The video is meant to show the the way the cover works. It's quite simple - the person doing the folding was doing it only for the second time when captured on video. The 'other Kindle' is a Paperwhite.
____________________________________________________
The cover arrived one day before the Voyage so we had some time to learn the Origami art. Not a lot to learn, really :) You flip the front cover over the top and you can hold your Kindle in your hand and read. Or you fold the bottom in a predetermined way and... there it is, you have a stand and it's magnetically held together and it's all very, very nice, thin, light and pretty. It better be, because this cover is far from 'cheap'.
Speaking for myself, this is the best Kindle cover I've ever experienced and, being an active Amazon reviewer I had a chance to try quite a few Paperwhite and various Kindle tablet covers in the past several years. I like it/love it because:
* it's light
* it's thin
* it's durable
* it's easy to change it from any to any of its three configurations
* it's covered in genuine leather
The Origami provides good protection against blows and scratches but maybe not so match against drops because it lacks soft padding. I must admit, I did not drop my Kindle so maybe I am wrong on this one. The cover holds itself closed magnetically when closed and, when closed, you can access Voyage's own ON/OFF button on the back through an equivalent button on the back of the cover. I don't believe that button will see much use though because the Origami actually turns on the Voyage when you open the cover and turns it off when you close it. The Voyage itself simply magnetically attaches itself to the cover (strong magnets) and stays there and the 2 become one body. It takes about one second to complete the setup.
It's five stars because I absolutely love it and I am unaware on anything better.
UPDATE (added it to the FAQ): since 'weight' seems to be a concern, I placed the Voyage with cover on a kitchen scale. It weighs 10.9 oz (309 g) Since the Voyage itself weighs 6.3 oz (180 g), the cover's weight is 4.6 oz (129 g). Clearly, the cover adds to the weight because it can't be weightless but it doesn't quite 'double' it.
____________________________________________________
THE FAQ
Q: What makes the Origami different?
A: The front cover can be folded to create a reading stand.
Q: How hard/easy is it to configure the cover into a reading stand?
A: Once I learned how to do it, about 2 seconds? It took me 2-3 tries to learn it.
Q: Can I adjust the viewing angle while in a reading stand configuration?
A: No.
Q: How heavy is it?
A: The Voyage with cover weighs 10.9 oz (309 g). Since the Voyage itself weighs 6.3 oz (180 g), the cover's weight is 4.6 oz (129 g).
Q: How protective is it?
A: It's what appears to be leather-covered hard plastic. It should provide good protection against scratches and blows but there is no soft padding so I'm not sure how good it is on drops.
Q: Does the cover open like a book?
A: No. You flip it over the top. More like a Steno book.
Q: Does the front cover once open, hold itself against the body?
A: Yes, it stays magnetically attached to the back.
Q: How do you attach the Kindle to the cover?
A: The Kindle is held into the cover through strong magnets.
Q: Does the cover turn the Kindle ON/OFF once opened/closed?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there a way to access the Power button on the back of the Kindle, once the cover is attached?
A: Yes, there cover itself has a button that, when pressed will in turn press the Kindle's own.
UPDATE 12/25/17: Even though I have since purchased the new Oasis model Kindles (both of them, go figure), I still continue to use my Voyage for reading when I'm eating alone in a restaurant and want to prop up the Kindle for reading at the table. This leather origami case is my favorite Kindle case, and it makes my Voyage the Kindle I still prefer to use for reading while sitting at a table. The leather origami case has worn very well and shows few signs of age or wear even though I've now used it for over 3 years at this point.
SUMMARY:
------------
► Pros:
- high quality materials and appearance
- built-in 'origami' stand provides very solid support when reading
- easy to install and remove Kindle from the cover
- activates the Kindle 'auto-on' or 'auto-off' when opened or closed
- slim - does not add significant bulk to the Voyage
► Cons:
- expensive
- some users may prefer the 'book' style cover rather than the top-hinged origami design
- because the charger plugs into the Kindle at the bottom, the cover cannot be used to support the Kindle for reading at the same time it is plugged in to be recharged, a minor inconvenience
► Overall: For my usage, I consider this to be a terrific cover, attractive and I expect it to be durable, and very cleverly designed to hold the Kindle while still easily removable. The 'origami' stand is easy to use and works very well
ADDED COMMENT 2/17/15: After using this cover for several months, I like it a lot. I'm used to the folding feature and like how it props up the device, and I don't miss the style of my previous PaperWhite cover that opened book-like. I will say this, though - the Voyage is held in the cover by magnets, and it will slip from the cover fairly easily. I've dropped it a few times (with the cover open) and had the cover come completely off. It is a very sharp looking cover, the quality is very high, and I think it provides very good protection when closed. I'm completely satisfied with it. I would purchase it again.
