Mobile Technology

World’s first solar-powered Kindle cover now shipping

World’s first solar-powered Kindle cover now shipping
SolarKindle is shipping its solar powered cover for Kindle Touch and Kindle 4
SolarKindle is shipping its solar powered cover for Kindle Touch and Kindle 4
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The SolarKindle is available for the Kindle 4 (pictured) and Kindle Touch
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The SolarKindle is available for the Kindle 4 (pictured) and Kindle Touch
SolarKindle is shipping its solar powered cover for Kindle Touch and Kindle 4
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SolarKindle is shipping its solar powered cover for Kindle Touch and Kindle 4
SolarKindle
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SolarKindle
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SolarFocus picked up the Innovation Award at CES 2012 earlier this year for its SolarKindle e-Reader cover that features a built-in solar panel, integrated battery and LED reading lamp. The company has announced it is now shipping the device for both Kindle Touch and Kindle 4.

As revealed at CES, the SolarKindle’s lightweight, flexible solar panel will provide up to three days of lighted reading time from just one hour of direct sunlight. The case’s integrated 1500 mAh lithium-polymer reserve battery will run the unit’s built-in LED lamp pumping out 800 lux for up to 50 hours without drawing power from the Kindle’s battery.

The SolarKindle is available for the Kindle 4 (pictured) and Kindle Touch
The SolarKindle is available for the Kindle 4 (pictured) and Kindle Touch

The case’s battery can also transfer its energy to the Kindle’s battery to extend reading time if need be, with one hour of charge from the reserve battery providing around 10 days of extra reading time.

The SolarKindle for the Kindle Touch measures 200 x 120 x 19.6 mm (7.9 x 4.7 x 0.77 in) and adds 215 g (7.58 oz) to the Kindle Touch’s 213 g (7.5 oz), while the Kindle 4 case adds 250 g (8.82 oz) to the Kindle 4’s 170 g (5.98 oz) and measures 200 x 120 x 21.9 mm (7.9 x 4.7 x 0.86 in). Both retail for US$79.99 and can be ordered through the SolarFocus website.

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3 comments
3 comments
Mr Stiffy
Like I don't like Amazons DRM naziware and the congestion of your screen with their ads - but take the grabbing goose stepping corporate constrictions away from it, and functionally - that is a damned good thing.
Jon A.
Very nice! Would love to see something like this for other e-readers.
Tysto
This is really cool and will be perfect for those times I get trapped in a lightless dungeon for three days at a time, but won't I need a cover to protect the PV panel on the cover?