Leather Cases on Etsy: A Mini-Mailing Project

[Prestidigitweeze]

Originally Posted by hmcurriers

Hi! This is Josh from HMC. It's been interesting reading over this thread!

Glad you could join us, Josh! This forum holds the largest concentration of Sony Reader owners I've found so far and seems to be a great place for user feedback.

What do you look for in a case? Do you mind corner straps? Or is that a deal-killer? Why? What colors do you like?

When you ask about corner straps, do you mean the leather straps you use on your iPad cases? If so, I would love that option.

If you mean the elastic catch and button you've been using with Kindle and Sony 350 cases, then yes, I prefer that to a single elastic band positioned vertically and off-center down the case, which is my least favorite option (see Octovo's otherwise lovely Vintage Case for the Kindle 3).

In terms of color, my choice depends on the color of the device itself but is conditioned by social realities. I'm a male who's no longer in his 20s and commutes regularly at odd hours in Manhattan, which means I come in contact regularly with people from other cultures who are unlikely to understand ostentation. For that reason, I tend not to consider colors like purple for leather goods I'll be wearing or carrying. (On the other hand, purple and black are a perfect match.)

For my blue-skinned PRS-350, the burgundy Kindle case in your avatar looks perfect, but the photo of the burgundy iPad case on your Etsy page seems to show a completely different color, which is too red.

Which photo is more accurate?

Here, for the sake of illustration, is my blue-skinned PRS-350:



I tend to favor shades of brown over black, as it's difficult to match black unless you're wearing it already (and even then you have to be wearing the same shade). I like your darker brown, but black and graphite devices don't really go with dark brown, and the color of my blue-skinned 350 will vibrate more against a slightly lighter brown that is a shade redder than tan -- which is the impression your burgundy Kindle case gives in the photo.

Still considering the PRS-650, which means, with the attention you've gotten so far, that others will probably receive cases long before I do.

================

BTW: Saw your mockup of the artwork for a custom order for Kuch on the Kindle Boards. Beautiful work, that.

[astra]

Originally Posted by Prestidigitweeze

Pity about the TuffLuv case -- was it the construction that bothered you or the functionality?

I disliked everything about it.

The way the reader is held in place.
On the right hand side it completely covered all numbers you have next to 10 buttons of 505! How could they design something like that??? You don't see numbers, you cannot use buttons!

Accessing buttons at the bottom left corner was unpleasant because of the cover strap thickness.

One of the biggest annoyances was dongle flap at the bottom. I suspected I would hate it. I think except Sony covers with magnets, all other covers have some sort of dongle on the side to keep the case closed when not in use. It is uncomfortable, gets in the way.

Also, it was thick.

My 3 years old PRS-505 fell maybe 4 times maximum. The last time was 3 months before the bracket snapped. So, basically it survived it (although probably it was the time when the bracket was damaged). It was a bad one. I put the reader on my laps, when the bus slowed down abruptly. The reader flew forward, banged a few sits, skidded along the floor... So, in my personal experience, the hinges are very robust. I love cleanness of the lines of the front and back cover held in place by magnets without any dongles

I believe it is a very safe cover.

To avoid a damage of a direct push on the screen when the reader is in my backpack, I always have it in a tin DVD case. This risk would apply to any cover, because the front side of all of them covers is not made from titanium, but flexible. However, because Sony cover is relatively thin it fits the DVD tin box perfectly. Just like my new 650 in Sony's cover

[hmcurriers]

To avoid a damage of a direct push on the screen when the reader is in my backpack, I always have it in a tin DVD case. This risk would apply to any cover, because the front side of all of them covers is not made from titanium, but flexible.

Good idea!

The covers on my cases are 1/8" thick (roughly), so they provide quite a bit of protection. If you want something stiffer, I can slip a piece of aluminum in the front flap too.

[sabredog]

What a great idea!

I am certainly keen to see your end design for the 650.

[astra]

Originally Posted by hmcurriers

If you want something stiffer, I can slip a piece of aluminum in the front flap too.

That would be something!

[cathermac]

Originally Posted by astra

I have a strong dislike for covers that hold an ebook reader by straps at its corners.
Sony's cover is the most efficient design for me.
Beautiful? No idea. When I read a book I don't see the cover because I fold it.

I hate original sony covers. I have the pink one for sony 300 and for me it's so unconfortable to use because i prefer catching the reader with boths hands and the sony's original does not fold up. Fortunatelly they have solved this mistake with the new covers for 650 and 350. But i still think that they should put something to close it up. Mine opens when i put my reader on my handbag...

I love the kindle HMC cover. It's incredible what a very big kind of cover there are for kindle. An it's no so easy yo find for the sony.
It's a pitty there is not one for th sony 300

[Ripplinger]

I seem to be in the minority when it comes to the corner straps that hold readers in some covers... I hate them, and to the point where I'd never consider a cover that used them. They always manage to get in the way of some operation, you lose the smooth surface of the reader so your fingers catch on them, and worst of all, eventually they stretch out no longer holding the reader secure.

I'd much rather even stick a full sheet of Velcro on the back of the reader to secure to the back of of the cover then use corner straps.