DETAILED REVIEW:
----------------------
► Appearance
To begin with, this is a very different design in a couple of ways from any other case I've owned previously.
First, unlike many cases for Kindle readers and other tablet-like devices, the base of this 'origami' cover does not fit so snugly that once installed it is difficult to remove.
This cover is not like that. Simply place the Kindle Voyage into the base of the cover, and it immediately locks into place magnetically. It is held very well, but if you want to remove it from the case, it can be pulled out very easily. Nice! And as I said, very different from any case I've used before.
Second, this cover hinges at the top, and you can either fold it backwards, flat against the reader, or you can use the 'origami' folding feature to fold it so that a stand is created. It takes a couple of practice folds in order to become familiar with this 'origami' style fold, but after a minimal amount of effort you learn how it is done, and it works perfectly. It is all held together with magnets and the result is a very sturdy and solid stand. I am impressed by how well it all works.
I was a bit hesitant in ordering this 'origami' style cover, because I've always been used to covers that open like a book cover, and I really didn't know if I would like this. What I should have realized is this - with my Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover, when I use my Paperwhite while eating or at a desk, I would always end up propping it up with something in order to put it at a comfortable angle for reading. With this cover design, that is already provided for. It's a better design for my needs, in other words.
The stand can also be used to support the Kindle Voyage in either Portrait or Landscape position.
Both of those aspects of this cover have become more appealing to me after using it for a few days (this comment added in later edit to the review).
► Materials and Quality
I like the quality of the materials used. The exterior of the cover, both front and rear, is a textured leather, and it is very well made and looks great. No stitching is used, the leather is attached to the frame of the case and there are no detectable gaps or seams. The inner surface is microfiber (this is the surface that sets on the screen of the Kindle when the case is closed), and it is also very well done. The Amazon logo is embossed in the case, both in the rear leather of the case, visible when closed, and in the microfiber inner surface which is also visible when the case is opened and either folded into the stand position, or folded back. The case also incorporates a button that is placed directly over the 'on-off' switch of the Kindle, so that you can power-up or power-down the device with the case installed. The cover also activates the auto power-on or power-off when the case is opened or closed.
I have the red color, and it is darker and less of a 'fire engine' red than the pictures here make it appear. I like it, but some might find it disappointing if they had wanted the brighter red as shown on Amazon.
Long term durability will take time to be known, but I can say this about Amazon covers. I have used the Kindle Paperwhite Leather Cover with my Kindle Paperwhite (first generation) for a full two years, and it still looks great and is in perfect shape. That was an expensive cover as well, but I've never regretted the purchase. I don't beat up my devices, and I don't carry them around in backpacks or purses, but I do use my Kindle outside of the home quite often, and so the cover is put to use constantly. And since that earlier Amazon cover has given me good service, I have the same expectation for this one and was willing to spend the money on it from the beginning.
I also was influenced by the fact that because the Kindle Voyage is a more expensive device, and I didn't want to take chances with any drops or other mishaps, I was willing to spend the money for this more expensive cover.
► Weight added to the Kindle
This cover does add bulk and weight to the Voyage, and for some users that may be significant, but I found it to be minimal.
With respect to weight - the Voyage itself weighs 6.3 oz, and the cover adds another 4.8 oz. That would seem to be a pretty significant addition, nearly doubling the weight of the Kindle, but after all the Kindle is pretty doggone light to begin with, and the device with cover attached is still pretty light weight. I can easily hold it in one hand and read for a long time without discomfort. I will also mention that I've tried lighter covers on my Paperwhite, and have always returned to the Amazon cover because it does provide greater protection (the Amazon cover for the Paperwhite is bulkier than this Voyage cover, too).
With respect to bulk - after living with this cover for a couple of weeks (I write this as an edit to my review, writing on 10/30/14), I've come to realize that the cover is very slim and nice, and I like it even more after using it for a period of time. I have not ever felt that it made the Voyage too heavy or bulky.
