Customer Reviews

(6 Colors available) Travel Package for Amazon Kindle 2, Includes Kindle Leather Case and Travel accessories bundle Book Light for Kindle 2nd Generation

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I know several reviewers have been negative about this cover, but I'm absolutely convinced it's because there are NO instructions with this item that explain how to properly insert the Kindle, and trying to do it the "intuitive" way doesn't work - the actual use is counter-intuitive. That said, once you figure out how to use it correctly (though you get no help in doing so because there are NO instructions/diagrams, etc) then this is a marvelous cover and a particularly marvelous value. If the company selling these would just include some instructions, they'd save themselves a lot of really unnecessary returns and poor reviews. This IS a 5-star item, but I absolutely understand how some buyers have gotten frustrated with it - see below for directions on how to use it properly.

When I first received this cover I grabbed my Kindle and tried to do what you'd intutively think to do, given the design - slide the Kindle in from the bottom, to secure it in the two side and one top clips. It became clear real quick that doing so could damage the Kindle. So I sat and looked at it for a minute and it finally occurred to me to try the COUNTER-intutive way - and it worked PERFECTLY.

Here's the CORRECT way to use this cover. I tried it last night several times, removing and replacing it, when used this way it's NO PROBLEM at all. You simply start from the top instead of the bottom. Holding the Kindle, insert the BOTTOM of the Kindle into the two side clips - slide the Kindle into those two bottom clips and then slide it just a bit further so the top of your Kindle clears the top clip. Once it's cleared the top clip and is laying flat, just slide it back up a bit so it pops into the top clip. That's IT - it's that simple.

I admit, when I first opened it and tried it the other way (sliding it in from the bottom, all the way up, which SEEMS like the way to do it because there's no bottom clip) I was frustrated. But once I figured out how to do it correctly it became VERY easy to insert or remove if I need to. Like I said, the guys selling this SERIOUSLY need to at least photocopy some instructions and include it when shipping.

Once in properly, I will say I was VERY impressed with how the clips hold the Kindle securely. I tried shaking it out, but it never budged. And inserted correctly there was no possibility of damaging my Kindle. I was concerned, when I first saw it on Amazon, that it wouldn't stay because of the lack of a bottom clip, but that's just not a problem. The lack of the bottom clip is purposeful, so you can slide the bottom of the Kindle in and slide it down a bit further until it clears the top clip. Once in place the clips are very secure.

The packaging on this item made me a bit wary - it comes in a simple plastic sleeve without any real labeling or instructions or anything. But the item itself is NICE! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the back "access panel" that makes the power and whispernet button's easily accessible - that's worth it's weight in gold and if/when Amazon ever does come out with a newer Kindle version they DEFINITELY need to build that feature into their stock covers.

I played with both this cover and my stock cover last night, and I think for regular at home reading I'll continue to use the stock cover only because I prefer the way it sits in my hand, but for those times when I'm out at a restaurant eating or am at home using it while I'm eating, I'll switch it to this cover - the "easel" stand feature is just WONDERFUL, and is actually the primary reason I was interested in this cover. No more propping my Kindle against the salt shaker or whatever at restaurants!! And when I travel with the Kindle it will be in this cover.

The clip on book light that comes with this cover is also a nice feature. I just got mine last night and haven't even inserted batteries in the light yet, but the lamp itself is super - nice long, flexible neck, an unobtrusive light, sturdy clip.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased. I'll return stuff on the drop of a dime if I'm not pleased, but this is staying. It will be invaluable when I need to prop the Kindle up. Once closed and snapped shut it's also just plain ATTRACTIVE.

I just got this package and I am quite pleased. Firstly, the case is an improvement over the one that the Kindle comes with. It has a slimmer profile and a cutout in the back, for the switches. (The original case does not, and I found it was starting to bend, from reaching under it,to turn the device on or off.) It holds the Kindle very securely and I like the snap closure. I am confident that it will stay closed. Also,I am among those who like the fact that this case can stand up, freeing your hands.

Secondly, the light is nice. It takes AAA batteries, which you can get anywhere, cheaply. (Button batteries are more expensive, less available and often harder to put in.) The light can stand on its own or clip to the case. I clip it to the top. If positioned well, it gives off light that is adequately bright, without causing any glare. And, since it has an LED, you will not have to replace a bulb.

I highly recommend this package.

I received this for Christmas, in black, and after using it for only a couple weeks, I'm replacing it with a higher end leather case for the following reasons.

Pros:

1. It hugs your Kindle REALLY tightly. There's no chance that it's going to fall out, and it's simple to secure without any of the problems that many people have with the original Kindle Cover.

2. On the back of the cover, there is a snap that if undone, effectively turns the case into a tripod for (almost) hands-free reading.

