Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" Standing Leather Origami Case (will only fit Kindle Fire HDX 8.9" - 3rd Generation), Black

I think I really wanted to hate this case and have justification to return it. But it's surprised me, and it looks like it's here to stay. I pre-ordered it because it seemed like an innovative idea, I liked the ability to stand up in portrait or landscape orientation, it didn't seem bulky, and I thought it looked kinda cool. I was looking for a leather case because I think leather has a bit more refined look and I think it lasts longer. I've used this heavily for four days now and will share my thoughts:Design -- Regarding the "origami" design, the fold is not 100% intuitive, but I'm getting better at it. I imagine that will continue. The strength of the magnets placed throughout the different panels is adequate for it to hold together and keep the HDX standing, but not so strong as to be difficult. The magnets that hold the HDX in the case also keep it held firmly. The case does not increase the bulk by much (just makes it a bit thicker), but it does make it noticeably heavier.Stability: When set up in landscape mode, it's sufficiently stable (I use it on relatively flat and level surfaces). Portrait is a different story. It stands, but it's not hard to get it to tip to either side. So far, I don't frequently use it in portrait, and when I do I just make sure it's positioned so that if it tips it can't fall far enough to damage it. That said, the iPad Smart Case only had the capability to stand it up in landscape orientation, so I'll take some functionality over nothing, especially when the origami landscape mode is easily stable enough.Buttons: Some people think they've had trouble with the power button, thinking the case bumps it and turns off or restarts the device. I've run into a similar problem without the case, and I think it's likely a software problem that will hopefully be resolved with updates. With the case folded into "stand" mode there is no problem accessing the power buttons. However, when it's folded back flat, you have to fold away one of the panels to access the power button or volume controls. With the magnets holding it firmly, this is kind of obnoxious. The automatic sleep/wake feature when opening or closing seems to work without flaw and I like not having to press the button.Materials: Leather on the outside, with some kind of microfiber suede-ish materal on the inside of the flap. The shell that encloses the back is made of plastic. And there are, of course the magnets that make it work the way it works. Leather covers the backside of the back half, but the edges around the sides are plastic. The Amazon logo is embossed into the leather on the back and the microfiber on the inside of the front panel (I'm hoping that doesn't make it wear on the screen funny). When standing, it rests on the plastic sides, not leather (increased durability). I'm not sure how I feel about the folded portion resting on leather-covered surfaces, but time will tell how it wears. The leather does seem to be good quality. The leather and the microfiber appear to be bonded together somehow and I'm not sure whether they will separate with wear, but seem to be well-made.Overall, I'm surprisingly pleased. I knock off a star because of the unstable portrait orientation, but even more because of the price. It's clearly overpriced and will probably become less expensive with time, but by that point I'd be much less likely to buy one. You could say I should have passed on it, I guess, but I like it enough now that I suppose what's done is done.

First let me say the case is of top notch quality. The leather is nicer than the last Kindle Fire HD case for sure. Like others have mentioned; the red is more of a burgundy than actual red. So be aware that it's not quite like the color on this page. Having said that, it is a very nice shade of "red; looking more classy than the bright red would have looked.Second I think the case doesn't really offer any less protection than the older model. Both case aren't really meant to take falls. Both will lightly open up with the Fire certainly popping under most circumstance. Like your piece of toast, you know it's going to land butter side down. :) But the edge of the case flares out on all sides so in most cases it's the case that will bang into your immovable object first.Lastly I think the case does require a little more deft handling that the last one. The origami lid can be awkward and unlike a stiff lid; you will have to learn to go through the motions. You're not going to be flapping the lid closed like a madman for example. Also the rear button as not as accessible when the lid is open against the back. This would really have been a problem if the lid was stiff but is easier to deal with with the origami lid as you only have bend the top or bottom half slightly.And this leads to the my real only negative; using the camera as advertised. The system works but it's not like the Fire is on some rails so the operation is a smooth one. You will have to learn to hold down the Fire down while lifting it to use the camera. If you don't, you risk the cover and the Fire become two objects where they were once one. Might take a few tries before you can do this smoothly.*(Mind you someone younger with more coordination than myself might be doing cartwheels with the set-up in no time)So overall a nice quality case if you don't mind spending the money. Amazon should really offer a discount to people who buy both the newest Kindle Fire and the case on upon release. Maybe with the Fire HDZ model. :)*I just wanted to add that a screen protector probably will make the using the camera feature a lot easier. Your thumbs tend to grip the the front screen area a lot better making it easier to slde the whole Fire up to use the camera. At least this was the case with the screen protector I installed.