CONCLUSION:
----------------
I've been debating whether or not this cover deserved a 5-star rating, or should be given a 4-star, not because of any quality or design deficiency, but because it is admittedly pretty doggone expensive. It's a judgement call, and many people will think that this case is simply too expensive, but on balance I've decided that given the quality of construction and materials, how well it fits and works, that it is a good value even at the price Amazon charges and it deserves a 5-star rating. I realize that not all customers will feel it is worth the money, but for me I'm satisfied.
So, I like it, but there is no denying that this cover is expensive. The Voyage has just been released, but there are already a good variety of other covers available, in all kinds of styles and colors. I can't claim that everyone will agree that this cover is worth the extra ten or twenty bucks (or more) compared to other covers. I can just say that it looks great, and I'm happy with it myself. And Amazon does offer the same design cover, but made from polyurethane rather than leather, at a lower price (see Amazon Protective Cover for Kindle Voyage. The color selection is a bit different from the colors offered for the leather cover as well. I don't have that lower priced cover and haven't seen it, so I would recommend reading the reviews on Amazon if considering it).
If you released a herd of bucks for the Voyage, this is the cover you want. Yes, more than 300% pricier than competitive products, but this is the protection solution made by Amazon specifically to protect your voyage.
Deployed, this case seems to have substantial protection without loosing the slick n slim feel and page navigation features built into the Voyage. A bonus, the cover adds functionality by automatically turning on the reader when you open it and off when you close it. Like playing with the refrigerator door to see if the light goes off when you shut it.
Big bonus is the innovative origami cover that doubles as a book stand. Another feature I like is that the cover is easy to remove so I can read without the extra bulk. I have the standard book cover covers on my other kindles, which gives them a book feel but increases the size while limiting functionality (see photo).
Removing one star for the price, which adds more than 25% to the cost of an already expensive product.
I was looking around for a good case for the Kindle Voyage. I wanted to steer clear of anything made with PU leather (since my MoKo case for my Samsung tablet starting peeling away.) Decided to shell out the extra money for better material and went with Amazon's very own leather Voyage case. I would have given it 5 stars, but like all other reviews, be very careful using this case.
When I flipped it open, I was expecting to hear some sort of sound that would alert me that the Voyage was now snapped into place.This case does not do such a thing. I believe that the Voyage is only held by magnets that are integrated into the back of the case. I've read the other reviews of people having nasty accidents with their e-readers falling out and getting ruined around the corners and such. And in my head, if dropped at a reasonable height, I feel like the Voyage could just fall out of the case and get some real good damage done to it. (I only state this because I am pretty clumsy.)
But overall, I do like the look and feel of the case. It's not a bright red as seen on the main pictures, but I was looking for something more noticeable in the sea of black everything that I own. I just have to be extra careful :D.
I've had this cover in red now for almost a year. I use my Kindle daily for multiple hours a day. So the cover has gotten a lot of use. I love the style of the cover. The origami stand works very well. I use it when I go get my nails done. I love the flip top with the magnets that hold it together. It's light and not bulky. I have only one issue. I got the Genuine Leather thinking it would hold up longer. Well it's held up, it just looks stained where I hold it at the bottom. It kind of fades from the pretty red to a muddy black. The nice soft interior cover that protects the screen, has really gotten ugly because that's where my hand goes when I flip it to read. I'm not sure there's anything to do about it. I guess it's a pretty minor problem, but I don't like that it's not the beautiful red cover that I paid $60+ for.
Feature Product
- Designed by Amazon to perfectly fit your Kindle Voyage
- Innovative built-in Origami stand folds into portrait orientation for hands-free reading
- Premium natural leather exterior protects your Kindle Voyage, while the microfiber interior protects your screen
- Wake your Kindle Voyage or put it to sleep by simply opening and closing the cover, secured with a magnetic closure
- Easily attach or remove Origami from your Kindle Voyage with a magnetic connection
Description
Better Together
Slim, form-fitting covers designed by Amazon to perfectly fit your Kindle Voyage and provide full front and back protection. The cover secures magnetically, making it easy to attach and remove. An integrated magnetic closure ensures your cover stays shut while on the go.
This innovative cover automatically puts your Kindle Voyage to sleep when it is closed and wakes it upon opening, making it easy to jump back into your books.
Crafted from premium natural leather and color-matched microfiber interior, your cover protects your Kindle Voyage and keeps your screen clean.
