How to Read One-Handed on Your Kindle or Kobo Safely (Pool, Beach, & Travel)
If you are anything like me, then you might love escaping into a good book on your Kindle or Kobo; you probably already know how incredible e-readers are for keeping your whole library right at your fingertips. But as convenient as these devices are, holding them up for long periods can quickly become a literal pain. It starts with a slight cramp in your thumb, moves to stiffness in your fingers, and before you know it, you are dealing with full-blown hand and arm fatigue. Whether you are reading for hours or just trying to catch up on a quick chapter for a few minutes, maintaining a comfortable grip on a large, flat piece of plastic gets tiring fast.
That is exactly why the team behind Strapsicle created a product that serves as the perfect Kindle or Kobo companion. If the name sounds familiar, you might have caught their appearance on Shark Tank, where the founders showcased how an incredibly simple idea could solve an everyday problem for readers around the world. The concept is very simple and straightforward: Strapsicle is made of a soft, flexible silicone material that wraps around the corners of your device. It is so simple, it makes you wonder why nobody thought of it sooner, but thankfully, this clever brand stepped up to eliminate readers’ hand cramps.
The design is brilliant because it tackles the gripping problem without adding bulk or ruining the look and feel of your e-reader. The strap features stamped text inside that indicates exactly where each piece goes, guiding you to attach it from the top left to the bottom right and from the top right to the bottom left. This quick installation forms a secure structural X-shape on the back of your device. The genius of this layout is that it leaves the front of your screen visible and keeps every button perfectly accessible, so you can turn pages or wake/sleep the device without the strap getting in your way.
Once it is securely strapped on, the way you interact with your e-reader changes for the better. Instead of pinching the edges or balancing the device on your pinky finger, you simply slide your hand right through the silicone band on the back. It instantly takes the weight off your joints and muscles, letting your hand relax completely while the device stays locked to your palm. It turns a clunky two-handed balancing act into a comfortable, effortless, one-handed experience that completely eliminates the physical strain of holding your e-reader.
When you have the Strapsicle on your e-reader, you are free to start reading in places you might have never risked reading in before. Think about relaxing on a hot summer afternoon at the beach, lounging out on a busy pool deck, or even floating right in the pool. Usually, a splash of water or sunscreen can make your e-reader incredibly slick and easy to drop, but now these silicone straps keep it safely anchored to your hand no matter what.
Taking your favorite novels or articles with you on your daily commute or travel is essential. Imagine you are trying to read on a packed subway train or a bumpy bus ride; holding your device while the vehicle sways is a recipe for dropping it. With the strapsicle, you can maintain a rock-solid hold of your e-reader, leaving your other hand completely free to hold onto a safety rail or grab your morning coffee. Even during long car rides, you will love having that relaxed grip. It makes it easy to position the screen at the perfect angle without your wrist getting stiff before you reach your destination.
Perhaps the most interesting use of this accessory will happen right before you go to sleep. We have all experienced the classic, painful moment when, while reading in bed, you get a little too drowsy and all of a sudden your Kindle or Kobo slips out of your hand. This usually leads to the e-reader landing directly on your face. With this band wrapped securely around your palm, you can drift off to sleep without worrying about a painful wake-up call, as the device stays perfectly in place even when your grip relaxes completely.
Finding the correct Strapsile for your e-reader is easy. The company’s website has an easy guide to help you find the correct one for your device. This means you can find the right fit for your model and avoid the frustrating one-size-fits-all band, which tends to be either too loose or too tight; the Strapsicle instead perfectly hugs most modern Kindle and Kobo models on the market today. Plus, it comes in a variety of fun, stylish colors, giving you plenty of choices to match your personal taste or show off your unique aesthetic while you enjoy a truly comfortable, fatigue-free reading experience.
