My Kindle Stuff

Well, its been awhile since I’ve talked about all the good Kindle accessories out there in one post. I’ve been using tools, skins, accessories–software and hacks. I think that I’ve really maximized and customized my Kindle about as far as it will go.

My Kindle and laptop w/ Gelaskin Bookshelf skins (Kindle on iZel stand)	My Kindle in M-edge cover w/ Decal Girl skin
My Kindle 1 w/ charger & iPhone in matching Decal Girl Skins and M-edge cover

My recommendations

Hardware:

If you want a good general device that is ultra-portable, I recommend the Kindle 2. It is small enough to fit in an average sized purse and definitely small enough to fit in a backpack. Unless you have to have .PDF compatibility or the portrait-to-landscape capability, save yourself some money on the Kindle DX and stick with the Kindle 2. It’s harder to carry around, felt more easy to damaged in my hand. Although its hard to find, and you cannot get one new, both my sister and my daughter still use and love their Kindle 1. They won’t be giving them up until they no longer work.

Cover:

Whether you get the K2 or DX, I recommend a cover if only to protect the Kindle screen when not reading. You can get the Amazon cover, but although it is one of the smallest as far as adding any size to the Kindle, the black is pretty boring to me. Also, the Amazon covers don’t have anything keeping the outer edges of the Kindle secure. That lack has caused some users to crack their devices because of opening the wrong way. I originally got the Amazon covers, but quickly shelved it in favor of something with some color.

I have some other recommendations depending on whether you’ll use another accessory.

If you just want a basic cover but with some color–try the M-Edge GO! Covers. They are a simple flap cover that uses the Amazon hinge technology which, in my opinion, is the best system for securing your Kindle. It is similar to the Amazon cover in size, but has the corner additions so you won’t be in danger of cracking your Kindle.

If you want a good cover that accommodates a booklight then any of the other M-edge covers is the one for you. A booklight can be stored in the cover and to be flipped up when you need to use it (GO! cover won’t hold the booklight). This is my favorite configuration because I have my booklight with me (at no extra storage) all all times .

If you want protection for your Kindle, but want to use it without a cover, I recommend one of the slip case covers. I used this cover, and found that it fit my Kindle 2 and DX. It fit tightly over the devices but becase of the softness of the cover, doesn’t provide as robust protection as the hard covers.

Booklights:

I recommend two. I originally purchased the Mighty Bright flex light. It uses a clamp so cannot be used comfortably on a Kindle that isn’t in a cover. It has a flexible neck and two brightness settings. In my experience, this is the best all-round booklight for widespread general use.

I currently use the M-edge e-Luminator 2 booklight. I LOVE this light! I take my Kindle with me everywhere (yes, I’m a Kindle geek) and you’d be surprised how much reading you can do waiting for your husband to bring the popcorn when in a movie theater.

Holder:

I’ve only used one holder, but also recommend it because it also can be used for my iPhone or iPod. It’s also small and can be carried flat in my if I need it. I use the iZel Stand and suggest you at least take a look at it.

Skins:

I recommend skins for your Kindle if only to keep off the dirt. Being white, the Kindle can get grimy even with clean hands; and a skin adds a lot of personality. I use DecalGirl and GelaSkins. GelaSkins has some of the most beautiful skins for any device but DecalGirl has skins for the front as well as the back of the Kindle. I can’t make up my mind so I switch back and forth between skins from both companies. For those of you with other devices to skin, be sure to check out iPhone and laptop skins to match. See here for a picture of my Kindle 1 skinned with matching iPhone and my Kindle 2’s 1st skin.

If you want to see many other Kindle accessories, check out the Kindle 1, Kindle 2 and Kindle DX Accessory pages.

Previously under my ‘Maximizing your Kindle’ post, here is a list of My Kindle Stuff: