The problem appears to only affect users who bought Amazon's basic leather case that sells for $35. Amazon also sells a more expensive version for $60 that comes with a light for nighttime reading, but no reboot problems have been reported with this model.

"My Kindle kept turning itself on in my purse and freezing. Everytime [sic] I wanted to read my Kindle I had to reboot which would lose my place in books. So frustrating," said . After Amazon helped trace the problem to Bergen's Kindle case the problems ceased.

Another Kindle user, Jessica L. Trewhella, experienced more severe problems. "Recently, my Kindle has been rebooting non-stop. Called Kindle support and found out it was the case," in an Amazon customer review.

It's not clear why the cases are causing this problem, but the strongest theory appears to be linked to the metal clips inside the case that secure the Kindle. The device reportedly short circuits when the clips come into contact with the e-reader.

Based on discussions in Amazon's customer forums, the company appears to be refunding the purchase price for customers who experience reboot or freezing problems regardless of how long ago you purchased your case. Some users said the company was also as compensation for the case hassle. Amazon was contacted for comment, but at the time of this writing had not yet responded.