The Go! Cover with optional light fitted

Your Kindle is your “baby,” so protecting this portable reader is often top priority for those who love to read thousands of books on the go. But purchasing a boring one size  fits all case  isn’t everyones first choice. Whether you want a slip cover or a padded fold open version, M-Edge Kindle covers come in all shapes and sizes.

If you’re after a standard enclosed, fold-open cover albeit with some nice features, the M-Edge Executive Kindle Jacket might be your cup of tea. This cover fits the 3rd generation Kindle and while it isn’t genuine leather it’s a good approximation. The simple, clean design still hides a few features like internal storage pockets as well as support for M-Edges standalone book light. If you need to use a Kindle light often a cover with built in light might be better suited for you but for occasional use and flexibility, it’s worth picking up the book light with this case to save a little on shipping. Very similar in design is the M-Edge GO! Kindle Jacket. This excitingly named cover shares many design features with the Executive version but lacks the front buckle and strap, meaning it has slightly less bulk when opened.

If you’re looking for protection with a more rugged flavor for your latest generation Kindle though, take a look at the M-Edge Latitude. This model zips closed to keep your Kindle safe during travel. It also has an outer pocket for storing paper as well as a fold out reading light for late night book binges. You can store your power cords and AC adapters in the front pouch without any bulk problems, and an inner microfleece lining also prevents the Kindle from getting scratched.

All of this range are well made, with useful features but be aware the M-Edge have switched over to a synthetic cover for all of the later generation covers. If you have a 2nd generation Kindle you will still find leather covers, but otherwise its the synthetic. This isn’t terrible as the synthetic covers still look good and might be a bit easier to clean but if you are hanging out for a leather case you may want to look elsewhere.

The other issue with the Kindle is using it in the darkness. For you, this might mean a pre dawn bus ride, the trip home, or even a bit of late night reading – one thing is clear, the lack of back light makes it difficult to read easily in low light conditions.

Fortunately, there’s a great solution to these problems – a protective Kindle cover with a light built in! The model I’m looking at today, sold on Amazon as the Kindle Lighted Leather Cover,  has a number of features that elevate it above some others  on the market. Let’s take a look!

The most impressive feature of this cover for me is convenience. Although it has a built in light, it doesn’t need any batteries at all – rather, it cleverly connects to the Kindle and uses the internal battery to power the reading light.

The reading light is implemented well, tucking neatly away into a corner of the cover whe not in use. When extended, the soft light does a very good job of lighting up the Kindles matte finish screen, providing the even brightness that is important if you want to avoid eye strain.

This case is well constructed, featuring fine grain leather lined with suede inside. There’s a good range of colors available, including one or two that I would personally avoid – but there’s no accounting for taste! Of course being sealed leather the exterior is easy to wipe clean if you have an accident.

The cover doesn’t restrict access to the Kindle controls and it folds backwards to form a useful stand, holding your Kindle at the right angle for reading. It’s the cover that provides the only feature that some may not like, as it does add to the weight of the Kindle. I actually prefer the feeling of holding something with a little substance, more like a real book, but if space or weight is at a real premium this might be an issue for some. We aren’t talking a massive increase though, with the cover weighing around as much as the Kindle on its own.

To wrap it all up, there isn’t much to dislike about this cover. The weight factor is the only thing that may give pause, but this is a minor issue when weighed against the many benefits the Kindle lighted cover offers.

As you’d expect, Amazon.com offer the best deal around on this cover, with the sale price at the time of writing being under $60 – and you can pick up a used model for even less. Click here to  head over and browse the range, or pick one up today!

For example, why not purchase a carry case for your Garmin Nuvi?  Currently Amazon are stocking the Garmin Universal Carry Case which is compatible with the whole Garmin range of GPS products including the Nuvi and Zumo versions. The inner lining of the Garmin carry case is made from a soft interior fabric meaning you should prevent scratches to the screen – and if you use an SD Card to save your additional maps there’s even a small pocket in the side of the case to slide this into.

If you own one of the more popular Garmin GPS Nuvis, for example the 200, 600, and 700 series then you will need to purchase a specific carry case like this hard shell case.

In terms of map updates, every Garmin Nuvi should have a Garmin map update at least once of year.  You might even qualify for free Garmin map updates if you have owned your GPS for less than 90 days under the Garmin nuMaps Guarantee program.

However most customers will find that they are outside this period so will have to pay a small fee for a Garmin map update.  Typically these retail at no more than fifty dollars so updating your sat nav product can be done relatively, cheaply considering the amount of use you might get out of it.

Other ways to customize your Nuvi GPS include free Points of Interest downloads which will load new content onto the product.  These include directions to attractions as diverse as sports stadiums, golf courses, restaurants and shopping malls.  There are even computer games available to download from the Garmin website so you can keep the kids entertained once you arrive safe and know where you are driving next.

All of these customization options are relatively cheap and this year if you can update your Garmin Nuvi with a new map updates and leather carry case you will find that in the long run you will get far more use out of it and value for money.