Review: Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Leather Case: Stylish, sturdy and very thin
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 21, 2013
Right up front, I like this case, and suspect that others will feel the same way once they get it into their hands. That was not my initial impression when I received it here, but after a few weeks of using it, found it to exceed my somewhat picky expectations.TheAmazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Standing Leather Casein Onyx Black is an attractive case, and outer cover is genuine leather, not the faux leather with the chemical smell that we've encountered with some of these. It's thin enough to make one wonder how sturdy it could be, yet someone took the time to engineer this one the right way, as the form-fitted interior shell holds a Kindle Fire HD 8.9" device perfectly; just snap it in and you're good to go.But first here are the subjective likes and dislikes on this case, then the observations as an owner.Likes:+ The case is thin; slips into a briefcase or messenger bag easily+ Protective shell; all sides and corners are protected+ Functional; has three different viewing angles.+ Automatic sleep &wake; lid; turns device on/off, even when rotated 180 degrees+ Snap-in mounting system; holds the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" securely+ Ports: easy access to charging and HDMI ports while inside case, even closed+ Integrated magnetic closure; keeps the Kindle Fire closed when you desire+ Cover offers good protection for the screen; easy to clean+ Durable leather case; lined with soft microfiber interiorDislikes:- A hand strap would help for reading use when commuting on public transportationObservations:Once installed, the integrated interior plastic shell enclosure on this case not only holds the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" tablets securely without the flimsy little elastic straps found in some cases, it allows the device to snaps into place and doesn't mar the surface, as I've found in previous models from other companies. The power switch, the HDMI and USB Micro-B charging port and headphone jack are not obstructed, as we find with some other cases that are not certified as "Made for Kindle" accessories.But how does it compare with theMarware Revolve Portrait and Landscape Standing Case for Kindle Fire HD 8.9", which I have been using until I received this one?The easiest way to explain this is that they are different cases and have different uses and functions, yet each is a high-quality product. Both will only fit the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" series, so if you have a different Kindle model, these are not for you. The Marware Revolve lives up to its name by offering 180 rotation for full port access while inside case, but it's counterpoint is that it's thick. The Amazon Standing Leather Case doesn't revolve, but it's very thin, and excellent for travel and packing the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" into places where space may be a premium.That being said, these are both high quality cases, and where I may be inclined to use the Marware case when not in transit for a week or two, the Amazon product is a first-class case for those whose lifestyle is mobile, and where space may be at a premium.Summary:TheAmazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9" Standing Leather Caseis conspicuous in in terms of sturdiness, quality of construction, simplicity, pure functionality and the fact that it's so thin. The mounting system is quite secure, which offers protection to the device from all sides and corners. Stylish, sturdy and very thin, this one is highly recommended to users of the Kindle Fire HD 8.9" series.2/21/2013