Review: Great case, though pricey
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 21, 2012
I've used a previous official Amazon cover for the E-ink Kindle Keyboard, and was reasonably satisfied with it. The case was also expensive, quite heavy, but had a light that was useful for night reading. As the Fire/Fire HD are backlit, there's no need for a cover light yet I was still expecting this case to be a bit on the heavy side. It's not, and is generally well designed, but this does come at a cost.Straight up, this is one of the few cases that has autowake and also lets you charge with the case closed. I find it simply bizarre that so many others make you choose between these features (if they even have them). It's very light- barely noticeable in terms of weight increase- and fits the Fire HD very snugly. The cover closes magnetically, so it won't flop open and doesn't need a rubberband to fasten like a lot of others. It doesn't use elastic fasteners to keep the device in place, which I see as a good thing. This does mean it's a bit harder to take the tablet out, but so far I don't see myself ever doing that anyway.The best part of the design is that the ports are all uncovered. The volume and power buttons have extended keys which make them a bit easier to push, the speakers aren't blocked, and the cover folds flush backwards. You can stand the device either in portrait or landscape, and I haven't had any issues with it slipping or falling over. It does need a more or less fixed viewing angle to be stood up, though, unlike some other cases.The case obviously affords good protection; it's composed mainly of rubberized plastic around the edges and on the interior, and has leather on the flap and back panel. The interior of the flap is denim and the whole thing looks quite tough and durable.One thing to note- the leather is not 'genuine' leather. It's actually bonded leather. Most people wouldn't know the difference, but I've been a Bible thumper long enough to know by examining it. Cosmetically it looks and feels similar, but you can tell by the thickness and grain that there's no way this is a sheet of natural leather; it's been ground up, mixed, and treated with something. The leather layer is extremely thin and can be cut or nicked quite easily, unlike genuine leather. I don't think this is that huge a deal, and it does save weight, but if it's like other bonded leather covers I've used it probably won't stand up to dampness as well.And lastly, yes it's expensive- in fact, I think it's THE most expensive cover. It's a nice one, a very good compromise between weight and function, but it certainly could be cheaper. In terms of materials and craftsmanship, I know Amazon must be making a really good amount off this thing. Despite that, I do like it and particularly like the choice of colors.Pro:AutowakeNice colorsNice look and feelDoesn't weigh muchGood protection and durabilityPorts accessible, stand works decentlyCon:ExpensiveNot genuine leather