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Amazon wraps up Kindle crashes

Unlit case bedevils electronic book

Kindle users delighting in Amazon's leather case are finding the addition of a wrapper sends the e-reader into a tailspin, though thankfully not a terminal one.

The problem is with the "Kindle Leather Cover, Black" for the latest model of Amazon's keyboard-touting e-book reader. Buyers are reporting that the cover causes their Kindles to repeatedly reboot, crash and stop working with the only remedy being to take the device out of the case.

The problem isn't hitting everyone, as ABC reports, but it's a significant minority of US buyers who've had problems. Amazon is offering replacement covers or a full refund to anyone who asks on either side of the pond, and checking the low-end UK reviews shows much the same pattern so it's something worth watching out for if you're unwrapping a Kindle (with cover) at the weekend.

Those posting to the Amazon forums, and reviews, speculate that it's the metal hinges of the cover that are causing the problem, which are exposed and conductive though they don't appear to penetrate the Kindle's casing. The problem is only afflicting the case not equipped with a light for under-the-covers reading, so anyone who was prepared to shell out £50 for the case with the built-in torch shouldn't have any problems.

There are those who say that £30 for the unilluminated case is too much, considering it's almost a third the price of the Kindle it's supposed to protect, but the majority of reviewers generally seem very happy with it - those who've not suffered the induced stability problems obviously. ®

Polish will wear off

I find your lack of faith disturbing.

Remember, DUCKTAPE is like the force. It envelops and binds and holds the universe together. It is DUCKTAPE, not nail polish.

Also, you can remove it and restore the cover to "pristine" state when Amazon gets around to exchange them.

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Leather Case

I received my Wi-Fi only Kindle as a gift, complete with the Leather Case - Blue without the light and once the Kindle was put in the case, it has not been removed. There has never been an unasked for reboot, shutdown or glitch in the four months I have had it. Perhaps leaving the device alone, once it's in the case is the answer?

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3 things Kindle vs phone

Phone screen is unreadable in bright sunlight

Battery life is considerably less.

Screen is touch on the small size

Having said that, Kindle (the app) makes this a lot easier, since you can read a few pages on the phone whilst on the tube, but use a decent reader when you want a long session.

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Can it be...

You're holding it wrong?

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Ttiramclod

Of course £30 is too much. That's why I spent £15 on a third party case (with addons) instead - one that doesn't make my kindle fritz...

Bad show Amazon, you release a case, charge a stupid amount essentially because it's 'official merchandise' and then it messes with your device.

And for that matter £50 for the light-equipped case, when the device costs £109? Honestly...

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