[SuzanneTF]

Covers are very common accessories for eReaders. Some are solely for protection of the screen (and for personalization) while others house lights for non-glo devices and storage for a stylus. I suppose that there is of course the protection of the finish of the device and some extra protection against dropping as well. But it's definitely an addition to the advertised weight of the devices. I don't see why they could make a cover that was more functional. A relative has a Microsoft Surface which is where I first became aware of this kind of thing, but the screen protector keyboards are detachable and functional. I'm not sure what devices (besides Apple somethings, I'd imagine) used that magnetic connection to lock in place and power the component, but I could see that as maybe a way to have a reader with an optional 2nd page/screen. And that way if the hinge busted you'd have a way to replace part of the device without trashing the whole thing.

Of course, with the keyboard piece it's not *really* supposed to bend beyond a certain angle.