Kindle case lets users “top up” on solar power
04 Apr 2012
Kindle has come out with a solar case that lets users "top up" their gadget simply by leaving it in the sun.
The case incorporates a built-in solar panel and battery, which is guaranteed to provide three months of reading time in "normal" sunlight, without dipping into Kindle's own power.
The gadget is scheduled to go on sale this week, priced at $80.
On being topped up, the SolarKindle diverts power to a backup battery.
A full recharge takes eight hours also charging the backup, which offers three weeks' use. The battery also supplies power to an LED light, which can which can run for 50 hours.
The report added that given Kindle is built for wireless use, with books and gadgets delivered via Wi-Fi or cellular networks, many SolarKindle-equipped e-readers may never be plugged in at all.
The leather-clad pouch with charger panel and battery comes at a hefty premium $80, only $30 short of the price of Kindle itself.
(Also see: Amazon unveils ''Kindle Fire'' priced $199)