Octovo Kindle Light - KindleBoards review

[Harvey]

The past few days I've been using the new Octovo Kindle Light. Thanks to Octovo for giving us this advance look; the light will be available around the end of March 2010, through Amazon and through the Octovo site.



The light is constructed from high-end aluminum which gives it lightness, strength, and a sleek finish.



The underside has a plastic clip attached to it. This clip is sized to fit snugly over the top of the Kindle 2 (or Kindle DX). The lower side of the clip in the photo has a cushiony rubbery pad that grips the light securely to the Kinde.



The light is only 0.85 ounces (24 grams). (The AA battery adds another 0.85 ounces to it.) The total 1.7 ounces is light enough that it does not add noticeably to the weight of the reader.



The LED turns on automatically when the light's arm swivels outward.



Here's a shot in a darkened room, showing the pattern of light thrown by the LED. Octovo tells me that the LED is designed to bring forward the contrast of the text on the screen. The LED throws a soft tone; I found it reasonably diffuse so that it allows for ease of reading, even in dark conditions.



When viewed from normal reading angles, I found no glare or reflection from the light.



KindleWidow gives it her stamp of approval.



The battery is accessed by swiveling the arm to the rear, then sliding back the cover. The cover can then be lifted to access the AA battery. Octovo indicates the battery will last a minimum of 25 hours.



The light also fits onto the Kindle DX, shown below. The lower part of the DX screen isn't lit up quite as brightly as the area nearer the light, but I found it adequately lit for reading over the entire real estate of the DX screen.  



How does the Octovo Kindle Light fit when your Kindle is in a cover? I found it most satisfying to use when holding the Kindle "naked", but I also tried it successfully on several different covers.

It works, for example, with the Amazon Kindle case, as well as Octovo's weave case and quilt cases...



...and with TuffLuv's flip and book-style cases.



The light doesn't have room to clasp when your Kindle is in a case that use a retention system that claims the Kindle's upper edge (such as Speck's DustJacket cover, shown below).



Summary: The Octovo Kindle Light is a beautifully designed, lightweight, and nicely finished Kindle light. It works well with Kindle 2, lighting up the entire display evenly with a diffuse, eye-friendly bath of light. It also fits on Kindle DX, although some might find the light not bright enough for lower parts of the DX display. Not available for original Kindles. The replaceable AA battery is a plus for convenience. It's available for purchase at the end of March, and will retail for $29.99. The light will come in a protective pouch, which was not available for this pre-release review. Octovo also plans to make it available for Nook and Sony eReaders. Highly recommended.

Specifications
Light: LED
Battery: One AA battery (not included)
Battery life: 25 hours
Price: $29.99
Available: March 2010 through Amazon or from Octovo

[pomlover2586]

Great review Harvey!!

[Addie]

Yes! Thanks so much for the review with pictures! This is probably a dumb question, but do you think having a skin on your Kindle would affect how the light attaches?

[Pushka]

It looks 'nice'.  Would you buy it Harvey?

[Harvey]

Yes! Thanks so much for the review with pictures! This is probably a dumb question, but do you think having a skin on your Kindle would affect how the light attaches?

I'm pretty sure that the light would fit fine even with a skin on your Kindle... but I will try that tomorrow and say for sure.

[Harvey]

It looks 'nice'.  Would you buy it Harvey?

Yes, this is one I would buy. I think my favorite two booklights right now are this one, and the integrated e-Luminator 2 light.

[Ruby296]

Excellent review and great pics, thanks Harvey!

[kindlemama]

Wow, great review.  Thank you!  I want one NOW!!!!   

[bkw]

The past few days I've been using the new Octovo Kindle Light. Thanks to Octovo for giving us this advance look; the light will be available around the end of March 2010, through Amazon and through the Octovo site.

Are you saying that members of this board can get the light now, or did you receive an early release for reviewing purposes?

Also, Do you have an opinion whether this light is superior to the Kandle for DX users?  Thanks.

[Neekeebee]

Thanks for reviewing and posting pictures, Harvey.  I've been trying to find a good light that will work for both my K1 and Sony 300.  Hubby was looking at the 3rd picture in your post (the underside of the clip attachment) and says it looks like one could easily unscrew the clip and attach another one with a spring.  Your thoughts?  Thanks!

