All of the current production models use leather.  There are some production prototypes where we've used other fabrics in order to see how they behave, and some of those might make it into production at some point.  I don't know if they're plant-based (cotton) or animal-based (wool) or synthetic.

Hopefully, at some point, you'll be able to buy components and build your own enclosure.

So this means you are not going to buy a Chumby?

I am sorry, you seemed so sold on this concept. Me I would like an all leather one, but I respect your beliefs.

I think it's even worse to obtain something in leather because you 'want' it
... and then to discard the new leather to a trash heap. The cow absolutely died for nothing then. At least a little dignity can be saved by using the necessary leather bound object until the leather wears out before replacing it.
Seems like such a waste for the cow.

FYI I think the alpha chumbys are covered with synthetic microsuede type fabric. The speakers and bend sensor are held in place by cotton voile. The difficulty is that the less firm the fabric, the less sleek the design of the chumby. You get some stretching and bumps in the seaming. The new chumby looks a lot more professional and attractive from the design perspective due to the firmness of the leather. The durability of the fabric is also key. Leather is able to be cleaned and wears well, so I think it is a sensible and well-considered choice.

I've managed to create nice-looking outers using wool felt and cotton fabrics that have been adhered to acrylic felt, to give you some alternate possibilities if you'd like to craft your own cases. But then I might get arguments against the mulesing of sheep, the toxic chemicals used on cotton crops, the petrochemicals used to create synthetics & plastic parts...where do you draw the line?

I'm just impressed that bunnie has spent so much time in the factories, making sure that they choose one with adult humans that are treated fairly and documented this process. It is far more than a lot of companies do.

Organic fabric options might be nice and do-able (although costly) for third-party "makers". However, I have only seen organic fabrics in lightweight woven and stretch. Do you have any suggestions for heavier weight organic fabrics? Sources?

I go between extremes, either an all leather chumby or one covered in hemp fabric.

Just wanted to add: me and a colleague really love the Chumby and would immediately buy at least one each (I would like to have on at home an one in the office), if it wasn't for the leather skin.

Would it really be that difficult to use fake leather for example? Or just a very basic plastic housing?

Cheers,
Olaf

Wonder if you could offer these people a *Naked* chumby.. No case, mebby a paper template, and the internals... I know I dont want to foot the bill for vegi-pleather or have some undurable fabric covering my chumby... It will noticiably add to the cost of the chumby to use a high quality vegitarian "leather" if you will..

Another abstention from the goodness of Chumby until a compassionate alternative to leather is chosen

I've been following the Chumby for a while, and it's a very interesting device.  I'm on the fence right now, with the leather issue making me hold off for now, but I'm excited that there will be non-leather alternatives in the future.  Yeah, the material challenges are tough; I often have to sacrifice durability when I buy my vegan belts and shoes.

Any news on the non-leather Chumby? I would get one if it were available. How about using Alcantara (synthetic suede) material? It's used in sofas, chairs and automotive seats so it must be just as durable as leather.

any ETA yet on a chumby without leather?

thanks,
-r