I want to know if any reader has an optional backlit or edge lighting (I mean, light from the inside edges of the device) so that we can read them in any condition - be it daylight or no light.

I just bought Archos 705 portable media player and want to read books (not ebooks. I am not interested in them.). I have books in jpg format and some other books in html format and some more in pdf. I can convert office docs into pdf or html and read them in Archos 705. I can read html pages online or offline in it. I have purchased an extra battery also. So for all my needs this is enough.

Having said all this, I want to explore e ink reader options, if there are any since to my knowledge they have the following advantages:
1. More close to paper experience.
2. No strain on eyes.
3. Longer battery life
4. Light weight.
5. Bigger display. (some are above 7 inches)

Do you know if there are any products that cater to my needs.

Thanks
Sudhakar

Eink does not allow for back lighting. The only reader you'll find that has a backlight is the EbookWise 1150. But it is not eink based. The only thing you can do with an eink based device is purchase a book light for it to use in low/no light conditions. I'm partial to the bug light for when I finally get around to purchasing a light. Most eink devices Sony, Cybook, Jinke, etc have 6" screens. The only only one currently out at a larger screen is the iRex and that is $699. With the cirrent generation of Vizplex you will get 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 if you go iRex. But you won't get the ability to read in the dark without an external light.

There are a whole range of "clip-on" lights available which work extremely well with eInk bookreaders. They generally use LEDs and run for hundreds of hours on an AA battery.

Thanks a lot for the replies.

With the iLiad, there's the option of plugging one of those bendy LED desk lights into the USB port. I picked one up for 99p, and while it makes my reader look like something out of War of the Worlds, it does the job!

I just bought Archos 705 portable media player and want to read books (not ebooks. I am not interested in them.).
Can you explain what you mean by 'ebooks' here? I understand 'ebooks' to mean books in electronic format; what do you mean? I'm wondering if I've got my jargon wrong.

With the iLiad, there's the option of plugging one of those bendy LED desk lights into the USB port. I picked one up for 99p, and while it makes my reader look like something out of War of the Worlds, it does the job!

What impact does that have on battery life?

What impact does that have on battery life?

No idea. I've not yet sat reading in the dark for long enough to find out! I obviously need to go camping. :)

Can you explain what you mean by 'ebooks' here? I understand 'ebooks' to mean books in electronic format; what do you mean? I'm wondering if I've got my jargon wrong.

No, I think you're right. It confused me too.

No idea. I've not yet sat reading in the dark for long enough to find out! I obviously need to go camping. :)

What you need to do is get one of those solar chargers, then have the iLiad powering the light which is shining on the solar panel to charge the iLiad.

:D