N

[cjonthehill]

Great review with very nicely detailed photos!  I think this light will be on my wish list......although I'm waiting for someone to make a light that 'really' works for the DX.

Thanks!

[lulucello]

How does the weight compare to the weight of the Kandle?

[Linda1915]

Thanks for reviewing and posting pictures, Harvey.  I've been trying to find a good light that will work for both my K1 and Sony 300.  Hubby was looking at the 3rd picture in your post (the underside of the clip attachment) and says it looks like one could easily unscrew the clip and attach another one with a spring.  Your thoughts?  Thanks!

N

I was studying that same picture and wondering about that clip. I just don't have any idea what to replace it with.  If you find a way to adapt it for K1, please share!!

Thanks!

[Harvey]

Are you saying that members of this board can get the light now, or did you receive an early release for reviewing purposes?

Also, Do you have an opinion whether this light is superior to the Kandle for DX users?  Thanks.

I received an early one - - it's not available for purchase yet. I'll ask Octovo to let us know as soon as they're available for order.

I haven't tried a Kandle yet... good question. The Kandle has two LEDs that are powered by two 3V batteries (CR2032's). I would like to do a side-by-side comparison on a DX of those two lights.

[Harvey]

Thanks for reviewing and posting pictures, Harvey.  I've been trying to find a good light that will work for both my K1 and Sony 300.  Hubby was looking at the 3rd picture in your post (the underside of the clip attachment) and says it looks like one could easily unscrew the clip and attach another one with a spring.  Your thoughts?  Thanks!

N

Yes, it's designed so that the same aluminum body can be used with different clips. I don't know, though, if Octovo plans to sell the clips separately. I will ask - good question!

[Harvey]

One thing I do like about this light: you can change the battery without the need for a screwdriver or other tool. As someone who reads a lot on airplanes and in airports, that's a plus for me.

[cheerio]

awesome pics, thanks for the early review

[skyblue]

Thank you, Harvey, for the very detailed Octovo Kindle light review, including photos! 

I love the sleek design and the fact that it's lightweight.  My only concern is that the illumination appears to fade near the bottom of the page.  Is that an accurate assessment, or a photographic illusion?

[Neekeebee]

Yes, it's designed so that the same aluminum body can be used with different clips. I don't know, though, if Octovo plans to sell the clips separately. I will ask - good question!

Thanks, Harvey!

N

[gibsongirl]

Thanks for your review and the pics. I'm pretty happy with my Kandle, but your point about battery access is a good one--I'd hate to have to change the Kandle's batteries in an airport, since it requires a tiny screwdriver to get the cover off and on.  I'm excited for the Octovo light to come out.

[Harvey]

Thank you, Harvey, for the very detailed Octovo Kindle light review, including photos!  

I love the sleek design and the fact that it's lightweight.  My only concern is that the illumination appears to fade near the bottom of the page.  Is that an accurate assessment, or a photographic illusion?

While it is brighter nearer the LED (naturally), the light really does provide fully sufficient lighting across the whole height of the Kindle 2 screen. I would not be concerned about it.

[cloudyvisions]

Ooooh, I really, REALLY like this booklight! I think I might have to get one when they come out because the Mighty Bright light is starting to annoy me when I read on my side. Thank you for the detailed photos and review!

[kb7uen Gene]

Harvey, thanks for the review, but I have a couple questions.  Do you think the light would fit on the Kindle 2 in a Noreve case?  Somehow, I don't think that would work because of the tight and close fit of the Noreve tension design.  Also, I saw the foam on the inside back of the clip, but it didn't look like there was foam on the inside front of the clip.  Do I have to worry about the inside front of the clip scratching or marring the Kindle 2 white plastic case?

Thanks, Gene

[lulucello]

I'd be interested to see your side-by-side review comparing the Octovo light with the Kandle.  My burro was finally able to deliver my Kandle to me in Mexico, just yesterday.  I think the two LED lights in the Kandle offer a really even light and the way it clips on holds that light steady.  This is an improvement over the flexible arm of my E-luminator. 

[pawsplus]

Is there any reason why this wouldn't work on the K1?  I've been searching for a decent booklite and so far they all suck.    I'm willing to spend $30 on this one if it really is all that!  But it has to fit Kate Kindle.