3. There is a hole cut out in the back for easy access to the Whispernet and Power switches.

Cons:

1. When holding it like a regular book, the snap closure doesn't want to stay snapped. Whereas the original cover you simply tighten the elastic around the side to keep it snug, the front cover of the Vizu Case Cover sort of flaps around when you flip it over.

2. Getting it OUT of the case can be trying, so if you want to put in an SD card or replace the battery it takes a bit of struggling.

3. And this is the big one. The case is obviously made with low-grade dye because after a few days it started rubbing off on my Kindle, leaving gray dingy marks on it. They are hard to remove, in some cases impossible, permanently effecting the clean white appearance of the Kindle.


The booklight included in this package works fine.


In the end, the fact that the case is shedding it's dye has convinced me to replace it, even though it has some good features.

The flip-back format makes my Kindle so easy to use whether standing while I have a bite to eat or simply reading in hand. The cutout on the back makes the buttons accessible and the edge gives a place to grip without accidental page-turns. The design for holding the Kindle in place is very secure, yet still easy to remove intentionally to access the internal bits. Cover has protective stiffness w/o pressing on the face or clicker button.

Am very pleased!

Overall I love this cover. My gripe is that it has made several small dark areas on the Kindle where the top cover touches the front of the Kindle. I've tried to wipe them off with plain water and they don't come off. I haven't been more aggressive since my thinking is even if I get them off they'll come back. Perhaps they should have made the inside out of gray material like the original Kindle cover.

MiniSuit Leather Case for Amazon Kindle with Adjustable Leather Stand (Red) The red leather on this item is very nice and seems to have good stitching. The outside leather is smooth and the inside leather is more like a suede. I think the padding over the screen area is a little thicker on the cover that came with the Kindle, but this is adequate. In fact, I think the padding in general is better on the original cover that came with the Kindle, but, as I said, this is adequate.

My only complaint is that the red dye stained the little rubber wheel with a faint red line overnight. I will put a piece of tape on the cover where it hits the rubber wheel. Interestingly enough, the large rubber back plate and none of the hard plastic Kindle parts show any discoloration. Still, to protect the gray back panel, I slipped a piece of paper between the back and the Kindle.

I love that all the ports and switches are easily accessible while the Kindle is in the folder. The Kindle is very securely held in place and the stand up feature is great. The little light is not real bright, but it can sit-up on a table by itself. I haven't figured out the best way to attach it to the leather folder for nighttime reading yet, but I won't be using the light very often anyway.

All in all, a nice product and worth the sale price (the $70 full price is extremely high for this product.)

I just got my Kindle today and I tried putting the cover on. It was a tight fit with the two bottom tabs and the tabs don't "give" because it's made of steel with I think a leather covering. So I forced the Kindle between the tabs and slid the Kindle through from top to bottom until it was snug against the top tab of the cover. It's a snug fit but it fits. When taking it off I did it in reverse but again it is a tight fit. It's like it crushes the side buttons. I didn't notice right away but the right tab put a gouge on the right side of the Kindle from top to bottom. I feel ill because I just got my Kindle a half hour ago. Although it's just cosmetic it's like getting a scratch on the side of a new car you just bought today. And it will not buff out. (Sob)

It's twelve hours later and I figured out how to properly put the Kindle in the cover. You drop the Kindle into yhe two tabs, then push it up so it's snug up against the upper tab. It would have been a good idea for the product to come with instructions for people like me. But I'll keep the one star rating. On closer inspection, the lower right tab has bare metal peeking through the covering on the lower leading edge.
The case does function as advertised, though. But the scratch remains.

Although I'd already read in a forum how to insert the book into the cover, mine came with a slip of paper explaining how to do it. I ordered mine because I wanted a book light and this came with a cover for just a few dollars more.

This product, while useful, had some drawbacks.

The first main point of issue one needs to address is the fact that this cover's black coloring will rub off on your beautiful white Kindle and mar its pristine white surface with smudgy black shading. It was most unfortunate to discover.

Secondly, the Kindle fits very oddly in this case. The cover for the case does not properly close over the Kindle in a way that adequately covers the Kindle. The Kindle is always unprotected to the left or right side and the Kindle does not fully slide into the cover's support slots.
The main support slot that is meant to hold the top of the Kindle bends and contorts in an unsettling fashion.

Apart from those issues, the case performs admirably and stands the Kindle well.

This case exceeds my expectations. I like the standard case for running around on the bus or BART, &c. But this travel case works well in all environments and is perfect for restaurant dining. It stands up and is sturdy so you can hit the "next page" with the back of your knuckle without getting your Kindle all greasy. I've had others ask where to get one. Very well thought out; even has access to the Kindle switches on the back. Highly recommended.