Until recently, I’ve always been one of those guys who wasn’t concerned with buying extra gadgets or warranties to protect a purchase. Usually, I would rely on good QA standards by the manufacturer and my own careful methods. Up until the last year or so, this approach has served me well.

Maybe QA standards have fallen, because my meticulousness just doesn’t seem to cut it anymore. In the last year I’ve had to replace a practically new central air unit (leaky coils), a string trimmer, Xbox 360, and two Comcast DVR units. Service plans and extended warranties are beginning to look more and more attractive to me.

In regards to my Kindle, my “plan for protection” relies once again on my careful methods in addition to a leather Kindle cover. I hope it’s enough to provide me many years of enjoyment, but there are some neat products and services I’ve come across that I’m beginning to consider.

Kindle Warranty

For example, new Kindle owners should think about getting an extended warranty for the Kindle 2 or Kindle DX. I know, you’re probably thinking, “If I’m going to drop this much money on something, it had better work!” I agree. But, the fact is mistakes happen and it isn’t always the manufacture’s fault. Drops, scratches, and spills are three major incidents that could make you wish you had that extended warranty. Here are the details of the warranties provided by Service Net, Amazon’s choice for extended warranties:

• Adds an additional year and more comprehensive protection than the one-year manufacturer’s warranty, including coverage for accidental drops and damage (limited to one incident).
• Replacement of your Kindle DX for any device failures during normal operation. Includes free shipping both ways, for your damaged and replacement Kindle DX.
• Support available 6 am to 10 pm PT, 365 days a year
• 2-Year Extended Warranty available for any Kindle 2 or Kindle DX shipped within the past 30 days. (Only available to U.S.-based customers).

Kindle Cover

If you have been reading about the Kindle for any stretch of time, I’m sure you’ve come across the many different covers you can buy. I’m willing to argue that most people purchase a Kindle cover along with their Kindle, but the style one chooses should be considered with the environment their Kindle will be used in. A’hem… sorry, I’ll take my nerd glasses off now.

There is something to be said about what kind of Kindle cover to use. If you’re going to the beach or pool, you might want to use one of the splash proof covers by OCTO. If dust and pet hair is your top concern, an enclosure-type cover may work best. Of these, the Belkin Neoprene Sleeve Case (available for the Kindle 2 and Kindle DX) or Patagonia Book Case (currently available only for the Kindle 2) are among the best choices.

One last cover for the DX that really caught my eye is the OCTO Faux Leather Slip Cover for the Kindle DX. It has a really nice “executive” look to it and is made of a stiff material that will protect your Kindle DX in transport. From what I’ve read, the DX fits snugly enough that it doesn’t fall out, but can be slipped free easily enough. The full enclosure seems like it will protect against dust well enough and I’d be willing to bet your Kindle DX would be protected against the occasional dropped keys or cell phones too.

I’ve covered a lot of stuff on this post, so here’s a more organized list of links to everything I’ve mentioned. As always, if you have any of these items, please leave a comment!