It’s time for the iPad 2 to get off its high horse, because there’s a new leader in the burgeoning market of covers that don’t just cover: the completely self-explanatory SolarKindle which harnesses the sun to keep Amazon’s ereader powered for up to three months.
As long as you don’t only read in the dark, the flexible solar panel built into the cover of this swanky leather Kindle case can keep it freed from power outlets and charging cables. An integrated reserve battery stores those solar rays so you can extend your reading time even further, or it will power a built-in pop-up LED reading lamp for up to 50 hours.
Ebook readers and the sun are already the best of friends, thanks to their e-ink displays which remain visible and legible in even the brightest conditions. And for $US80 come January 15, that friendship looks like it’s going to blossom into a full-blown love affair. [Solar Focus]
Spike62002
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 8:45 AMIt was only two days ago I returned an iPhone to the apple store because it was having battery problems and was advised it was probably caused by charging the batter too frequently .
If a device like this solar panel provides a constant charge to the device then we can assume it will have the same detrimental effect on the life span of the battery that leaving a laptop or other battery powered device plugged in all the time.
Shortening the life span of the not so easy to replace battery of a tablet device does not would convenient to me
whywouldanyonebuyandroid
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 8:58 AMwell according to Nokia I won’t waste my money on this :
http://www.phonearena.com/news/Solar-powered-phones-Nokia-says-forget-about-it_id25415
rekuhs
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 9:03 AMThe Kindle isn’t a phone
light487
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 9:09 AMHrmm.. considering I can charge my Kindle via USB in a few short hours and that charge will last for about a month of reasonably heavy reading.. I really don’t see a lot of use for this unless I lived in a place without USB ports… I guess it’s more green.. and novel.. etc.. but I’m just not seeing this as an essential addition.
MotorMouth
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:10 AMYeah, my Kindle already lasts around 3 months on a charge, why would I waste money on something like this?
Matt
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:17 AMBought the $139 kindle yesterday (5-point controller kindle), in the short time I’ve been using it, I do not regret my decision at all.
I just absolutely love the e-ink display, need to buy a case that comes with a light though.
I plan on getting a tablet for more personal entertainment but the Kindle is by far superior for reading.
light487
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 10:57 AMYup.. I don’t regret my purchase of the Kindle 3 (now called the Kindle Keyboard). Inside the case it is like a full size novel.. outside the case it is still very small and light, even with the keyboard. The e-Ink display is gorgeos and at times I sometimes feel like it looks like a piece of paper beneat a perspex window… very realistic.
DENAz
Monday, January 9, 2012 at 12:10 PMThinking of updating mine, i’m still on the original Kobo which is definately needing an upgrade. Not sure if I’ll go solar though lol
Casteironbalcony
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 2:40 PMYou’re not wasting any money , believe me . Domestic Electricity , 23 years without generator backup ; 1st batteries 15 years , 2nd , still going . Pedal Assist Lithium battery bike ; 2 years charged 2 to 3 times a week , still going . Nokia dumb phone charged daily for 2 plus years , still going . Can’t wait to make my Kindle coal free . Get off the grid . A little puff of smoke is a little puff too many .