My Paramour is Naked!

[TimonofAthens]

Paramour being the name of my new Kindle 2. 

And I could *really* use your help, as my brain is frying over all the available accessories.    It seems like I’ve been reading about them as much as I’ve been reading on the Kindle!    And now I’m more indecisive as to what I should get than when I started.   Ugh!

These are my basic problems:  firstly, I ain’t made of money!  Meaning I’d have to stick to something for a bit before the day comes when I can upgrade.  I don’t mind spending a lot on a product I’m going to get a lot out of, but I do want to be sure I get my money’s worth and not regret the purchase. Since I presently can’t work and I missed qualifying for disability because it took awhile for my doctors to actually agree on my diagnosis (don’t get me started on that!  ) I do have to be somewhat conscience of what I spend. 

This leads to my second problem.  It’s very difficult to decide on a cover/sleeve or bag without actually being able to feel and hold it in my hands, especially for a cover that stays on while I’m reading. 

Now, for what I’m hoping to get. If it’s a cover, I’d like it to feel balanced in my hand while reading with it, and easy for the kindle to come out when/if I need to read without a cover.  When I read in bed I am in somewhat of a more horizontal position and need to hold the kindle up over my face due to neck surgery, so I’d like to be able to take it out if it’s too awkward to hold in a cover that way.  Ideally it would be nice to hold it IN a cover that way, but obviously that’s difficult to determine without actually holding the cover in my hands. I’d also like to know how flat it folds back and I’d prefer a cover that doesn’t need an extra cover/bag for it, but I’m flexible on that point.  I’m hoping to tuck it into my tote bag when I go out. 

The covers that caught my eye were the Marware flip type, the Javo-edge flip type or book type, and yes, those Oberon covers.   I like the Marware for weight and looks, but wasn’t quite sure how you put the kindle in it and if it slid out easily.  I also liked the way you could slip your hand through the back loop.

The Javo-edge seemed similar, but didn’t have the hand loop thingy.  I did like some of the designs, especially the dark cherry blossom.  I like the fact that it covers the front of the kindle, looking like a skin, but again, I wonder how that would feel in the hand, and how easily the Kindle can come out.  They looked heaver than the Marware too, but again I don’t know if that would be a problem for me or not.

Well, I just plain ole like the Oberon covers!  I love leather book covers, so this does appeal to me aesthetically.  It sure looks sturdy according to the video on Youtube but I don’t know if the weight would be an issue for me, although it did look easy to take out if I needed to.  I thought I wouldn’t want one until I saw the video; I shouldn’t have peeked!  But I’d really like to see one in person before buying and spending that much, so perhaps that’s for a future purchase.  Besides, they have a large handbag I wouldn’t mind getting, and ….

As for a sleeve instead of a cover, I was wondering how easy those things are to use, and if perhaps a bag might be better (or worse).  Protection would be my main concern here, as well as ease of use, i.e. getting the kindle out.  I liked the faux croc sleeve at Trendy Digital, and also the small faux croc bag they have.  I would like one or the other though, not both.  Is a bag like that less protection if used as a kindle holder?    Anyone have either of these and use it alone?  I thought if I did buy the bag and still wanted a cover later the bag could still be used.  I’m just not sure if the bag is good enough protection on its own though.  And the sleeve does looks like a solid piece. I’m also wondering if it’ll fit better or worse with a skin, as I think I’d like to add a skin.   Hmmm….

I keep going back and forth as to what to get, and I’m driving myself crazy (well, more so… ).  And of course I can’t really take it out with me until I have something to protect it.  Gotta show off my paramour to the world!

At least here’s one thing I know I want; that Trendy Digital waterproof bag.  My whirlpool tub will get more use now that I have my Paramour!
 
Thanks for reading this long-winded lament  , and I’d be grateful for any insight you could share  . 

[mistyd107]

Welcome to the board!!!!!!!!!!!!  Hope you enjoy your Kindle as much as we do!!!!!!!!!
First let me say I empathize with you on the whole dissability declaration process I've been there myself so I completely understand how frusterating it can be.
With my disability I have good use of one hand my left side is pretty much useless.  I must admit I am also very much intrigued by the Javoedge and Oberon covers just to have a different style to change things up from the one I am using.  
Its by Bobarra its the Thoreau cover.  You might want to check it out as well.  Its a book style cover that securely holds the Kindle in corner straps.  Having said that it is easy to remove the Kindle if you want to.  I have seen people say its a heavier cover, but in my limited strength it does not feel heavy at all.  I don't fold it back often but when I do it folds back very easily as well as pretty flatly IMO.
The Thoreau is available in fabric or leather and does not really NEED a second bag, but it does come with a drawstring sleeper bag that is very handy if you want to use it.  
The price point for the Bobarra is about the same as the Javoedge.  The Austen cover is great as well but its a little bulkier.  I have both and love them both.  Bobarra's Customer service is also AMAZING.
I'm not trying to convince you to give it a shot just trying to put the option out there.  If you have any questions about the cover that as a user I can help you with please let me know.  a link is below please let us know which direction you decide to go in.
http://www.bobarra.com/cart/Kindle2-fabric-covers_pleasure-readers/

[VictoriaP]

Welcome!

