Keep an eye on eBay. I see a
black lighted cover available now but they are gouging on the price (though they do ship worldwide).
As far as the hinges, I originally had the same concerns as you because there were some issues with the hinged covers cracking the Kindle 2 case. It was pointed out to me that the hinge placement on the new covers in a different place and there is little chance of the Kindle 3 case cracking. I have the lighted cover and have no problems.
with it.