Review: M-Edge Genuine Leather Prodigy and Platform Jackets for Kindle 2

My Amazon Kindle 2 arrived almost two weeks ago (see my review) and then at the end of last week two M-edge cases arrived for me to evaluate. I previously evaluated the M-Edge Executive Leather case or the original Kindle and this time I had the opportunity to check out the M-Edge Prodigy and Platform Jacket models for the Kindle 2. Both arrived in Pebbled Gray with a black strap, which is a classy, professional looking color scheme. Check out my image gallery of the two cases and my short video walk around them below.

	Image Gallery:A look at two new Amazon Kindle 2 cases, the Prodigy and Platform Genuine Leather Jackets from M-Edge.

The Kindle 1 came with a case from Amazon, but the Kindle 2 ships without a case or cover. I would have liked to even have had some kind of sleeve since it looks like my MacBook Pro may have rubbed a bit against the Kindle and left some permanent marks last weekend. After experiencing the quality and design of the M-Edge Executive Leather case, I was prepared to pick one up as soon as my Kindle 2 arrived and their cases were available. The Prodigy Jacket appealed to me most with the cool securing mechanism that uses the back openings in the Kindle 2. M-Edge sent along the Platform Jacket to try out as well, but I don't really have that many opportunities to read in a hands-free, propped up situation.

M-Edge Genuine Leather Prodigy Jacket: The M-Edge Genuine Leather Prodigy Jacket arrived wrapped in a simple plastic wrapper with a sticker label on the outside identifying the color and style. The Prodigy Jacket is very similar to the Executive Leather Jacket I reviewed before, they also have these for the Kindle 2, with one major difference in the securing mechanism. Please do check out my previous review for all the details on the case design and layout since I won't repeat them all here.

So let's look in more detail at the securing mechanism the differentiates this case from the Executive Jacket. If you look on the back left side of your Kindle 2 you will find that there are two small openings. It looks like these were included for supporting cases since there is an Amazon case available that uses these openings. I think the M-Edge case offers a bit more security though with loops on the right side as well as the use of these openings to securely hold your Kindle 2 in the case.

The lower clip in the case spine is angled down towards the right. As I show in the video, you simply slide your Kindle 2 from the right up and to the left into a vertical position while sliding the clip into the opening. Your Kindle will now be centered in the case and you then slide the upper (straight) clip down so that the hook part slides into your Kindle 2. The clip has a bit of spring loading to it and will move up (also make sure you move it with your finger) into the locked position. You will now have your Kindle 2 secured with two clips on the left side, which is where the Amazon case leaves it.

M-Edge also includes two leather and elastic loops on the right side to hold down the right side of your Kindle 2 in the case and it feels rock solid when secured in this fashion. I am pleased to see Amazon include these openings and see M-Edge take advantage of them too.

The interior of the case is soft, grey microfiber material, as is the inside of the flap. The front and back have some solid interior pieces that won't bend so your Kindle 2 is very safe in the case.

I also like that the Kindle 2 now has a simple slider button on top for turning it on since you no longer need access to the back of the Kindle to manage power.

Available colors and styles include marbled ruby red, smooth sapphire blue, smooth jade green, pebbled black, smooth mocha, pebbled navy blue, pebbled grey (black strap), pebbled cream (saddle strap), pebbled mocha (saddle strap), pebbled saddle, pebbled purple, and pebbled fuschsia. There are no price differences for the colors or styles.

The case is available on sale now for US$44.99 (regularly US$54.99) and they are expected to start shipping on or about 18 March. This is an outstanding case for the Kindle 2 that adds great protection and style to your Kindle 2 purchase. I highly recommend this case, along with the e-Luminator light.

I understand they are working on a second generation light, but do not know if that means it will be sleeker than the first or what the update may be. The existing $14.99 e-Luminator light works fine in both cases I checked out.

M-Edge Genuine Leather Platform Jacket: The M-Edge Platform Jacket is a rather interesting case that flips up and over the top of the Kindle 2 with a design maximized for hands-free reading with your Kindle 2 standing on a desk. The Platform Jacket has many of the same features as the Prodigy case with the business card/document pockets and e-Luminator booklight pocket. It also has the soft grey microfiber interior and solid front and back for full device protection.

The Kindle 2 mounts into the Platform Jacket with two bottom solid leather loops and two upper leather and elastic loops. After closing the case, from the top down to the bottom, you place the strap over the front and around to the back to secure the device closed.

To read your Kindle 2 in hands-free mode you open up the case and then take the strap and reverse it, then slide back into the opening. Your Kindle 2 will now stand securely by itself and is balanced quite well in the case so you can read at your desk without holding onto your Kindle. I spend most of my time reading on the train or on the couch so I personally don't have much need for reading using this method. However, you can also use the case while holding it and having the top flipped over the back. Some people may actually prefer to use a case with this form factor rather than a more typical book form factor with the front flap on the left side.

A loop is also included on the top for a pen. The current e-Luminator booklight fits into the pocket and there is a place along the left side to run the steel flexible arm of the light when the case is closed.

Available colors and styles include marbled ruby red, smooth sapphire blue, smooth jade green, pebbled black, smooth mocha, pebbled navy blue, pebbled grey (black strap), pebbled cream (saddle strap), pebbled mocha (saddle strap), pebbled saddle, pebbled purple, and pebbled fuschsia. There are no price differences for the colors or styles.

The case is available on sale now for US$44.99 (regularly US$54.99) and they are expected to start shipping on or about 18 March.

Wrap-up of both cases: Both of these cases are extremely well designed with quality materials, durable construction, and tight stitching. I highly recommend you have some kind of case for your Kindle 2 and these M-Edge ones are an outstanding choice for you to consider.

You can also find both of these case designs in synthetic leather material for $15 less ($29.99), that also come in fewer color selection choices.