In Insert Coin, we glance at an exhilarating new tech project that requires funding before it will possibly hit production. If you would like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with “Insert Coin” because the subject line.
There are many benefits to e-ink displays, they’re clean, easy at the eyes, light at the battery draining and might be read in direct sunlight, unlike their LCD brethren. There are many downsides besides, needless to say, including the dearth of backlighting, making them tough to read in a gloomy room. Several companies have attempted to capitalize in this shortcoming, with clip-on accessories which are sometimes awkward and unwieldy when attached to tiny e-readers. Though, for the record, some have managed to get things right, like Amazon’s own Lighted Leather Cover for the fourth-gen Kindle.
Brooklyn-based Pieco offers up a fascinating option to the issue of illuminating e-ink, whilst addressing one more concern: standing the object up for hands-free reading. The Kapsule Lightstand clips directly to the rear of the Kindle Keyboard (the artist formerly referred to as the Kindle 3) and contours goosenecks that jut out from the head and bottom. The highest one is retractable and homes the sunshine. Pull it out and the sunshine activates, push it back in and it turns off. The underside gooseneck, meanwhile, serves as an adjustable stand, so that you can prop the reader up while eating a sandwich, or whatever it truly is that folks do while reading.
The Kapsule grips at the side of the last-gen reader, careful to not obstruct its physical page turn buttons. It adds some thickness to the rear of the device, providing you with something to hang onto while reading. The Kapsule draws power from the Kindle itself and promises to take advantage of 25 to 50-percent less power than Amazon’s own Portfolio light.
In the present day, the Kapsule has $920 pledged toward its $40,000 goal with 36 days left to get in on its illuminating action. Pledging $1 or more gets you access to files for building your personal. $40 or more gets you your own Kapsule.
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