Review and Versatile Features of the reboon booncover S3 eReader Case
There are eBook reader cases galore, which, as we know, makes choosing one all the more difficult. To help make your purchasing decision easier, I’ve reviewed various products in the past, including the most recent cases for the Kindle Paperwhite.
As a potential buyer, you generally have two options when choosing an eReader case: you can either purchase an accessory that is 100% tailored to the device and thus only fits it, requiring a new case search when switching eReaders; or, you can opt for a universal case that can be used with various devices and manufacturers. The downside of these universal products, however, is that they often use elastic bands for attachment, which not only aren’t so visually appealing, but can also obscure buttons or even extend onto the display if positioned unfavorably.
Recently, though, there’s a third option with the reboon booncover S3. This case fits a variety of 6 and 6.8-inch eBook readers such as the Kindle Paperwhite & Voyage, Tolino Vision 3 HD & Shine 2 HD, Kobo Glo HD & Aura H2O, among others. Therefore, it is a device-independent case that can be used for various eBook readers in the 6 and 6.8-inch segment, offering a unique fastening method (via Velcro) and the advantage of flexible use.
reboon booncover s3, available in black (open), pink, brown, and beige
To find out how this not only visually unusual case performs in practical terms, check out the following review.
Build Quality
Unlike most other third-party cases, the reboon booncover S3 doesn’t arrive completely unadorned but comes with a high-quality printed cardboard cover. On the inside, there’s a small “quick-start guide” that illustrates the use of the cover. This might not be absolutely necessary, but given the unusual fastening method and flexible use, it certainly provides a handy start (more on this under “Practical Use”).
The case is available in black, pink, beige, and brown, with the interior always having the same blue hue.
Excellent workmanship
The workmanship of the case makes an outstanding first impression, which is reaffirmed upon closer inspection. The seams that run along the outer and inner edges are clean and even, just like all the cut edges.
The very high rigidity of the front and back also stands out positively. This means that the front cover is difficult to bend and is strong enough to protect the eReader’s display. The case feels very solid due to the low flexibility of the cover. Despite this, at a weight of 113 grams, it isn’t too heavy.
According to reboon, the outside of the booncover S3 is made of a soft-touch material, which I can confirm. The exterior material is finely textured, relatively soft, and pleasant to the touch. The inside is lined with an equally tactile microfiber surface, protecting the eBook reader from scratches.
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The case closes with a magnetic clasp and holds securely even with rough handling.
However, there’s a small (albeit temporary) downside: upon first unboxing, the case has quite a strong smell. This issue isn’t unique to the booncover—a number of recently tested Kindle Paperwhite cases also initially had a strong odor. Fortunately, this smell dissipates relatively quickly—even with the booncover.
boon-Pad and Velcro Technology in Theory
When you first see the booncover S3, the unusual design immediately catches your eye. On the front, there’s a wide Velcro strip (with soft loops), something not seen on most other cases. Additionally, there are two large Velcro surfaces inside (loops). But what are they actually for?
Unusual design with a black Velcro area on the front
The unique feature of the different reboon products (including the booncover S3) is the so-called “boon” vacuum pad. This is available in three different sizes (for smartphones (S), eReaders (M), and tablets (L)). It’s a self-adhesive pad with a Velcro surface (hooks) on the back.
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The package of a booncover case includes two of these boon pads, allowing you to equip different devices or use the case as a wall or car mount (see below).
Attaching the pad is straightforward: first, you remove the thin plastic film from the adhesive side, and then you can attach it directly to the cleaned, grease-free back of the eReader. I simply attached the pad with the Velcro closure in the case and then placed the eBook reader on it. This way, the device can be wonderfully centered.
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If you’re worried about sticking things to your reading device, I can assure you: the boon-pad can be removed without any residue – and reused. You simply peel it off carefully and can then stick it onto another eReader. According to reboon, the pad can be repositioned and removed as often as you like.
Detach and reuse without residue
Should the adhesive ability diminish after repeated use due to grease or dirt, you can rinse the adhesive surface with warm water and then let it dry in the air.
