by Sherry Law

Created on: December 28, 2010

So ... you are the proud owner of a new Kindle and you can’t wait to use it.  With your Kindle, you can tote around a month’s worth of reading loaded into something that weighs less than the average bestseller.  What you need to remember is that the Kindle is NOT a book, but a piece of electronic technology that can be damaged by sharp objects, falls, dust or water.  It can easily be damaged when thrown into the backseat of the car, bounced around inside of your bag or when your neighbor’s kids spray you with the water hose or grab it and use it as a frisbee.

Having invested in a Kindle and the reading material inside, it only makes sense to protect it.  With approximately 8 million Kindles being sold in 2010, Kindle accessories are a booming business and you will have plenty of options when deciding on the best cover or case for your Kindle.  Your choice should depend on several factors, the most important probably being how much protection you need and how much you are willing to pay for it.

In choosing your Kindle’s cover or case, think about how much protection your Kindle actually  needs.  If you do not have children or pets, are not a total klutz and don’t normally keep a cup of coffee or a soft drink by your side and will be using it mainly around your home you are probably more concerned with keeping the finish from being scratched than anything else.  If, on the other hand, you have pets or children or intend to use your Kindle when traveling, you may want to invest in a cover that will provide slightly more protection.

There are a couple of very nice, inexpensive covers if you are looking mainly for protection from scratches and UV rays.  The first would be the GelaSkin.  For around $10 you can choose from hundreds of designs that include everything from fine and fantasy art to photos of landscapes and contemporary cityscapes.  They are lightweight, weighing only a little over 2 ounces and should work for keeping your case from being scratched and light protection from dust.

For a bit more protection, you might want to choose BoxWave’s Manilla Leather Envelope cover.  Available for around $30, this cover actually looks like a manilla envelope, however it is padded and will deflects some bumps and dings.

My choice for protecting the Kindle would be the cover by Patagonia.  Made from recycled polyester, it’s shell is water-resistant and the zippers and padded interior provide additional protection from damp weather and dust.  It is lightweight and the nylon straps make it easy to hold onto.  Though a bit more expensive, it would be a wise investment to protect you Kindle.

Whether you decide to go with a flexible, soft cover or a case (or shell) that has a bit more substance, you will be able to find one that fits both your budget and your sense of style.

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