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. ®

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