Review: One of the slimmest Kindle Fire cases I have tried, with a multi-position stand.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 21, 2014
This is the third case I have tried with my Kindle Fire HDX 8.9". I have previously used and reviewed the Otterbox Defender case and the Polyurethane Origami one. In general I would say that I like this Marblue case a lot better than the Otterbox Defender and about as much as the Origami case, depending on how I am using my Fire at the time.When using the FIre horizontally, this Marblue case and the Origami case are pretty close. The Marblue wins on versatility of stand positions, but the Origami case wins on stability of stand. While you can vary the stand position of the Marblue case (which you can't do with the Origami), the only way I feel the Marblue is truly stable in stand position is if the Fire is pulled all the way forward and rests against the two "grabbers" on the edge of the case. Otherwise, I find it rather wobbly, especially for playing games.When using the FIre vertically on a surface, the Origami case wins hands down. The only way that the Marblue case stands vertically independently is if you make sort of a triangle of the Fire, the case front and middle. That makes the Fire 100% vertical, which doesn't work for much. The Origami stand works either horizontally and vertically, but only at one set angle.In terms of HOLDING the Fire, especially while playing games or reading, this Marblue case has the edge as it is lighter and slimmer. The Origami case does fold flat, but it is bulkier and heavier and, as such, is more awkward to hold for any length of time.Stylistically, while the Origami case is wildly creative and just plain cool-looking when in stand position, it isn't all that attractive when closed. This Marblue case is quite nice-looking, but very business-like, at least in the black case that I have.The speakers, camera, volume and power buttons are all exposed via cutouts in the Marblue case when the case is fully closed. When the front is flapped back over the back to use the Fire, these are all still basically available, but you just have to reach in between the covers to access them.The 2 "grabbers" on the Marblue case's front flap close over the Fire and back flap to hold the case fairly securely closed. However, the first time I tried to close the case, I couldn't get the cover quite closed fully enough for them to engage. You just have to stretch it out a bit...mine works fine now.  However, these "grabbers," when the case is open, cause a great deal of discomfort when holding the Fire on that side. I use the other side when I can, since many apps and games can be used either way, but some games are programmed to only play one-side up and, in those cases, the "grabbers" are a detriment.In summary, I prefer using the MarBlue case when I want to HOLD the Fire, but slightly prefer the Origami case when I want to use the Fire in stand position on a flat surface. I especially use stand position on a flat surface when I stream video to my Fire.