Review: Attractive, Sleek, And Compact But No Magnetic Sleep Wake Function, Needs To Be Reconnected Periodically, Plus Other Problems
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 03 20, 2014
First off, this is a very, very attractive case. Once the Kindle HDX snaps into the place, both case and tablet becomes a beautifully and seamlessly integrated unit. The case is a very snug fit for the Kindle HDX (There is absolutely no "play"). The whole thing looks and feels like a notebook almost. I'd have to give the Belkin design team props for the first-rate job in making this case so visually appealing.This case protects well. The form-fitting case securely cradles the Kindle and protects the top, bottom and back. The only areas left exposed are the sides (the sides of the case do not wrap around the sides of the Kindle), the camera, on-off switch, and speaker grills. The cutouts for various functionalities (such as speakers, switches, etc.) are very accurately lined up. Protection-wise, I'm not too worried about the exposed areas because (i) the sides of the Kindle HDX are rubberized and don't incur dings or scratches very easily and (ii) the areas of the Kindle that are exposed through the cutouts are recessed.The case can also be folded back on itself, which makes it conducive to using the Kindle (for reading, watching a video, etc.) while you're holding it in your hand(s). The only problem is the combined weight of the case and the Kindle is 1 lb 14.3 oz -- pretty hefty for hand-holding your Kindle for extended periods!This case definitely has a few good things going for it. There are, however, a few problems too:(1) There is no magnetic sleep/wake function. i.e. the Kindle won't automatically go to sleep when the cover is closed and won't automatically wake up when the cover is opened. Not a deal breaker by any means, but if you're used to the sleep/wake function, it can get tiresome having to press the power switch to wake the Kindle whenever the Kindle goes to sleep after a period of inactivity. Fortunately, you can just press any key on the keyboard to wake the Kindle. Still, the lack of the sleep/wake function is a strike against this case.(2) When the Kindle has gone to sleep after a lengthy period of inactivity, I have to reconnect the keyboard to the Kindle. I didn't have this problem at all with another case (that also had an integrated Bluetooth keyboard). There is some good news however. When the keyboard is connected, there are no intermittent signal cutouts and the keypresses register instantly on the screen. Also, I found the quickest way to reconnect is to turn the keyboard off and then back on (There's no need to wade through the menus of the Kindle to reconnect).(3) The "Back" button button doesn't work in all apps (I apologize for being unable to name offhand specifically which ones they are). On these apps, you would have to use the regular Back button on the touchscreen.(4) The keyboard has a non-standard 'LKJ key arrangement (instead of the standard ;LKJ key arrangement). It boggles me WHY Belkin would use a non-standard keyboard layout. The ; (and :) is located instead on the very bottom row next to the space bar).One additional concern I have is the keyboard scratching the screen of the Kindle when the case is closed. Although there is a minuscule gap (~1 mm) between the keys and the screen, the keys can conceivably make contact with and possibly grate [and scratch] the screen when the keyboard flexes slightly. For peace of mind, I have a screen protector over the screen of the Kindle.A number of people have mentioned that the magnets (that hold the Kindle in place when it's propped up) fall off. I have not encountered the problem so far (I've been using the case almost daily for over a month now). If the magnets do fall off at some point, I'll be sure to update this review.Finally, a word about compatibility. This case is made to form-fit theKindle HDX 8.9; it will NOT fit the olderKindle HD 8.9. The old Kindle HD (which I also own) is simply too big and too thick to fit in the case.---In summary, I like that the case is so sleek and form-fitting that it makes my Kindle HDX look and function almost like a notebook. It also provides adequate protection for my Kindle from light bumps and scratches. Even though there are a few problems, I think this case is quite functional. 3-1/4 stars -- Recommended with reservations.