So I finally got a Kindle 3, and I'm so glad I waited instead of buying with the 1st generation. I spent a lot of time researching cases once I had decided I was going to purchase the Kindle 3, and decided the characteristics I wanted/needed were:
- Sturdy and protective for carrying around, primarily out of the house
- Not too bulky
- Able to put into a stand position for hands-free reading
- Not hideous in overall appearance
There are several options out there including the case I originally had planned to go with, the M-Edge Platform Kindle Jacket. This cover looks slim, sharp in appearance, and is more than double the price of the Acase cover. There is also the Duragadget Kindle cover which is, as far as I could tell, exactly the same as the Acase cover on this page, but about $10 more expensive.
What I liked about the Acase cover from the description and reviews:
- Appeared pretty sturdy, and had a secure way to hold the Kindle (not just corner-mounted elastic or leather bands)
- Allowed multiple positions for the stand feature
- Cheap!
I bought the red color which doesn't appear available on Amazon right now, for less than $20 (not black because I wanted it to be visible inside bags). Delivery was quick and it came before my Kindle did (granted, the Kindle was ordered right before Xmas when for a brief period of time it did not ship for 3-5 days). I was pleased with the appearance of the cover and eagerly awaited my Kindle. The Kindle itself I LOVE, but that would have to be the subject of a different review! It fits perfectly into the Acase cover. You do have to kind of shove it down in there to get it all the way down to where everything aligns best, and to remove it you also have to push up with your thumbs quite firmly (couldn't really pull from the top initially as the Kindle's too thin and slippery) - this latter point was reassuring that the Kindle couldn't just fall out the top end easily.
The cover does add quite a bit of bulk to the Kindle though it's not heavy. For some people, including my mother-in-law, this was a good thing since some find the naked Kindle sort of insubstantial and difficult to hold. I personally prefer holding the Kindle without a case since one of the great things about it is the slim form factor and light weight. Also, when holding it in the case to read, you have to either hold just the part of the case enclosing the Kindle, meaning the flap hinging from the bottom just flaps down, or else fold the bottom flap up underneath and hold the entire thickness of the case in your hands. I personally don't really like this and when I'm at home I usually read without the case.
The exception is when I'm reading at the kitchen table....or any place where I can't lean one elbow somewhere (like the couch arm). I find holding the Kindle in one hand (while eating for example) is tiring. This is where the case is really great - I slip the Kindle in and set up the stand, and then just reach out and push the "next" button as needed for the next page. I liked the idea of the multi-position stand, but so far I always use the highest (most vertical) setting, and am honestly not sure now when I would want it in a flatter position. Nice to have the option there, though, I guess. Another reviewer stated that the part of the flap that goes against the screen is, in stand position, down against the table, leading to the potential for dirt/crumbs/etc. to go on to the screen. I just take a look at that surface and brush it off if necessary.
One reviewer of this or the Duragadget (essentially same) cover stated she was able to stand up the Kindle in bed and read it by flipping the orientation. As I read every night and dislike holding anything too heavy (I have wrist/forearm issues and even holding my iPod Touch or Blackberry was sometimes tiring), I was hoping this would work out for me. It didn't, but I'm able to hold the naked Kindle (plus light - I got the Mighty Bright Xtra Flex 2 - purchased after MUCH research and definitely recommended) and ideally, prop it partly on another pillow, and it works overall great for me.
I haven't taken it out of the house yet, but I would definitely put it into the case, which has a magnetic flap to hold it closed. I would feel pretty secure about this case with the only potential issue being stuff (crumbs, whatever) getting inside and against the Kindle screen. However, this is a potential problem with nearly all the cases except those that zipper all the way around.
Overall, for build, price, and features, this was a definite WIN. I definitely recommend it.