Accessories Want a safe Kindle 2 - what cover?

[The Hooded Claw]

Originally Posted by Ea

I took a look at those as well (and the M-Edge ones in the same style). I'm mostly worried about pressure on the screen, and I don't really think that a padded cover is the best solution - both those covers you mention looked too soft.

I agree with Ea that I'm worried about pressure on the screen as a failure point. I've ordered a Belkin sleeve as the best solution I can find, but I'd love to see a sleeve that incorporated some sort of light but rigid plastic cover that would give a reasonable amount of protection to the screen without adding much weight. Anyone have one to recommend? Preferably orderable through Amazon.com.

[Ea]

Originally Posted by JeremyZ

The Patagonia has a pocket on the inside of the front cover. If one is worried that the high density foam won't be enough, one can always put something stiffer in the pocket. Or more padding. It can be made to be stiffer than leather, and also with more padding.

The thing that concerns me about the leather book-style covers is that there is no protection for the edges of the device. Both of the above-mentioned covers have padding that covers the edges too.

Yes, was also thinking of simply enforcing the Patagonia cover.

I must say I'm not that worried about the edges - has something happened to to a device of yours that could have been prevented from better protection? I would always carry mine in a bag or purse anyway.

[JeremyZ]

Originally Posted by Ea

Yes, was also thinking of simply enforcing the Patagonia cover.

I must say I'm not that worried about the edges - has something happened to to a device of yours that could have been prevented from better protection?

Yeah. On flat platform devices (cell phones & PDAs) the most damaging drops for me were when they landed on an edge or corner. In this type of drop, all the kinetic energy is concentrated into the smallest possible area when it hits. This is the type of drop most likely to crack a device open and throw parts everywhere.

In contrast, when a device is dropped on the larger side, the energy is spread out more.

For my day job, I work at UL, and for our Drop Impact test, I have dropped dozens upon dozens of devices ranging from UPSs to multimeters. The edge & corner drops are the most damaging by far.

I would think that if it were dropped, screen-first onto something convex, it would break the screen and be very damaging. But I would also think that this kind of drop would be rare compared to dropping it on a flat floor.

That's just my feeling on the matter though.

Another thing to consider is that if you're going to carry it in a purse, and you have a book cover type case, there is a much much higher chance that something will get between the screen and the front cover and scratch it. In a case like the two mentioned above, this cannot happen.

I carry my K2 in my backpack, and it has to share that pocket with change pens, keys, etc. If you have a purse or bag with a dedicated pocket for the Kindle, this may not be such a worry for you.

[pshrynk]

I got the Patagonia cover with mine and have loved it ever since. It has picked up some stains over the months, so I am wondering if it will survive a wash. Guess I need to experiment. The high density foam in the cover protects the screen wuite well, in my experience.

[JeremyZ]

This morning, I was on the train platform. I pulled my K2 in the case out and tucked it under my arm while I was rummaging in my backpack for something else. I dropped it, and it landed on the edge or corner. It fell about 4-1/2 ft. onto asphault. No damage to the K2.

So, this cover cost $46 or so. A K2 repair is $200, last I heard. This cover just paid for itself.

Not sure how this would have turned out if it were in a leather case. My guess is that it would be probably OK if it landed on one edge, but not OK if it landed on another.

The only thing is, it has no style. It is 100% function. You'll have to balance that into your selection equation.

[Kat89447]

I love my M-edge and would not hesitate to pay the extra shipping. I have two of them, the platform and the lattitude as well as the e-luminator light. I had the original cover from amazon, but the hinge design always bothered me and never felt secure. I love that both my M-edge have the corner pockets and the extra padding. I use my lattitude the most since it has the big pocket for storing a spare battery for my light and room for the usb cord. I take my kindle everywhere and love having the light fit right in so I don't have to store it separately. Both covers are comfortable to hold and are nice looking.

[Ea]

Originally Posted by JeremyZ

Yeah. On flat platform devices (cell phones & PDAs) the most damaging drops for me were when they landed on an edge or corner. In this type of drop, all the kinetic energy is concentrated into the smallest possible area when it hits. This is the type of drop most likely to crack a device open and throw parts everywhere.

