Customer Reviews Most Helpful | Most Recent | Highest Rating | Lowest Rating
Average customer review 
(based on 321 reviews)
 Patagonia vs Amazon Kindle 2 case
Written by LA Gadget Guy from Los Angeles, CA
Feb 27, 2009
Like many Kindle 2 owners I was debating between purchasing the Patagonia case or the Amazon case for the Kindle 2. I purchased both, evaluated them for a few days, and returned one. Here are the pro's and con's of each:
Amazon Case +'s and -'s:
+ $10 cheaper than the Patagonia
+ Unique latching system that no other case offers
+ Makes the Kindle 2 feel more like a book.
+ Has a nice velvety interior
+ Has a very professional / business like look
- Smells kind of funky
- Does not prevent liquid or dust from getting into the Kindle 2 when it's not being used
- Kindle sort of flops around since it's secured only by the left side and not the back (obviously velcro is an easy work around to this)
- Noticeably heavier than the Patagonia for extended reading periods
- I doubt the Amazon case will protect as well as the Patagonia in the event of a fall since it's not sealed.
Patagonia +'s and -'s:
+ Water-resistant and dust resistant due to having zipper's (The zipper's are a bit stiff, but they are very sturdy)
+ Lightweight
+ Has two carrying handles on the outside
+ Has a small pouch on the inside to store a cleaning cloth for the screen or add another layer of foam protection
+ The nylon straps work surprising well to secure the Kindle. They are not as good as the Amazon case, but you don't have to worry about the Kindle falling out.
- The Patagonia should be priced at $29.99. No reason for a $10 premium, but then again $39.99 is not much to protect a $359 gadget.
- The foam could be thicker for the price and the front portion should be thicker to offer extra protection for the screen. (The easy work around to this is to simply cut two small pieces of foam and insert in the back and front of the case)
- I am not a huge fan of recycled nylon. I prefer ballistic nylon instead. Hopefully the nylon holds up over time.
In the end I went with the Patagonia for two reasons:
1. I read my Kindle 2 for at least 1 to 2 hours at a stretch. The lighter weight of the Patagonia really makes a difference over extended reading periods.
2. Water / dust protection is a must for me. Since the Patagonia is completed sealed when closed, I am less worried about where I place my Kindle 2. I don't have to worry about crumbs, water droplets, cat hair etc. getting into my Kindle 2. Overall, an excellent choice. I rate it 4 stars only because it is a bit overpriced.
Update 3-8-08:
1. If you push too hard on the upper left corner of the case, the Kindle sometimes pops out at that edge. Not a big deal, I just changed where I hold the Kindle.
Otherwise the case has held up fine and I cannot reiterate how useful it is to be able to completely zip this case shut.
(1215 of 1218 people found this review helpful)
Great case for the Kindle 2
Written by Mediahound from SF Bay Area, CA United States
Feb 26, 2009
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2Q8R7YOCG6W8T My brief video review of the Patagonia Kindle 2 case. The framing is a little off in the video (sorry about that), but I think the video will give you a good idea of this case.
Patagonia uses environmentally friendly materials, donates 1% of profits to good causes and offers a satisfaction guarantee on their products as well.
Note - if you don't want to have to deal with straps to hold the Kindle in, and you always read the Kindle out of the case, you might consider the Belkin Neoprene Sleeve Case for Amazon Kindle 2 which opens on just two sides for you to slip the Kindle in and out of. I now use the Belkin case and not this Patagonia one myself!
(804 of 824 people found this review helpful)
 Excellent take it anywhere Case
Written by A. Reader from Hollywood, Ca United States
Feb 24, 2009
I'm not sure how Gary managed to review ALL the Kindle 2 covers BEFORE they were available, but I only have this one and I like it. It seems waterproof, it adds a little cushion without too much bulk, and its not obvious what I'm reading. I almost got the $99 leather case for its elegence, but opted for the practicality of this one. If youre looking for the absolute slimmest, look elsewhere, but for throwing it in a bag, this is the best choice. (I'm clumsy, and probably need the extra padding.)
(169 of 171 people found this review helpful)
 Good, not great
Written by J. Matheu from One stop past the middle of nowhere
Feb 26, 2009
Good points: Made solidly, water resistant cover, agree w/ review stating the extra padding would be good for throwing in a bag but still keeps a very slim profile, Patagonia has some great products and does stand by them with their Ironclad Guarantee.
Not so good points: Zipper is very tight and somewhat difficult to get around the corners, the corner tabs are small and disengage the Kindle 2 easily, why are there two "handhold straps" on the front & back? These just look like they will get in the way. Not much room for any additional accessories (light, power cord) on the inside.
This is a great cover if you are heading into the great outdoors - beach, mountains, etc., and I agree that the extra padding in a bag will be useful, but the jury is still out as for a day by day use.
(166 of 172 people found this review helpful)
 Poor case for the price
Written by I. Green from Austin, TX USA
Feb 26, 2009
I just got my case today, after seeing the Amazon branded case for the Kindle that my girlfriend got yesterday. I have to say I am unfortunately very disappointed in the case. My disappointment all stems from the one negative point you will see recurring through most of the posted reviews. The elastic corner restraints are worthless. They slip off the corners of the Kindle much to easily. In the ten minutes I have used the case each time I reopen the case after closing it I am greeted by at least one, usually two of the Kindle's corners having slipped free of the restraints. If your plan is to use the case merely as a slip cover to be fully removed before using the Kindle then this case could work for you. If you plan to leave the device in the case while reading then steer away from this case. Eventually you will grab the case which is soft and flexible and your Kindle will pop free of the case and bad things may happen. Why Patagonia did not take advantage of the case slots on the side of the Kindle to attach their case is beyond me.
(72 of 75 people found this review helpful)
› Read more reviews... |