Review: A true premium case
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 28, 2014
When Amazon says that this case is designed to fit perfectly, they aren't exaggerating. You simply place your Kindle on the case and the back conforms to it perfectly. One of the nice features that I hadn't considered is just how much more usable it is when the case does nothing to obstruct the front of the Kindle during use.Despite many pictures of the device on the website, the lack of a picture of the back of the case with the item closed left me unprepared for its elegance. It's a very attractive form fitting plastic shell, complete with the Amazon logo and outer buttons, that gives it a positively "built in" look and makes it seem as if it's part of the Kindle. For me, that shows off just how well integrated the case is, and nothing else comes close to it in appearance or function.The origami feature is a nice touch. The case comes with a pictorial instruction to make sure you get the hang of how to fold it. It's not at all difficult, but it is something that you would want shown to you prior to doing it. So if you hand your Kindle to a stranger without thinking about explaining it, the person might not figure out where to fold and pinch.The stand works great in the horizontal orientation and works well in the vertical orientation. The vertical one is less optimal and should be no problem on a desk or table. But the horizontal one can work better even on less steady surfaces such as a mattress or beach blanket over sand or grass.The compactness of the case is also noteworthy. It might weigh marginally more than some leather lightweight cases, but its less cumbersome. Folding the cover flap to the back and having it stay magnetically leaves no feeling of anything loose in your hand, while a cover on a cheaper case has wiggle room. With this case, you simply place your Kindle over the back of the case, and magnetism takes care of everything else. You get not only the protection of the case, but also a minimum of interference from it. If you are the type who prefers to use the kindle outside of the case when holding it in your hands, this case may change your mind.You will end up paying perhaps $30 more than for a good leather case, and probably less than you would for anOtterBox Defender, which will offer you more protection but with more bulk. For me, this origami case offers the best compromise with a hard back shell, a protective cover, and the least obtrusive experience using the Kindle itself. There are many cases at half the price that are functional and well worth it. You pay a premium for this one, but you get something that enhances not only the appearance but also the experience.