Need some honest feedback

[heeby]

I will echo some comments:

1. I don't like the "encasing" attachment method. I prefer something like Velcro or rubber/plastic cradles. I don't like anything on the front of the device like your example or corner straps.

2. I don't like interior organizer pockets. I prefer a nice padded screen protection.

But the outside is beautiful...though I also think the brand name on the spine detracts from it.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by Lee Haney

I am part of a family run business called Brown Brothers. We design and manufacture our own cases. We have just finished our latest design and its a case for the kindle 4, however we also want to make this same case for the kindle 3, touch and fire. We have not even got a website yet. Need some honest opinion about the case. Appreciate praise and criticism. Also would like to know what you think a fair price would be. Thanks.

How does the Kindle slide into the case? The only side that I can't see clearly is the top - I'd much rather it slid in from the hinge side, otherwise I'd worry about it sliding out of the case, even when the case is closed.

I'd look at keeping the thickness and weight of the case down as much as possible - the card holder in particular seems pointless.

[Skibble]

I like the leather "book-like" look, but I'm not a fan of gold embossing (with or without the company logo being so prominent). It wears off too fast with use -- and boy does my reader get used! I love the look of leather books that have impressed designs on the cover without the embossing on top, though. The design in the center of the cover is very pretty.

I wouldn't use the wallet pockets, so they are an "extra" that doesn't particularly appeal to me. Their presence wouldn't prevent me from buying the cover, though, assuming they don't touch the reader screen when the cover is closed.

Is there a way to secure the cover closed, for when it's in a purse or backpack?

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

How does the Kindle slide into the case? The only side that I can't see clearly is the top - I'd much rather it slid in from the hinge side, otherwise I'd worry about it sliding out of the case, even when the case is closed.

I'd look at keeping the thickness and weight of the case down as much as possible - the card holder in particular seems pointless.

The top photo shows part of a stitched top strap, so all visible sides (top/bottom/right) appear to be secured by stitching. The kindle must slide into the left side at the hinge flap.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by geekmaster

The top photo shows part of a stitched top strap, so all visible sides (top/bottom/right) appear to be secured by stitching. The kindle must slide into the left side at the hinge flap.

One would hope so, but the last image looks like the sides are symmetrical, i.e. stitched both sides.

[geekmaster]

Originally Posted by pdurrant

One would hope so, but the last image looks like the sides are symmetrical, i.e. stitched both sides.

I noticed the symmetry, but no visible stitching on the hinged side. Because the other three sides DO have visible stitching, I suppose that that the flaps on the hinge side are NOT stitched, so that the kindle can slide under them. Those flaps could help keep the kindle from sliding out accidentally when the cover is folded back. The inner flaps could even be held in the curved position with something springy stitched inside them (or by other methods). But not having seen the design documents for these covers, I can only think about how *I* would design covers that matched the photos provided.

EDIT: The hinge-side flaps could even be secured with Velcro brand "hook and loop" fasteners.

[Lee Haney]

Hi Everybody,

Thanks for the feedback, very informative, very helpful.
I am going to make some changes to the case definitely.

1. getting rid of the leather which covers the device and replace it with a mould which the device will securely fit into without obstructing the screen in any way.

2. Replacing the logo on the front of the case to a new generic symbol which goes with the style of the case. Also on the spine do this replacing two sections with more design in keeping with the book and the centre section with the new symbol, which will match the front.

3. Offer customisaton of the front and spine, customers can replace the symbol with there initials, numbers.

4. create a built in light, have a great idea about this which I think could be the best light system out there it would take the current kindle light system alot further.

5. the case can bend back on itself as some people prefer to do while reading, there will be a carefully placed piece of elastic attaced to the right hand side of the mould on the inside of the case, this elastic will be able to be used to keep the case in this position easier.

6. lastly still unsure about this but will put it in anyway, thinking about getting rid of the wallet section inside. I have had a few people state that they dont like the idea, not so many that its unanimous but more people than said they liked it. most likely I will remove it, my hope is though that the finished case will be that good that even if I keep it people would still buy it regardless.

7. make the finished case for kindle 3, 4,touch and fire.


Thanks again for the feedback, let me hear what you think of the changes.
Will this be an improvement or not.
kind regards
Lee

[DreamWriter]

The changes sound great to me! I'd be interested to see photos once you have a prototype or are offering them for sale.

My main concerns about the wallet section are (1) the leather and/or credit cards may damage the screen when the cover's closed and (2) the credit cards might fall out. Most people carry a purse or wallet already, so I don't think there would be a big demand for the wallet section, but you could always offer two styles: one with the section and another without.

[TongueTied]

I think it looks great. It is similar to the bookbook cases for iPad/Macbook etc. which I just love. I have a case for my reader that uses elastic over the corners and I really don't like that. I think the idea of having a full leather trim around the face of the reader is fine provided the leather around the face of the reader is stiff and gives you something to hold on to. If it was soft, I don't think it would feel right or comfortable to hold. It would also not hold the reader snuggly which is a must. I always fold the cover back when I read so I would be looking for a case that doesn't stop me from folding the cover back.

I agree with the comments about the pockets. Not very useful. One pocket ie half the width of the cover might be useful but lots of credit card pockets wouldn't be of much use to me.

Yes, a bit heavy on the gold. It almost makes it look like it was a newly made leather bound book. I quite the antique look that Bookbook covers has.

I don't actually mind the company name on the spine. However, since you would be making these by hand presumably, you could set up for custom orders ie people put their own names there and you find an alternative place for the company name. You could also put on famous authors names but you would need to see if there are any legal issues there. Or perhaps somewhat random words there such as "Read", "Indulge", "Bookworm", "Night Owl", "Pages", etc.

What ever you do, get a website up and running. You aren't going to sell a thing without one.

[owly]

If you feel unceratin about making a website I recommend trying to sell on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/ It's a Marketplace/Community for hand made stuff. It's easy to use and it has built-in payment functions. It might also give you some design ideas, just search for kindle cover..

[geoffwood]

One other caution, depending on your lead time to get these to market you need to consider that the current Kindle range was announced 10 months ago, so it would be reasonable to expect a reshuffle before the Holiday shopping season which may bring changes in the form factor.

[ProfCrash]

The kindle glow light is expected soon.

[Lee Haney]

The glow light is coming out but just for the kindle touch for now, so I guess it will takeover the sales of the current kindle touch however many people still have kindle 3 and 4. I could make my case with light system for 3, 4 and touch but also have a non light version for glow light touch and fire.

[geoffwood]

Originally Posted by Lee Haney

many people still have kindle 3 and 4.

True, but how many people will be buying new cases for them? The real market is in selling new cases to new users, people who already have a device and want a case are likely to have one already. There will still be a market, but it will be much smaller than the market for cases for current devices.

[pdurrant]

I'll be interested to see what you're thinking of for the interior. Holding the device securely without obstructing it is the really hard part of case design.