I too strongly recommend a good cover.
I first ordered the Luxury Label Cover (
http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Luxu...?cds2Pid=35616). Although it is well constructed, it looks like very shiny patent leather (which is not evident from the product photos. This makes it a bit slippery to hold and it is a fingerprint magnet. Another drawback was the squared edges.
So I exchanged it for the Industriell Cover in Storm (
http://gifts.barnesandnoble.com/Indu...?cds2Pid=35616). This one is charcoal gray, has a non-slip surface, doesn't show fingerprints as it has a matte finish, and it has rounded edges which make it look better and more closely resemble the NC itself which is rounded.