Review: The Key(board) To A Great Kindle Experience
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 10, 2014
If you have a need for a keyboard on your Kindle, this is a great one.Personally, I love tablets for the combination of mobility and functionality.  At the same time, I sometimes find myself wishing I had a keyboard on my Kindle or iPad when I am sending e-mail or doing a lot of web browsing.The QODE is a combination of a nice case and a very thin, highly functional keyboard.  This fits the 8.9" Fire HDX.  It is not made to fit other Kindle models.  This is not a new design for Belkin.  They have a similar product line for iPads already in stores.The box include the case/keyboard combo, a micro-to-USB charging cable, and a user manual.  The manual is basically a card and contains little information.The exterior is a synthetic leather-looking material on the front, which feels to be of good quality and durable.  The rest of the case's body is plastic, but it feels like it is a good quality material.  The case folds over the front of the Kindle, while the tablet sits in the case with the back fully covered.  There is an elastic strap which secures the case when closed. Inside the case is covered with a soft material.  The easel which holds the Kindle is plastic. The QODE can be positioned at two viewing angles.  The keys are large enough to type without difficulty.  I am a man with good-size hands but don't have any issues typing, or hitting keys accidentally due to keyboard size.The case is blue-tooth and pairs easily to the Kindle.  All Kindle buttons and ports are accessible in the case.  The keyboard is well thought out, and has a couple of nice features such as a microphone key and a browser key.  It also has a Home key, which can double as a Lock key when used with the Function key.  Other keys are Save, Cut, Paste, up/down/let/right, and volume up/down.  Basically, it's a nice way to type on the Kindle, but still use tablet tap commands.I have seen several reviews reporting the magnets falling off, requiring re-gluing.  Thus far I have not had this issue, but a lot of people have mentioned it so it is something for which to keep an eye out.  Thankfully the magnets can be reseated with super-glue, etc.As far as battery life, it is excellent!  It will provide about 160 hours of usage, and can last well over two months in standby.  Charging is accomplished by using the included USB charging cable (no AC adapter included).  The charge is separate from the Kindle, so you can leave the keyboard off and turn it on only when you need it, if you like.  The case does not put the Kindle to sleep and wake it up when closed/opened.This is Bluetooth, so you can pair it with other devices.  Just keep in mind it is made specifically for the 8.9" Kindle HDX, so, for example, you can certainly pair it with a 7" HDX, but you'd be able to use it only as a freestanding keyboard, not a case.Overall, a really nice case.  It is a solid 4.  I would say that the magnet issue keeps this product line from `5' status:  Although I am yet to experience that issue it seems a lot of people have, and since the magnets play a part in positioning viewing angles, that's a problem.  I can rate this only on my experience though, which has been superb.