Kindle Keyboard Leather Cover, Burnt Orange

I debated long and hard about whether to get this standard cover or the lighted version. I figured I'm never likely to want to read in the dark (the Kindle is extremely easy to read in lamplight) so went for this one, which weighs 140 grams less and, more importantly, is £20 cheaper.

I don't know how anyone that buys this could possibly be disappointed, frankly. It's beautifully made, holds the Kindle perfectly, is a lovely colour (I went for burnt orange, or light tan to be exact) and makes your Kindle feel like you're reading a quality, leather-bound book.

Yes, it does add weight but that's because the leather is very thick and should offer a good amount of protection. The extra weight is absolutely not a problem. Ever tried reading the single volume edition of 'The Lord of the Rings'?

If you have a Kindle you need a cover. Are you ever likely to be very far away from a lamp? If not, go for this standard version. The biggest decision is not whether to buy it or not but which colour should you get, as they are all very nice. Just don't be boring and get black!

Highly recommended.

Amazon have paid a lot of attention to detail here....

DESIGN
This leather cover is firm, a little stiffer than expected, but it is well stitched and the built-in elastic bungee strap is both functional and attractive. The sliding strap "tag" is embossed on both sides with "AMAZON KINDLE" and makes placement of the strap into a designated groove on the cover easy. It also affords you the option of retaining the cover in the flipped back position for one-handed reading - Clever.

COLOUR
I chose BURNT ORANGE. On arrival I was pleased to see that it was precisely what I had expected. I think most people might describe it as TAN and generally it is accurately presented by the illustrations on the website. The inner surfaces of the cover are lined with a rich, dark-grey soft liner which as well as being fairly hard wearing, should provide good protection. (As my Kindle has yet to arrive I'm not able to test this out).

RETAINING CLIPS
The system for retaining the Kindle within the cover is simple and functional. There are two metal clips. The lower one is fixed and forms an arc, alowing you to rotate the kindle into place. The upper one is in the form of a spring clip. Together they lock the kindle securely into place, but make it easy to remove quickly.

LIGHT OR NO LIGHT
I chose the 'basic cover' without a built-in light for two reasons. Firstly I rarely read anywhere where there is inadequate light and might use a built-in light only occasionally. Secondly, I can see from the design that the light is obviously going to favour the upper right corner of the screen more than the lower left, although I don't doubt that both will be sufficient for purpose. There are a number of clip on lights which would suit my purposes and wallet better. e.g the BELKIN Light For Kindle which is about to be released in th UK (See Amazon.com meantime)

SUMMARY
Amazon has paid a lot of attention to detail.... You PAY a lot for the privilege. Undoubtedly a nice cover, which compliments the Kindle perfectly, BUT.... Overpriced and overhyped. A realistic price would be £20 maximum. As for the cover with light......£50 is HALF THE PRICE of a wi-fi Kindle !!!

When there are so many well made alternatives appearing on the market now, I would advise shopping around unless like me, you are resigned enough to swallow your pride and click that button.

I have had two Kindles and both malfunctioned remorselessly with constant reboots and freezing - until I spent some time in the various internet forums and, following a lead, took this leather cover off. Result - faultless operation for several weeks. The problem may be that the slots into which the hinges go are also electronic interfaces, and the hinges interfere with these. I now have an alternative, non-intrusive cover and the Kindle is fine. So, while this cover is a beautiful piece of work, I cannot recommend it.