M-Edge Platform Synthetic Leather Kindle Jacket , Smooth Black

5 Responses to “M-Edge Platform Synthetic Leather Kindle Jacket , Smooth Black”

1. David Derrico
   December 28, 2009 at 2:12 am

   This case flips open from the top, and can be opened to serve as a platform to prop up your Kindle on a table for hands-free reading. I decided on it because (a) I wanted something that was rigid (as opposed to padded) to protect the screen, (b) I wanted something small and light, (c) I wanted enough room for a pen and small notepad, and (d) I like the hands-free reading idea. Oh, and I didn’t want to pay too much. The M-Edge Platform ($29.99) delivered what I was looking for.

   The case is essentially two rigid flaps hinged together at the top. When closed, a tab is slid into a hole to secure it. The tab takes a few seconds to insert or extract, but it closes the case securely and doesn’t seem like it would wear out like an elastic closure might. When you open the case, the top flap can be hinged backward and the tab can be inserted “in reverse” to create an A-shaped stand. This will hold your Kindle upright for hands-free reading (well, you still need to hit the next page button!). When opened and pressed flat, it doesn’t add too much thickness to the Kindle, so you can still hold it and read easily in the case, and you can reach the next page buttons on either side. I also appreciate that it doesn’t weigh too much, and I leave my Kindle in the case for reading.

   The Kindle attaches with two (imitation) leather corner attachments at the bottom corners and two elastic attachments at the top. From pictures, I feared it wouldn’t hold the K2 securely, but it does, I have no worry of it slipping out. I don’t know if the elastic enclosures become less secure over time, however.

   I also liked that there is a small pen loop at the top, and a business card pouch plus a thin pocket on the inside of the front cover. I like the idea of keeping a pen and small note pad to jot down writing ideas, but they add almost no bulk or thickness to the case. The inside covers are lined with a soft felt material.

   There is also room along the left side of the K2 (and a pouch to slide the base into) designed to hold an M-Edge reading light (which I do not have). Some may not like that this causes the Kindle to be off-centered in the case, and it may be difficult for people with smaller hands to reach the left-side buttons, although I had no problems with it.

   All in all, I have to say that the case exceeded my expectations. The quality of the imitation leather feels good. The case is about as thin and light as possible while still affording good protection, and it feels supple on the outside but there is a rigid core in the front and back covers that appears to protect the K2 well. The A-frame reading platform may come in handy, I’ve used it while eating lunch a couple of times, although I normally read with the case folded all the way back.

   Essentially, the case did everything I hoped for it to do. Those of you who like to carry more than a pen, business card, note pad, and light with your Kindle (like if you want to bring the USB cord/power adapter or keys) may not like this case. And it does not fully enclose the Kindle, so it would not protect as well from dust or spills as the zippered cases. But, if your needs are like mine, I can heartily recommend this case.
   Rating: 5 / 5
2. TJW
   December 28, 2009 at 2:15 am

   My first Kindle was destroyed by the M-Edge ‘hinged’ cover and so I turned to this product in the hope of not destroying Kindle number 2. This product wins hands down for not having the ability to crack the cover.

   Pros:
   
   The ‘leather’ and padding is decent quality, given the price.
   
   The loops hold the Kindle securely in place (after 2 months of use) with no possibility of damaging my Kindle.
   
   There are a couple of nice touches such as the small inside pocket and pen loop that make it slightly more useful.

   Cons:
   
   The fastener is a little awkward to close.

   Overall a great product.
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. M. Thornley
   December 28, 2009 at 4:56 am

   Love it. Works as advertised and great protection also. Takes a bit for the “leather” to get worked in but its a great product.
   Rating: 5 / 5
4. Claire C. Collins
   December 28, 2009 at 5:44 am

   I love, love, love this thing. It is basically the only thing protecting my sanity, since I’m so incredibly nervous about cracking the screen of my second Kindle. The soft interior keeps the screen — and the pretty shiny silver back — from getting scratched. The straps are stiff enough to hold the Kindle firmly in place, but the elastic is of sufficient length to allow me to remove the device whenever I wish, rare as that might be. The little strappy-do that attaches front to back is pretty good for keeping it closed — no threatening magnets or straps, only a little awkwardness — and very good at keeping it open. As someone who likes to eat while reading, the prop-it-up-and-read feature comes in very handy. The faux-leather outer surface is handsome and scratch-resistant, and satisfies my dual loves for style and not killing animals to have it.

   I have only found three drawbacks. First, there is the smell that others have mentioned. It is an odd mix of chemicals that emanate from the gray soft lining, and it gets all over my hands. I have tried various remedies — Febreeze, leaving it out in the sun, perfumes — but nothing seemed to work. After three weeks, however, it is fading; I’m not sure how long it took, because I don’t remember noticing the lack of a smell. It is not entirely gone, but I have hope. I also hope that inhaling whatever-it-is is not carcinogenic . . . .

   Second, the spacing. The Kindle does not sit evenly in the center of the cover. I understand that the empty space at the left is meant to make room for a light, but since I don’t have one, it’s just an awkward space. I like that on one side at least the cover comes out a bit farther than the edge of the device — it gives you something to grip onto that has no risk of turning the page — but if there has to be one edge, I’d like two. One on each side — even a space of half the size — would make it perfect.

   Last — and most definitely least — is that the strap, when in closed position, halfway blocks the power cord. But this is a really minor quibble.

   All in all, though, this cover is fantastic. Three months damage-free in a house with a cat, a dog, and a one-year-old, two of which have sat on it? The undamaged Kindle speaks for itself.
   Rating: 4 / 5
5. Matthew Regnier
   December 28, 2009 at 6:10 am

   Makes holding the kindle a breeze for my wife. She’s able to use this to prop up the kindle and it leaves her hands free to deal with the kiddo. When closed it keeps the kindle safe/secure. We don’t use the extra slot/space provided for a light or anything, so it’s just that extra. This even helped the kindle survive several drops from the couch, so great for the money.
   Rating: 5 / 5