait a few weeks and see what arrives :)

I've been waiting a week for free delivery, but have now realised I could have gone to PC World down the road to pick one up for the same price. Ah well!

[Anaamika]

I have to confess that I got my Kindle lighted cover for the price of the regular one. I bought my Kindle when they were having the problems with the defective case, and Amazon sent me a brand new lighted case to make up for it.

[Rachellelogram]

Oh, hrmph. I think I've decided I want the $99 ad-supported touchscreen Kindle. But I just realized that model isn't going to be available for over a month. It's still in pre-orders. Now I have to decide whether I want to wait that long. I think the ones with the visible keyboard are a bit more unsightly (and I don't wanna worry about hitting it accidentally), but I don't like the idea of spending $79 on a last-gen kindle when I can get a touchscreen for just 20 more bux.

waaah! First world problems :P

[Thudlow Boink]

I asked this before in a different thread but never got an answer: What's the advantage of having a touchscreen?

[Hampshire]

Or you could just get a Nook color and read it everywhere you want to without ever having to worry about being near a light source or buying an external one.

[Mauvaise]

I think the ones with the visible keyboard are a bit more unsightly (and I don't wanna worry about hitting it accidentally), but I don't like the idea of spending $79 on a last-gen kindle when I can get a touchscreen for just 20 more bux.

For what it's worth, I had the 1st gen Kindle and currently have a 3rd gen Kindle and I've never hit the keyboard by accident.

Does the touch screen Kindle use the e-Ink technology?


Or you could just get a Nook color and read it everywhere you want to without ever having to worry about being near a light source or buying an external one.

Reading with a backlight (Nook color, iPad, computer, etc.) is not as easy on the eyes as reading a paper book which is a concern for (some) people.

The e-Ink technology (or whatever other e-readers without a backlight call theirs) has the exact same impact on the eyes as a paper book. In fact, I actually think the 3rd Gen Kindle has sharper text than a lot of paperbacks I've compared them to side-by-side.

[PunditLisa]

Reading with a backlight (Nook color, iPad, computer, etc.) is not as easy on the eyes as reading a paper book which is a concern for (some) people.

I agree. Tried to read books on my iPad2, but it really strained my eyes. The Kindle is much nicer on the eyes.

[Rachellelogram]

Or you could just get a Nook color and read it everywhere you want to without ever having to worry about being near a light source or buying an external one.
Well, I spend at least 10 hours a day on the computer pretty much every day. It would be nice to rest them from backlighting once in a while.

[Hampshire]

Backlighting isn't much different than natural lighting now that you can dim it down. PC monitors are typically set too bright anyways. A dimmed down Nook gives off no more light than ambient light reflected off a surface.

[OpalCat]

Do they make the with-light covers in non-leather? I don't buy leather for ethical reasons, but I like the idea of an included light...

[sinjin]

How do Ipads and Nooks do in outside ambient sunlight? I read all the time in bright sunlight on my kindle and it's fine, my computer and smart phone, not so much.

[Mama Zappa]

How do Ipads and Nooks do in outside ambient sunlight? I read all the time in bright sunlight on my kindle and it's fine, my computer and smart phone, not so much.
Probably not all that well, I suspect it's similar to how the phone looks (and I can barely see my phone's screen in sunlight). My Palm Pilot was similarly bad in the sun.

I haven't tried my Nook Color in bright sunlight but i doubt it would be good at all. I definitely have to turn up the brightness when I go to a better-lit place.

This is one of two areas where the e-ink devices (both Kindle and regular Nooks) have the Nook Color (and presumably the Kindle Fire) beat; the other area being the battery life. I do have to charge my Nook every couple of days depending on how heavily I use it and whether I remember to turn the wi-fi off.

[PunditLisa]

iPad2 is not good in direct sunlight.