I have a fond addiction to my Kindle 3. Though I also have a tablet, my Kindle is what I pick up first when traveling. I’ve always been an avid reader and finding that I could store thousands of books at once in one spot? Fantastic. I’ve bought several different cases for it since then. I didn’t care for the sleeves because I wanted to be able to protect my Kindle while I used it, not just while on the move. The one I stuck with was a traditional, padded, black case that opened for use. Unfortunately it looks almost identical to my 7″ tablet case so I found myself grabbing the wrong electronic by mistake. I needed something protective, yet lightweight, yet unique.

When I found this case on UncommonGoods I thought it was such a novel idea (no pun intended). This would be a great gift for a traveler along with other on-the-go ideas you can find here. It was easy to access, protective and with the great bonus of actually looking like a book from my shelf. They are offered in two sizes (Kindle 3 and iPad) and come in several different designs and titles: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (shown), Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales, Charles Darwin’s On The Origins of Species, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, and Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace.

The Kindle and iPad cases (found here) are  handmade by English bookbinders:

 The Manor Bindery, created in 1976 by a group of friends with a common passion for books and fine binding, get its namesake from the Manor of Cadland, an estate once used by William the Conqueror himself. Bringing together a small team of craftsmen, expert in binding and restoring antiquarian books the company has expanded and diversified into new and interesting fields. One of which is the manufacture of false books. Some might say this is unusual but the use of false books to conceal doors, weapons and other secrets is as old as bookbinding itself. The Kindle and iPad are the perfect example of wrapping new, modern technology with the look and nostalgic feel of an antiquarian book

Pros:

• The case is very lightweight and not bulky at all.
• The cover is firm and offers protection during normal use and when placed in a backpack or shoulder bag, etc.
• Once in place, your device is securely in place – there is no slippage or shifting.
• Creative and attractive design
• Easy to hold while reading
• Protects the edges of your device from scratches and bumps
• easy access to ports, charging and controls

Cons:

• High price. Kindle cases are $50 and iPad cases are $70
• No side closure
• Cover is not the same texture as a book, high gloss
• May not be suitable for heavy use or use by younger children

I have to say that while I do like this cover and the concept behind it, I feel it’s overpriced. Though the case is constructed in the same manner as an authentic hardcover book, the finish is extremely glossy and for the price I expected the typical cloth exterior and embossed binding. I think the flat, high gloss finish makes the cover appear cheaper than it actually is.

Some may worry over the durability of the case, but for me it will be fine. I don’t shove my things into a bag randomly and I don’t let my children use my Kindle. So this level of protection is perfect for me. I also don’t mind that there is no side closure. Again, it all depends on how ‘rough’ you are with your device. Someone mentioned that this makes them feel like they should be reading in a wood walled den with a roaring fireplace – I have to say it does give you that feeling. All I need now is a whiskey stone gift set to click around in my glass while I curl up on the velvet couch!

Buy It

E-READER AND IPAD CASE ($50 – $70)  – UncommonGoods