In contrast, when a device is dropped on the larger side, the energy is spread out more.
...
I would think that if it were dropped, screen-first onto something convex, it would break the screen and be very damaging. But I would also think that this kind of drop would be rare compared to dropping it on a flat floor.

I basically agree with you. My own fear of pressure on the screen is highly illogical, but it still worries me a lot, and I think it's because I crashed my first ereader by stumbling, dropping my bag and falling on top of it, and consequentially on top of the ereader and the phone that lay on top of it. It was in a cover, but a fairly soft one. It's extremely unlikely that something like this will happen again, and there aren't many covers that could stand that kind of treament, perhaps except metal cases But there you have it. I get all jittery if other people are trying it out and pressing on the screen as if they think it's a touch screen *lol*

At home I only use a silicone sleeve for the Sony and I plan to get one for the Kindle. It's worked fine, because the sleeve prevents the device from sliding around - and my only pets are fish, and so quite unlikely to accidently damage it

Originally Posted by JeremyZ

Another thing to consider is that if you're going to carry it in a purse, and you have a book cover type case, there is a much much higher chance that something will get between the screen and the front cover and scratch it. In a case like the two mentioned above, this cannot happen.

I carry my K2 in my backpack, and it has to share that pocket with change pens, keys, etc. If you have a purse or bag with a dedicated pocket for the Kindle, this may not be such a worry for you.

I don't think this will be a problem. I mainly use the Touch for on-the-go ereader, it's only for longer stretches of time I'd bring the Kindle, and I'm quite orderly with my bags and purses - I use the available pockets and mini-purse for that small stuff. And by the way, with a book cover type case, I'd choose one with a strap to keep it closed. I already have M-Edges for the Sony, and they stay closed. That's a big reason why I don't like the Amazon cover.

Originally Posted by JeremyZ

This morning, I was on the train platform. I pulled my K2 in the case out and tucked it under my arm while I was rummaging in my backpack for something else. I dropped it, and it landed on the edge or corner. It fell about 4-1/2 ft. onto asphault. No damage to the K2.

So, this cover cost $46 or so. A K2 repair is $200, last I heard. This cover just paid for itself.

You have a good point - it's just that I don't do this at all. I only pull the device out after I've found a seat - I'm too afraid to drop it If the train or bus should come, I don't want to have to deal with it the rush.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Dr. Drib

I just ordered an Oberon cover, based upon incredible customer feedback. Owners of this cover seem to love it. It's pricey, but made in the U.S. by a small company.

I'm also looking at a cover that has a completely different "philosophical" approach, one made by Noreve (The U.S. website; it's actually French-based.)

The Noreve takes more of a business approach in its covers. They, too, are pricey. I like both, but only discovered the Noreve a few days ago. I'll probably end up buying this one, too.

Again, both are expensive - very attractive but in different ways.

Don

Hey Dr. Don, totally off topic, but I saw a Colorado license plate on the way to work this morning and thought about you.
it said:

"LUVPERU"



p.s. to be sort of on-topic I decide to add a kindle2 to my growing collection...

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Hey Dr. Don, totally off topic, but I say a Colorado license plate on the way to work this morning and thought about you.
it said:

"LUVPERU"



p.s. to be sort of on-topic I decide to add a kindle2 to my growing collection...

OT:

Thanks! I was in Colorado about 3 years ago for a teacher's conference.


Don

[Ea]

I came across a thread with link to a site with a number of different Kindle covers:
https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sho...d.php?p=628025

[Ea]

I got my new Kindle 2 today - along with a standard cover. The cover wasn't too expensive and it's better than nothing.

It's quite basic overall, but fairly stiff and padded, so not a total loss An M-Edge would be better.

I definitely agree about the issue of stress on the body of the device from the hinges if one is not careful about how the Kindle is picked up and opened - and I would like some way too keep the cover closed. I would want to use an elastic band since there's no clasp.

Overall the standard Amazon cover lives up to my expectations. It's okay until you find something better

[JeremyZ]

Hope you're enjoying your K2! Are you going to read the November Book of the Month on it?

I keep switching back and forth between the Patagonia case and the Belkin. I like that the Patagonia holds it captive and makes it much harder to drop, but after a few days, fighting with that zipper around the corners gets old.

I switch to the Belkin and enjoy the freedom of the naked K2 and the elegance of the case, but I have this nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I'll drop it one fateful day.