Originally Posted by Trickster999: “Is the backlight essential? If you don't have one are they impossible to read in dimly lit area's?”
I remember when I got the first kindle which didn't have a backlight and never had a problem. Used to read in bed with just lamp on. I always said its a waste money getting one with backlight but since I got paperwhite about 2 years ago I couldn't imagine getting one without it now. I would definitely recommend the paperwhite kindle.
Originally Posted by Trickster999: “Is the backlight essential? If you don't have one are they impossible to read in dimly lit area's?”
It's certainly preferable to have one but not a requirement. Reading a Kindle is the same as reading a normal book so you do need decent lighting to read so the back light can certainly help.
Backlight on Paperwhite is very good and now when I have it, I wouldn't want to go without it, but without it you just use a lamp like you would use when reading a normal book.
I've had the original Kindle Keyboard for over 3 years and never found the need for a backlight. Mind you, I don't read much in bed but it is my essential travel companion.