In person, the purple has more red in it, if that makes sense. It it not a super dark purple compared to the image on Amazon, just a deeper, bit richer purple. The front of the case has the Marware logo and has the look of a journal with the addition of seams and ribbing. The smoother part of the case is pleather. It adds a quite a bit of bulk to the device and with that bulk, a bit of weight as well.The case seems to be well made with no immediate concerns about damaging it except for one thing. If you look at the images on Amazon, they show it bending so you can use it as a stand? Well the outside cover doesn't have a hinge or seam on so I can see this cracking at some point. In addition, on the inside of the cover, there is a definite sort of hinge where it should bend, and one side of the hinge is thicker than the other. After only a few demonstrations (to do this review), there is a definite crease on the outside of the case and since one side of the hing is thicker it just makes that crease all the more noticeable. To use as a stand, you need to unsnap the piece holding the Kindle from the back of the case. This is a nice touch (intentional) because it makes the sound bounce off the back of the case and gives a small boost to the volume.I can see not using the provided elastic band since the cover is substantial enough that you could probably put it into your purse or bag without it getting bumped around by other items. In addition, the black strap makes the case look less expensive. Not that it looks like a designer case, but the strap is narrow and seems like an afterthought instead of an accent.The casing is tight enough around your Kindle that unless something breaks there is no way that your device will be coming out of it by accident (flashback, remember the Kindle 1 cover? Yikes! ) You snap the device into an X-shaped case that fits around each corner of the device. This works out quite well if yuo want to use a skin, because the entire bezel is visible.I'm not sure if you'll run into the same issue as me, but IMO it seems like Marware wants you to put the case in upside down. When using the device in the stand mode, I would assume that the camera should be on top in case you wanted to use Skype. Assuming I'm correct, you will not be able to charge your device with the case closed. On the other hand, flotsom from your bag won't be able to work its way into the ports so I guess it's 6 of one, half dozen of another.All in all, this Vibe case seems well, made and sturdy, but with a couple of flaws. C+ for construction, color, design, materials. I will return this case and/or sell it on Kindleboards, not because of anything so bad, but mainly because I need a lighter weight case and I'm not going to keep it around for a spare at $35.Edit : I couldn't make my Kindle turn off and on by opening and closing the case, but I'll test more over the weekend.Edit 11/27/12 - When using the case as a stand (landscape mode) the bend in the case is directly lined up with the power button. This makes it hard to use the button when in stand mode.I hemmed and hawed buying a case for my new Kindle Fire HD 8.9' for about a week. First of all, I love the way the thing feels without a case, and I didn't want to mess that up. 2nd, the reviews for the cases were as crazy as the reviews for the Fire itself. How can one thing be so great to one person, and be an absolute piece of junk to another? Well, I took a gamble on this case because of the looks/functionality/price. So here we go:1. Color- Just a heads up, but the orange is orange, not brown-ish like the picture. Evidently, that is a common thing with these cases. It's not bad (I actually dig it), but it's most definitely orange!2. Function- The first priority for a case is protection, right? We'll, it's not a Lifecase, but then again, I'm not going swimming with it. For my day-to-day use (including 3 kids fighting for it), it's great. Hard cover and back, and the clips that hold the Fire are snug. No worries on an accidental fall out.Some reviews complain that the back covers the speakers, but that's only true if you are simply folding back the case, book-like. If you prop the case up in the stand formation (which I would think most of us would do were we to watch a movie with it, or anything else that takes time) the speakers are fully exposed. Plus, the back then acts as a soundboard to bounce the sound toward you. I don't think this is a design flaw at all. The new speakers are plenty loud anyway.The stand feature is also great. My previous 7" fire case had two options for viewing angles, but this one is pretty much whatever you want. No trouble adjusting or having it stay in place either. Great design!The on/off feature is spotty at times, but I've found that it seems to have to do with the case position. If I press the spine slightly, the Kindle turns off. I like this feature, because the crazy on-off button on the fire is impossible to find!I've read the complaints about being unable to charge the Fire while it's in the normal position in the case. I don't get the big deal with opening the case to charge it, or simply reversing the Fire if you are extremely accident prone and need it closed while you're not using it.Overall, a great case for a great price (I had $10 off thanks to an Amazon credit). Very happy with my purchase!I just got my kindle fire 8.9" and the Marware Vibe standing case. I am pleased with many aspects of this case:1) the case is sturdy but lightweight and has a nice texture to the touch.2) the kindle can stand at several angles reliably3) the clips hold the kindle securely4) The strap seems to work well holding the lid closed (but will it stretch out or break)5) There are a nice selection of colors (I got purple!)The snap in the case the releases so the kindle can be stood up. This is a simple design and while it may eventually wears out I think it will have a good life.When the kindle is in the standing position the tunnel behind it can help the sound from the kindle speakers. I found by holding my fingers on both sides of the tunnel I could greatly improve the sound quality. Perhaps the manufacturer might consider a flap the could function to direct the sound toward the front. A little change that could cause a big improvement.Bottom line: I am very pleased with the case. It could be better yet and if the manufacturer listens that could come to be.Update Jan 29 2013:The plastic covering on the back has developed several very small tears. It seems this might be better if just a little thicker like the plastic on the front cover. Otherwise, still a great case.I also have tried the Verso case I bought this as it was a nice colour and reasonable price. It was very difficult to fit my kindle within the case and you had to force it in quite a bit as my kindle kept falling out other wise. Now the plastic grips keep cracking and falling apart. I'll probably have to get a new one very soon even though I only bought this 2 months ago. Will definitely be going with a different brand.Had an initial problem with clipping in the Kindle, as you have to be quite determined to get the clip over the corners. Thought at first that it was faulty. Considering the price compared with other Kindle covers, I think it is good value for money. The seller was brilliant (Plumbing Bits and Bobs) and responded to my emails very quickly.because it will not stay on the kindle my kindle as fell out of it more that once maybe they would like to send a new oneI find my Kindle doesn't fit in it right!! It won't snap into the plastic holder, so I can't use the stand feature. So I'm somewhat disappointed!This was a present for a disabled person who needed a case to protect her kindle (it got dropped a lot).It is great, hard wearing but stylish.