Backlighting in an e-book is one of the useful functions that this gadget offers. But at the same time, it is not available in all models. Let's consider the issue of the expediency of buying an e-book with a highlight.
Do I need a backlight in an e-book?
The quality of the screen is one of the main parameters by which e-books are chosen. Many people ask themselves: why, in fact, do we need a highlight in an electronic book? After all, you can do without it.
So, the backlight is needed only if you plan to use the book in conditions of insufficient natural lighting. After all, to read, say, in a subway car or in a dark room without lighting is impossible. This is one of the few shortcomings of the technology of electronic ink E-Ink: read modern books comfortably, but only in the afternoon. Therefore, if you often read at dusk or at night, then you need an ink-filled e-book with backlighting.
How to choose a backlit e-book?
Backlighting in the electronic book is a set of light-emitting diodes, which, thanks to a special light-scattering coating of the screen, gives reflected light. Thanks to such technology, the light from the book screen is soft, pleasant and does not "cut the eye".
The brightness level can be adjusted in the settings of the gadget. The brightest backlight makes the book screen look like a liquid crystal monitor, which makes your eyes quickly tired even from the owner of the ink book. But with backlighting at the level of 10-50% reading will be more comfortable. If desired, the backlight can be turned on and off.
When choosing an e-book with illumination, pay attention to the uniformity of the latter. Some models may have minor screen shadows (usually in the corners), which, if used continuously, will cause significant discomfort. To make the right choice, before buying, check the book for the uniformity of the backlight in a dark or at least darkened room.
Another drawback of highlighting in e-books is the increase in energy consumption. Since the LEDs are powered by the battery of the device, the use of the backlight greatly reduces its charge. Specialists do not recommend using this regime constantly. The most popular models of electronic books with the backlight function are Digm S676, Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, NOOK Simple Touch with GlowLight.