Another one here fighting with both the docs & the disability insurance crew.  Such fun!  

I've been coping with the weight issue for K2 covers since February.  Here's just one thread on the subject:  http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,12515.0.html  The Search function in the toolbar above will lead you to numerous others on this topic.

I've tried the Oberon, Noreve, Mivizu's Sleek (easel style), and Amazon covers, and both the Octovo & Trendy Digital sleeves.  I gave away the Oberon--at over 9 ounces empty, it was enough to cause strain & fatigue in my hands during use.  The Amazon is light, but it just isn't protective enough, since it has no closure, and the hinges have been problematic for some people.  The Mivizu is the lightest of the bunch, but their quality control is horrendous, and they simply aren't worth the price being charged for such shoddy workmanship.  My reviews of both the Octovo & Trendy Digital sleeves are posted in the review section, so I won't go into detail here.  Do note that some people are reporting issues with the seams on the Trendy Digital; I have one of the first ones released and have had zero problem, but I'd certainly want confirmation from them on their return policy before I'd commit to buying one now.

I currently use a Noreve cover, in the Sandy Vintage leather.  It's lighter than the Oberon & easier for me to use.  However, it's not perfect either, with features that add unnecessary weight, and a spotty track record on customer service.  I've given up on finding the perfect cover at this point; I doubt it exists!

[modkindle]

take a look at the tuff-luv easel style case. I think it will meet all your critiera. I stick a piece of double sided tape on the back of my kindle for extra protection to keep it in the case, but it is super easy to unstick it, take the kindle out of the case, read. then i slip it back in, rub the back of the case and the tape resticks.

[Javoedge]

Aloha TimonofAthens!

Thanks for mentioning JAVOedge in your list of cases to check out! It's definitely hard to check out Amazon Kindle cases since most are available online.
Don't forget that JAVOedge is offering an exclusive 15% off discount to KindleBoard users -- available on our official thread right here.

In terms of how the JAVOedge cases feel in your hands, I'll let fellow KindleBoard users mention what they've thought, perhaps you can contact them for more info on what they think:
Flip Case - How it Folds Back
http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,12765.msg265512.html#msg265512
http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,12765.msg265533.html#msg265533

Cherry Blossom Case shopper
http://www.kindleboards.com/index.php/topic,12765.msg252804.html#msg252804

And of course, Octochick's review of the JAVOedge Flip cases were really well-documented and extensively covered here on her blog:
http://piewacket.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/flipping-over-javo/


Good luck in your decision making! 

[vg]

(Blue) Mivizu Sleek Amazon Kindle 2 Leather case cover for Kindle 2.0 eBook reader



I own several covers for my Kindle 2 and keep coming back to this one.  It protects without noticable weight and really feels good to hold.  There is a snap on the back to hold it closed in your purse and it folds back flat when held.  You can also prop it like an easel and the Kindle pops in and out easily (but is very secure when in the cover).  I have the blue, but it comes in several other colors (red, pink, black, blue, green, purple).

What a fun decision you have to make  

[TimonofAthens]

Thanks to everyone for replying to this.   Didn't think getting a cover would be this much work!   There are just so many pros and cons on each, although a few do stand out.   The Bobarra cases are nice, and I like the leather Thoreau, but at 10 oz I'm thinking that a little weighty.  Of course after looking at their website I realized I wouldn't mind having their Lindy laptop bag.     I need to stop looking at these things! 

I had thought of just getting a sleeve, and liked the Trendy Digital, and it actually was the review by VictoriaP that turned me on to the sleeve.  However, it did concern me that it was so slim and might not hold up well to having the Kindle pushed in and out of it constantly, and since some people did complain about the seams I'm not sure it's a good investment.   

Besides, I am curious to whether I'd like to read with a cover on or not, and of course a sleeve wouldn't let me decide that.  I thought a flip case might be a good choice, and looked at Javoedge, but not sure I like the easel thingy in the back; I think it would get in the way.  I don't really need to stand mine up as reading that way would be bad for my posture and neck.

And so far I'm down to the Marware.  I wasn't sure about the suede interior, although I'm sure that makes nice padding for the screen.  I do like the way it looks, epically on he front of the kindle, not too much material but enough to hold it tight. I also like the hand strap, and the elastic to hold it closed as I generally dislike those straps with snaps. 

So after reading through the Kindle Shopper's Guide,and all the websites, and this board I'm leaning towards the Marware eco flip.  I'm just wondering how easy it is to take the kindle out from the case.  I love the idea of elastic bands in the corner, but most of the covers that have those seem to be more heavy. 

You know, I do get the feeling that I should just go ahead and buy something already!   

[glitrbug]

Given the name of your Kindle (and hoping you like guys) I think you need the decalgirl sixpack skin. 

http://www.decalgirl.com/item.view/19106