@grumbles: Hey, if you're still looking for a decent cover for the T3S, you may want to have a look a these:
http://www.geckocovers.com/sony-prs-t3s-cover.html
I got my T3S shortly after it was released, and one of the above covers to go with it. I like the build quality and another nice touch is that they did integrate the necessary parts (magnets?) for the sleep cover functionality to work.
I still hope my T3S will last a long time...