Hands-free Reading
Whether you are reading at home or while on the go, our Origami cover stands your Kindle Voyage in portrait orientation so you can enjoy your books hands-free. The magnetized Origami panels keep your Kindle Voyage securely upright for steady viewing.
Simple as 1-2-3
Good quality leather, and the Kindle is very easily removable as it's magnetically held, not snapped in. I like that the front is very tightly held to the back when open.
It is heavy, and doubles the weight of the Voyage. Also, the exterior power button on mine rattles a little if i jiggle the Kindle too hard, which is annoying.
Edit: fixed the rattle with a bit cut off a post-it note. I used a tiny piece cut to the size of the button, with sticky down on inside of case and non-sticky against Kindle so that it stays with the case when you take the Kindle out. This is enough of a shim and pad to keep the button from rattling. As long as the square fits within the circle of the button the "action" is still preserved. I'm sure felt or tape works too. I had post-its handy.
I'm still giving it four stars. Despite the weight I find I'm favoring it for the comfort and grip, and it's not really any heavier than the Amazon Paperwhite cover was. And with the Voyage so easily removable it also works well as a carrying case and gets out of the way when I'm reading somewhere safe to go caseless, like bed.
As a bonus, the origami bit can achieve positions that stabilize the Kindle propped on your chest when lying down. It's gimmicky, but kind of useful when you figure out the folds, and gives the front a unique geometric appearance.
So yeah, I like it. Kind if feel it should have been a little less money but there's no question it's well-integrated with the Voyage.
I am a die hard Kindle user and I referred this cover despite all the negative reviews.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I like this cover. It is very light; the Magnets do a terrific job of keeping it secure in the cover yet it's easy to remove. I like that it folds back steno notebook style; I use it with one hand by holding onto the back and draping the cover flat over my hand.
The best feature is the built in stand. It holds my Kindle at just the right angle for reading while sitting at a table.
The leather is nice and the color is a dark rich red but not a burgundy purple red.
All in all I think it's a great case for my Voyage and I am sure it will last a long time.
Anytime I purchase a new Kindle, I also purchase a new case to protect it. The Voyager has a complete new redesign, and so must the Protective Leather Case. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the new origami design to the back of the case. The first thing that I have always loved about these cases, is that they are leather. Besides reading at night, I bring my Kindle everywhere with me, & I need to feel confident that the case I choose will protect it completely. This case does that. The fun starts when you lift the front cover to the back. You have a choice to either let the front cover lay flat on the back, snug against the back by a magnet. Or, you can choose to bend the front cover in so it looks sort of like a 'W' (once again using magnets) and then folding it back as is to create a back flap the book can lean against so the kindle can stand upright. I personally love this feature! When I am reading at night, I fold back the cover, using the origami feature and rest the kindle on my comforter. It allows me to be more hands free! I would still recommend, however, to keep a hand close as that serface is not flat. As with the other Kindle covers, this one is set up so when you open the front cover, the kindle turns on & when you close the cover it turns off. I really appreciate this feature as well. You can purchase this in a couple of different colors. If you are one that prefers a larger selection of colors, I would recommend looking at the Amazon (non-leather) Protective Case. To summarize, this case has been redesigned to match the new Kindle Voyager, and it is Hot! Its origami feature is the highlight. Yet, in keeping with the features I have fallen in love with, this latest version of the Amazon Leather Protective Case has "Wow-ed" me!
I highly recommend this cover, it's a little expensive, but totally worth it!!
Major improvement over the old Paperwhite case. Magnets keep the cover folded back during reading, and because the Voyage is also help in place by magnets, it is very easy to remove it from the case for reading the Kindle case-free. When closed the cover is secure and provides excellent protection. The origami stand-up feature is more of a novelty to me. I might use it for a movie-watching device, but for reading, it just doesn't come in very handy IMHO. Also, the Voyage's base is slick, so the Voyage tends to slide and can fall flat on its back it you use the origami stand feature on a slick table.
As for with, the case has a little heft to it and I would like to see Amazon come out with a minimalist case, but I expect other vendors will fill that niche. For the protection it affords, this is a great case for a great reader.
UPDATE: After a few weeks of use, this is a great cover. I almost never use it as a stand, but I love the way the cover fold back and stays, and I REALLY like that the Kindle pops out when you want it to so you can read it without the cover attached. It pops back in just as easily (all magnetic). Five + stars
0 comments:
Post a Comment