Owners of Kindle e-readers now have the option to power their devices in a sunny window.
SolarFocus Technology Company has introduced what it says is the first solar powered e-reader case. The new product – designed for fourth-generation Kindles – has been given the 2012 Innovation Award for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which begins tomorrow in Las Vegas.
The SolarKindle features a flexible solar panel built into the cover and a dual-charging (USB/solar) reserve battery guaranteed to provide three-months of unplugged Kindle use in normal sunlight environments. The reserve battery can also transfer energy to the Kindle’s main battery to extend reading time, and SolarFocus says one hour of exposure to direct sunlight can provide up to 3 hours of reading time.
In addition, the case features a built-in LED reading lamp that functions for up to 50 hours on the reserve battery for nighttime reading. The SolarKindle will be available January 15, 2012, priced at $79.99
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Last month, patent applications revealed that Kindle competitor Apple is exploring options for powering mobile devices with small fuel cells.
Bart King is a PR consultant and principal at Cleantech Communications.
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Bart King is the founder and principal at New Growth Communications. He specializes in helping sustainability leaders develop thought leadership content and strategy
Published Jan 9, 2012 2pm EST / 11am PST / 7pm GMT / 8pm CET