Length:: 2:30 Mins

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.

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.