Did you preorder the Kindle 2 this week?  I certainly did. Sure, I know it is not perfect, and it is way overpriced, but the truth is that it is the perfect device for someone like me who rides the train every day and loves to read.  In fact, I am not alone as I know Judie over at Gear Diary and Dan from Whats On iPhone are also anxiously checking their mailboxes for anthose Amazon packages.  The Kindle2 looks great,  there are tons of improvements over the first generation including size (it is thin!), speed (pages apparently turn much faster), and internal memory (2GB!).  Watch for our joint review coming soon.

One of the major disappointments for me, however, was that the Kindle 2 does not include a case, sleeve, cover, or any kind of protection.  I mean, when I spent $360 on a device, I don’t just want to toss it in my back unprotected.  I don’t like this trend at all, but it is sadly increasingly pervasive that after buying high end electronics you have to spend additional cash in order to give it ANY protection.  With the Kindle, you will have to spend an additional $30 (minimum) for the official case.  Well, in my opinion, if you are going to spend money on a case, it warrant taking a minute to look around and see if you have any other options.

Fortunately, we are already starting to see some case manufacturers coming up with some very nice alternatives.  Hit the link to see a preview of what Waterfield and M-Edge plan to do to protect your new Kindle 2 (reviews of both are hopefully coming soon). 

Waterfield’s Options-
Waterfield is a perennial fan favorite around here when it comes to cases and bags.  In fact, the only reason I did not bring you news of the Waterfield case for my MSI Wind was that Thomas beat me to the punch on that one.  Their cases have always been well designed and constructed, so I am really looking forward to getting my hands on these. 

The Travel Case for the Kindle 2 is designed with padded, internal compartments to keep the Kindle 2™, the power adapter, the clip light, and any additional accessories tangle-free and organized while in transport. Self-locking zippers on a front pocket and the main compartment ensure that contents stay in. Available in six vibrant colors, the water- resistant case maintains its thin, compact shape, even when fully packed. Users can toss the case in their bag or opt for a removable shoulder strap to carry it as a stand-alone case.
Price- $49. Six colors: black, silver, brown, blue, green or red.

The Slip Case for the Kindle 2 sports the same vibrantly colored water-resistant material on its exterior; a lightly padded, scratch-free liner; and impact-resistant plastic to protect the Kindle 2™ screen. The open top provides secure yet quick access to the device.
Price- $27. Six colors: black, silver, brown, blue, green or red.

The SleeveCase for the Kindle 2 protects the device with: high-grade neoprene; a sturdy, black, ballistic nylon shell; and a lightly padded closing flap. Two sizes store either the Kindle 2™ naked—the Small, with an impact resistant, screen protecting insert—or the Kindle 2™ in another case—the Large. A rear, open-top pocket stows USB cable, ear buds, etc. With its optional Shoulder Strap, users can wear the case or toss it into their bag.
Price- Large or Small: $39. Color: Black.

All three cases are available for pre-order from Waterfield & will ship March 10, 2009.

M-Edge’s Option-
I had never heard of M-Edge before, mainly because they only make Kindle cases and accessories and I never owned the first generation Kindle.  But when Joel over at Gear Diary mentioned an item he had read about them, I was extremely impressed by what I saw.  They offer a full range of protection for the Kindle 2, based upon your usage and needs.

The Executive Jacket is:

the ultimate for sophisticated on-the-go eReader users. Whether in the office, at a business meeting, or on the treadmill, the Executive Jacket^TM provides refined and stylish protection of your Amazon Kindle in a superior case. The Executive Jacket^TM offers full surface protection in a lushly padded case, while the soft grey interior ensures your Kindle will always be cushioned in comfort.

The jacket utilizes a four-point mounting system to hold your device firmly in place. This smart case with classic lines includes interior pockets for storage of notes, business cards, and other essentials. Even while closed, you’ll find access to all ports, so you never need to remove your reader for charging. The M-edge Accessories Amazon Kindle 2 Executive Jacket^TM is a sleek case that will protect your eReader from scratches and dings. It is the perfect solution for the user with a fashionable, active lifestyle.

Price- $39.99 but on pre-order sale for $29.99 in Red, Royal Blue, Camel, Mocha Brown or Black. A genuine leather version is also available for $44.99.  Available for preorder with an expected ship date March 2, 2009.

The Platform Jacket for the Amazon Kindle 2 is

the ultimate for sophisticated on-the-go eReader users. Whether in the office, at a business meeting, or at home, the Platform JacketTM provides refined and stylish protection of your Kindle 2 in a superior case. The Platform JacketTM introduces a new stand-up design, which allows you to read your Kindle upright, hands-free, while still offering full surface protection in a lushly padded case. The soft grey interior ensures your Kindle will always be cushioned in comfort. The Platform JacketTM seamlessly integrates with M-Edge Accessories’ exclusive e-Luminator booklight via a specially designed pocket sewn into the interior of the jacket.

The case includes a pen loop and interior pockets for notes, business cards, and other essentials. All ports remain accessible while the Kindle 2 is in the Platform Jacket.

Features: Synthetic leather exterior and soft, grey microfiber interior. Front flips over and closure tab tucks in to serve as bookstand for upright, hands-free reading. Solid front & back construction with plush grey interior for maximum device protection. Compatible with M-Edge e-Luminator booklight (sold separately). Jacket allows access to all ports and buttons.

Price- $39.99 but on pre-order sale for $29.99 in Red, Royal Blue, Camel, Mocha Brown or Black. Available for preorder with an expected ship date March 2, 2009.

It is a shame that Amazon does not offer any protection in the box.  Fortunately, there will be some good options available. So, before you spend your hard earned money on that $30 “official” Kindle 2 cover, take a look at what Waterfield and M-Edge have to offer.  If you are aware of any cases for the Kindle 2 which were not covered here, let us know.  We’ll take a look.

[Dan Cohen of Gear Diary and What’s On iPhone contributed to this post.]

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1. Review: Waterfield Cases for the Amazon Kindle 2
2. M-Edge…Protecting your Kindle 2, One Drop At A Time
3. Review: Waterfield Kindle Travel Case
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