You can now place the eReader, fitted with the pad, in the case using the Velcro closure.
Practical Use
Now, let’s get to the most exciting part of the test: how does the vacuum-Velcro technology fare in practice? In short: surprisingly well!
Great handling
I must admit, I was initially a bit skeptical about the reboon solution. Sticking an eReader into a case—an attentive ALLESebook reader would be familiar with this from the PocketBook Sense.
In contrast to the PocketBook solution, the reboon product isn’t solely focused on an unobstructed look but also on high flexibility. Additionally, after two weeks of experimenting, I’m confident that the boon-pad will remain usable even after repeated attaching and detaching over a longer period.
Case with pads
Once you’ve stuck the pad on the back of the eBook reader, you can fix it in the case with the Velcro closure, as mentioned before. The adhesion, both with the vacuum adhesive and the Velcro technique, is very secure. At no point did I have any issues with durability or fear that the eReader might fall out, as it was always securely placed.
I tried this with various models, mostly with the Kindle Paperwhite, Tolino Vision 3 HD, and Kobo Aura H2O. While the two 6-inch models from Amazon and Tolino leave a little space at the edge of the case, the 6.8-inch Kobo fills out the booncover entirely. No matter the size differences and edge distances, you never feel that the case doesn’t fit because you can always perfectly center the eBook reader.
Tolino Vision 3 HD in the case
If you want to use the reading device without the case in the meantime, you can release the Velcro and simply take out the eReader. Depending on how you handle it, you might feel the boon-pad on the back. I wasn’t personally bothered by this, but it should be mentioned for completeness. If you plan to use the device without a case for an extended period, you can remove the pad entirely.
High Flexibility Makes the Difference
The “normal” use of the reboon booncover S3 works wonderfully. However, the most significant difference from a conventional case with a plastic shell or elastic bands is the many clever little solutions. This includes, for instance, the previously mentioned Velcro area on the outside. You can use this to hang up the case along with the eReader.
Can be hung securely too
If, for instance, your nightstand is always cluttered, you can use the second boon-pad to hang the case at the side or on the bed. With the reboon tablet cases, you can attach them to the car dashboard or a kitchen shelf, etc., and watch movies and series in this way.
The front cover of the case can be folded to the back for one-handed use, with the hard case back ensuring particularly good handling. From my perspective, the second boon-padded device was particularly practical, as I placed it on the eReader, allowing me to turn the device as I pleased—depending on which hand I preferred to hold the case with.
With stand function
Additionally, the reboon case features a built-in stand function. You can set up the eReader in portrait or landscape mode at different angles for comfortable reading. A small Velcro strip (hooks) is located under the magnetic flap for this purpose. When you fold the flap back, where it is held magnetically on the rear cover (nice detail), you expose this hidden Velcro area.
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Now, simply fold over the front and back and connect the outer Velcro loops to the Velcro hooks on the flap (see photos). This makes the case stand securely at any angle. If, unfortunately, you have an eBook reader whose display doesn’t rotate in the desired direction (e.g., Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Voyage, Kobo Glo HD, Kobo Aura H2O), you can simply rotate or stand up the reading device thanks to the Velcro technology. Problem solved.
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Conclusion
The reboon booncover S3 proved to be a pleasant surprise in my test, despite initial skepticism about the attachment method. The overall handling, from the initial use of the vacuum pads to the ongoing use of the folding and stand function, has proven not only to be hassle-free in daily life but also immensely practical.
It’s the stand function that truly won me over due to the wide range of positioning. Whether you’re lounging at a table or lying on your stomach in bed, you can always find the right angle thanks to the clever use of Velcro.
The fact that the case is also excellently crafted almost fades into the background.
reboon offers innovative and clever products with the booncover cases
In my opinion, there are three downsides, though. First, the case has a strong smell upon receipt (but it does dissipate, fortunately). Second, you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your pockets for the booncover compared to many other cases. It usually costs around 40 euros. Third, the case doesn’t fit a lot of 6-inch models as snugly as specially made products do.
