Way back when I was still using the Dell Axim, I discovered a fantastic leather case manufacturer, called Noreve (that is French for amazing leather cases)  OK, maybe it does not really stand for that…but it should, because they make some of the best cases I have ever used for mobile devices.  Now, they have released their latest lines, which include a beautiful new line of cases for the Kindle 2.  And let me tell you, I wasted no time getting one wrapped around my Kindle 2.  Hit the jump, and we will take a look.

Let’s start on the outside.  Lliving up to Noreve’s exceptional quality, the leather in this one is exquisite.  I got the Ebony case, with a slightly textured finish from the Ambition Selection.  but if that is not for you, then you can choose from over a dozen different colors and several different finishes.   On the bottom of the front is a tiny button with the Noreve emblem.  This is great, because there is nothing worse than ruining a gorgeous leather case with a blaring commercial for the case manufacturer.  The Noreve emblem is subtle, yet remains effective.

On the back are two wire mesh vents, which line up with the air vents on the Kindle 2 in order to protect against overheating.  To be honest, I have already used a number of cases on my Kindle 2, and none of them had these openings in the back.  I never noticed any problems with overheating, so I was not sure these vents were necessary.  Then again, these vents do not interfere with your use of the case, and they really can’t hurt…so why take the chance on your gorgeous new gadget?

The sides top and bottom are predominantly open, meaning you have full access to ports and controls on the top and bottom of your Kindle 2, without removing it from the case, or even opening it.  A leather strap holds it all together, with a fantastic magnetic snap. 

The only thing I did not like here was that the strap hangs off the back of the case, so when you are reading on the Kindle 2. it can get in the way.  You can see in the above picture how it can interfere with the controls on the right hand side.  It would have been nice if the strap had been affixed to the top of the case, so it would open away from the screen.

As long as we are talking about opening the case, let’s go ahead and do that.  The inside of the case is divided into two sides. 

The right hand side will secure your Kindle 2.  On the left is a complete travel wallet, including a windowed compartment for your business card, luggage tag, or ID.  Behind that are four business/credit card slots and two large interior slip pockets, which can hold your cash, passport, tickets, or other travel documents.  Not too shabby.

Your Kindle 2 will easily  slide into the right hand section, secured by rails on three sides.  Oddly, however, Noreve seems to have missed a small, but important opportunity with this one.  the Kindle 2 features a unique connector, in which hooks attached to a case can slide into two holes on the side of the Kindle 2 to truly secure the device in place.  Due to this lack of connection on the left hand side of the device, I found my kindle 2 did tend to slide around a bit while I was reading.  Not enough that I ever felt like it would drop, but certainly enough that the movement was noticeable. 

Of course, the most important part of a case is how well it protects your device.  The first thing Noreve did was perfectly measure the Kindle 2, resulting in a fabulous custom measured case.  When it is closed with your Kindle 2 inside, there is absolutely no wasted space.  This tight fit around your Kindle 2 ensures that the device is well secured and protected while being jostled around in your bag.  To further protect it, however, Noreve has also done a great job with the padding behind that leather cover.  It can be difficult to find the right balance between protection and size, but I think  Noreve did great here.  The padding protects your device, and adds minimal additional depth to your Kindle 2.

My favorite part of the case, however, is the fact that it is a jacket style case.  I ride the train every day with a lot of people who like to read…and sleep…often at the same time.  This leads to a lot of dropped reading material.  No big deal if you are reading a magazine or paperback book.  But letting your $350 eBook reader fall the floor…well, that can spell trouble.  So, if this scenario describes you, then you will truly enjoy this jacket style design.  And even if you are not the type who is prone to falling asleep and dropping things, I just love the way a good jacket style case makes the Kindle 2 feel that much more like a regular book.

What I liked:

• Exquisite leather, in three different finishes and multiple colors
• Jacket style design
• Travel wallet inside
• Air vents on the back

What Needs Improvement:

• Leather tab covers the right side buttons
• Lack of secure connection on the left, allows the device to slide around

Where To Buy: Noreve

Price:

• Perpetual Selection: $76.49
• Ambitious Selection: 82.87
• Exceptional Selection: $89.24

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