Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Spent a long time looking at the various cases and covers before I settled on this Marware Vibe Case Cover for my new Kindle Fire, and I'm glad that I did. Wasn't looking for stylishness as much as pure functionality in a case of cover, as style can often obscure solid functionality and protection of the device. Will admit that I did like the New York Times Case Cover for Kindle Fire with the classic Brooklyn Bridge photo on the cover, largely because of a personal involvement with photography, but when it came to making a bottom line choice, went with the Marware Vibe. But first the good and bad, then the observations as an owner. Pros: * Marware's four-point mounting system; holds the Kindle Fire securely without flimsy little elastic straps * Non-slip pad on interior of front lid stands allows for a wide array of viewing angles * Adjusts easily to a rational and comfortable typing position * Cover offers good protection for the screen; easy to clean * Elastic strap holds the cover closed without interference Cons: * 'Synthetic Leather' cover had an odd plastic odor Observations: As noted above, the cover had what is best described as an odd plastic odor that was quite noticeable when it was first unpacked. This isn't exactly unusual in 'synthetic leather' (plastic) covers like this, as one discovers from reading reviews, but letting it air out for a couple of hours, then wiping it down carefully with a washcloth dampened with a solution of 50% lukewarm water and 50% household white vinegar and gently drying it cured the problem. What makes this cover so good is the variety of positions with which it can be used. In that it actually exceeds expectations. It can be flipped open to lie flat in either a horizontal or vertical position, or easily adjusted to an angled viewing position, which is excellent for viewing videos and movies, along with photo slide shows. A slight adjustment in that variable horizontal position makes it easy for typing for extended periods when answering emails, or exploring Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites. And it can be angled almost any way that you might like. The four-point mounting system not only holds the Kindle Fire securely without the flimsy little elastic straps found in some cases. The device snaps into place easily, doesn't mar the surface, and it also allows for good precision alignment with the speakers, and does not obscure the sound. The power switch, the USB Micro-B jack and headphone jack are not obstructed, as we find with some other cases that are not certified "Made for Kindle" accessories. All things considered, this is a 5-star product, and highly recommended for Kindle Fire owners. [Update] Have used this Marware Vibe Case Cover for over five months now, and figured it was time to do an update on my review. My complaint about the "odd plastic odor" was solved by the solution that I posted above, and I forgot about it until I read this review... no smell at all. I use the Kindle Fire daily, and there is no sign of wear or abrasion. It still functions beautifully, and though I've looked at other general use cases and covers over time, have found no compelling reason to switch to another type or brand. Kudos to Marware for making it right the first time. I do have a Timbuk2 Kindle Fire Element Jacket for those days that I know I'm going to be out and about in bad weather, and for that specialized function, it's proving to be good... but it's not a replacement for my Marware Vibe Case. Simply put, this one has easily lived up to my original expectations, and if anything, has exceeded them. My original 5-star recommendation stands. 8/22/2012