Sometimes, Kindle owners are surprised and dismayed to discover that their e-reader does not include a backlight. This feeling is understandable, as many people like to read at night and in dimly-lit surroundings, such as on an airplane or in a car during evening or night. However, there are several good reasons for the lack of a backlight in the Kindle.
First, a backlit screen would defeat one of the main purposes of an e-reader like the Kindle, that being to closely emulate the process of reading a book. The Kindle's sophisticated E Ink technology is designed to look like the words on the page of a book. A backlit screen would detract from the intended user experience and give an experience more akin to reading from a laptop computer or tablet device. While the argument can be made that it is nice to have a brighter screen, it is also true that long amounts of time spent reading from backlit screens such as those on computer monitors, tablets, and smartphones can cause eye strain due to the glare produced. The Kindle's E Ink technology provides excellent contrast while avoiding any eye strain on the part of the reader.
Second, a backlit screen would require more power and thus shorten battery life. Without its WiFi capability being activated, the Kindle can actually run for up to 2 months before needing to be recharged. This is quite remarkable, especially when compared with the hours or days that computers, tablets, and smartphones can last between charges. It is nice to not have to regularly recharge the Kindle and make sure you are close to a power source when reading.
Finally, a backlit screen can make it difficult to read in bright sunlight due to the glare that it causes. Since many Kindle readers enjoy reading outdoors or brightly lit areas during the day, this would be a serious impediment to it usability and customer satisfaction.
Fortunately, the lack of a built-in backlight does not mean the Kindle cannot be read from at night or dimly-lit environments! Several manufacturers have developed affordable clip-on lights that can be easily attached to the Kindle's frame without overlapping the screen or otherwise obstructing the view of the screen. Each of these products is lightweight, portable, and incorporates a flexible neck to allow for positioning the light source at any desired angle.
The Verso Clip-On Light by Lightwedge, weighing only 1.6 oz, is perhaps the lightest Kindle-compatible reading light available. It folds tightly onto itself for maximum portability and can even be carried in a pocket. It has a stylish design and comes in a variety of colors including black, white, blue, and red. A spare set of batteries is included.
The XtraFlex2 by MightyBright is a bit more substantial at 4.8 oz, but also can be folded for easy portability and storage. It provides a bright, yet comfortable reading light and the intensity of the light can be adjusted. The XtraFlex2 also comes in a wide variety of colors, including silver, green, pink, and purple in addition to the standard colors. The clip is padded on both sides for added protection.
The Belkin Clip-On Reading Light is another excellent lighting option for the Kindle. It weighs just 4 oz, is also highly portable, and incorporates an adjustable clip that can easily clip to objects other than the Kindle and its case, such as a bedpost. The Belkin has three brilliant LED lights and they can be adjusted between two brightness settings.
Hopefully, this review has clearly explained the reasons the Kindle does not include a backlight and introduced you to some convenient clip-on lights to provide extra reading light to enhance your reading experience when necessary. Each of these reading lights is fairly inexpensive and available for purchase at Amazon.com.
Matt Hawkins is a Kindle fan and avid reader. For more info on Kindle backlight options and more, visit http://www.kindlebacklight.net.
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