Case-mate's enlightening Kindle cover

Enlighten: Case-mate's solution for nighttime reading on the Kindle.

We've seen a few Kindle cases that offer built-in lights so you can read in dimly lit environments, but Case-mate's Enlighten is unusual in that it features a lighted acrylic panel that sits on top of your Kindle instead of an LED light with a flexible neck.

Due out in December, Case-mate's billing the $79.99 Enlighten as "the first case on the market equipped with a LED-powered light for nighttime reading as well as an interior side pocket for storage."

Here are its key features:

• Clear acrylic panel with integrated LED light with two levels of brightness
• Old English book style with genuine leather exterior and locking hinges to secure the device
• Interior side pocket for storage
• View prior pages using the previous page button
• Two AAA batteries (included) provide a maximum of 24 hours reading time
• Available in December ($79.99)

We've been playing around with an early unit, and it works pretty well although the light doesn't splay across the screen as uniformly as it does in the included press-release images (on the left side, the light leaks onto the Kindle screen and creates an interesting ripple effect). Hopefully, Case-mate can tweak the lighting a bit before launch because overall the design of the unit--aside from making your Kindle substantially heavier--is attractive and the acrylic panel does offer another layer of screen protection.

What do you guys think? Hot or not?

Additional reading: Top Kindle cases and accessories

[gfallar]

I think it's a GREAT idea. Other night reading solutions are clunky and produce glare, my 'Mighty Bright' light casts more than enough good light, but storage is a pain and it's fudgy looking.

[molotov]

Sony's stuff does this for free

[Jeremy Chappell]

No it doesn't.

Actually I think this is kinda stupid - who didn't get eyestrain reading by torchlight under the bedclothes as a child? My advice, either put the light on and read properly or get some sleep!

[halfsek]

Depends on which Sony you have. If it's the standard reader, then no, it doesn't. You have to buy a cover/ light combo like this.

[geneven]

I like the concept, but it looks kind of radioactive to me.

I'm beginning to think that the old-fashioned screens lit from within are the way to go.

[middie26]

geneven, are you referring to back-lighting? If so, I think that will increase eye fatigue and really goes against the point of E-Ink.

Anyone have any other thoughts? Am I completely wrong (it's been known to happen!)?

[911jason]

I think it's a great solution!

The difference between this case and the Sony is that you can always remove the Kindle from this case, while you're stuck looking through the somewhat blurry screen all the time with the Sony. It affects the readability of the text on the Sony which is why that model hasn't done all that well.

[niko_osokin]

This is old news. ITS ALL ABOUT THE NOOK NAO!

[JSX_mp3]

Ok, what is the big deal?

i have had an identical setup for my Sony E-reader since January of last year. Is the Kindle playing catch-up or something?

These Ereaders need to drop down to about 50 bucks. Their price is simply ridiculous.

[clietreo]

The concept is good. However, the price is ridiculous.

[jesslynh]

Bleh--I'll go with the M-Edge case and their built in light for less money

[Ken Jr.]

I want one. I wonder if it could be modified to accept the Kindle 1 with maybe a little Velcro .. Or .. I wonder if there is a Kindle 1 version in the works.