The cost comes from the same thing that makes the back-light unfeasible: the e-ink panel. A six inch one like the Reader's costs something like $200 all by itself. That should improve as they get better at making them ... and as PVI's manufacturing monopoly expires, whenever that is. Hopefully, it won't be too long before some wiseguy figures out how to build in an acceptable
front-lighting device (a la Lightwedge), and that problem will be solved. (
again)