That's the main reason I love the Sony covers. I've removed my reader from the lighted version numerous times and I really don't see those pins breaking off. Maybe they'll become more brittle with age and then break off easier, but for now, I love the system.

I do love the idea of a thin aluminum insert in the top of the cover though to protect the screen. I would also like some type of clasp as well to keep it closed, the smaller the better, even just a flap a magnet. And it must be able to fold completely back so it's totally out of the way while reading.

[Prestidigitweeze]

Originally Posted by Ripplinger

I seem to be in the minority when it comes to the corner straps that hold readers in some covers... I hate them, and to the point where I'd never consider a cover that used them.

What would you suggest that a seller on Etsy do if they're sewing covers together out of beautiful oiled leather by hand? The Sony case involves a lot of pressed cloth and molded pieces; the bracket system for holding the Kindle in place is made out of plastic. I wouldn't be surprised if cardboard were used for the front and back as well. Even if I disliked them, corners would take a backseat compared to the difference in materials and customization.

What's a seller/creator of handmade covers supposed to do about someone's hatred of cornerpieces? They don't own a factory, so their choices have to be ideas they can implement purely by sewing.

I don't mean to invalidate your opinion, of course.

=======================

Originally Posted by cathermac

Fortunatelly they have solved this mistake with the new covers for 650 and 350. But i still think that they should put something to close it up. Mine opens when i put my reader on my handbag.

It took me a while to realize there actually is a magnet system intended to close the case for the lighted 350. The problem is that it's incredibly ineffective. The case flies open constantly and would surely expose my Pocket Reader if ever I dropped it.

That's why people on this thread have been recommending the use of an elastic band.

[sabredog]

I have seen the result of that on a train recently. The 350 dropped out of the young lady's handbag and fell onto the seat (luckily) fully open and face down.

Would never, ever want a cover like that. Sort of defeats the purpose of even having a cover in the first place.

I am happy with the corner straps as long as they are well placed. Both my Kobo and 300 are secured that way into their covers and they are as secure as can be.

[Ripplinger]

I didn't say I had solutions not being a sewer at all. But I did mention Velcro that I've seen applied to readers. It would seem they could sew half of the Velcro (probably the hook part, not sure if it matters) to the inside back cover and supply the opposite loop end with an adhesive back to attach to the reader. That would certainly cover all sizes of readers. But again, I'm not a sewer at all, it would seem a possible solution though. Dropping the reader while reading though is another story and I doubt any cover will protect it then. I read a lot on public transportation, and I usually hold it in both hands because of the unexpected bumps encountered from bad roads, sudden braking, people bumping into you, etc.

When I'm not reading, my 350 is inside a deep pocket, and unless my hands are cold and inside the pocket, it's zipped up, it's impossible to fall out, so the magnets keep it closed enough for my use. But for a fancier/pricier cover, I did mention I'd like some type of clasp, but would opt for a flatter, smoother style that maybe would be kept closed with a magnet (if strong enough) that would flap over, rather than the button type clasps with an elastic loop that I've seen that would protrude and eventually the elastic would stretch out. If it was just an additional leather flap that would fold over the front and stay in place would seem to provide additional protection. Even Velcro on the cover flap would be perfect for me, doesn't need to be a magnetic closer.

[hmcurriers]

I can velcro instead of straps on request. In fact, for something like the sony readers that have very little to grasp w/ straps, that might be a preferable solution.

(lots of good ideas here, thanks all!)

[hmcurriers]

Originally Posted by sabredog

What a great idea!

I am certainly keen to see your end design for the 650.

The case will look like my existing cases, sized up/down to fit the device.

And can be customized using various leathers, colors, designs, straps/buttons, etc.

One of the advantages of handmaking everything, is that I can be MUCH more flexible.

[sabredog]

Originally Posted by hmcurriers

The case will look like my existing cases, sized up/down to fit the device.

And can be customized using various leathers, colors, designs, straps/buttons, etc.

One of the advantages of handmaking everything, is that I can be MUCH more flexible.

Well that sounds excellent.

Please let us know when you are ready to sell your covers for the 650 and I will buy one

[mediax]

I have looked longingly at some of the gorgeous covers available, particularly since I changed my 505 (for which Sony sold a nice leather cover) for the 650, for which Sony sell a cover that I find cheap-looking and not pleasant to hold. Sadly, it's a cover to which I've found no alternative.

Why? Because it's the only one I've found with a built-in reading light. I do most of my reading in bed at night and have a (purely personal) aversion to the numerous clip-on lights available, so I want a cover that incorporates a light. I know I'm probably in a very small minority, but it still seems like a market opportunity for someone.

[Latinandgreek]

Originally Posted by mediax

I have looked longingly at some of the gorgeous covers available, particularly since I changed my 505 (for which Sony sold a nice leather cover) for the 650, for which Sony sell a cover that I find cheap-looking and not pleasant to hold. Sadly, it's a cover to which I've found no alternative.

Why? Because it's the only one I've found with a built-in reading light. I do most of my reading in bed at night and have a (purely personal) aversion to the numerous clip-on lights available, so I want a cover that incorporates a light. I know I'm probably in a very small minority, but it still seems like a market opportunity for someone.

You are not alone, I have an aversion to clip on lights, too. I do really enjoy my Sony lighted cover, but I would love a genuine leather version.