CES 2010 - KindleBoards meets M-Edge

[geko29]

Lotsa comments about the lack of accessibility to the on/off switch. I played with the switch on my DX, and I can't figure out a way that could be made workable through a membrane.

It wouldn't need to be through a membrane.  There could be a physical (mechanical) slider, with a pin/rod that actuates the button.  Or it could be a lever-type setup, where pushing down on a button is converted into a sliding motion by a fulcrum.  This type of control is used all the time for waterproof camera cases.

[HappyGuy]

Whereas the Kindle uses power ONLY when a page is turned and chances of screen burn-in are absolute zero, I've never really understood why Amazon put that automatic sleep mode in. It probably should have been a menu option. Then the whole wake up/covers issue would go away.

[911jason]

Couldn't agree more FearNot... The only thing I can think of is that sleep mode may conserve battery power if Whispernet has been left on. Not even sure about that though.

[Pushka]

Soooo, given quite a few of us would buy this if the sleep on/off issue was addressed, the option for 'sleep time' would be a good improvement.  I just know the instant I opened the waterproof case, the kindle would make a dive for the sand!  Murphy's law and all that. 

[Susan in VA]

I used to go to the beach a lot, and I didn't sit around with sand on my hands, and my hands were dry within 2 minutes of getting out of the water.  As I mentioned earlier, I always had towels with me to wipe my hands on.  I always had a book with me and I didn't want to get that wet or sandy either.

I think it's less about having sand on your hands and more about the sand blowing around.  If you wear sunglasses at the beach, then you know how after even just a few minutes there's a layer of salt and sand on them...  I wouldn't want that anywhere near exposed electronics!
 

[Annalog]

Couldn't agree more FearNot... The only thing I can think of is that sleep mode may conserve battery power if Whispernet has been left on. Not even sure about that though.

Sleep mode also deactivates the buttons. If I put my K2 to sleep, then holding the case does not recognize accidental keyboard presses but holding my cover without putting it to sleep does.

However, I still agree that it would be better if we could choose when the Kindle goes to sleep. It is frustrating when I am cooking and using a recipe on the Kindle. It is usually asleep when I get to the next step.

[nogdog~6op6ou]

It wouldn't need to be through a membrane.  There could be a physical (mechanical) slider, with a pin/rod that actuates the button.  Or it could be a lever-type setup, where pushing down on a button is converted into a sliding motion by a fulcrum.  This type of control is used all the time for waterproof camera cases.

However, a slider could be difficult to implement in a water-proof way -- not impossible, but not a trivial engineering issue.

On a side note, from the photo of the one in the water, it looks like it needs a self-inflating life preserver if it becomes completely immersed, for the boaters out there.

[mlewis78]

I think it's less about having sand on your hands and more about the sand blowing around.  If you wear sunglasses at the beach, then you know how after even just a few minutes there's a layer of salt and sand on them...  I wouldn't want that anywhere near exposed electronics!
 

Yes, but you would only open it for a second to wake up the kindle. 

[Harvey]

However, a slider could be difficult to implement in a water-proof way -- not impossible, but not a trivial engineering issue.

On a side note, from the photo of the one in the water, it looks like it needs a self-inflating life preserver if it becomes completely immersed, for the boaters out there.

Actually, the one that is sitting at the bottom of the water tank is being held there by an arm attached to the back. Otherwise it would float to the surface.

[Hoosiermama]

I like that case. We have lake property, and I'll be doing a LOT of summer reading on the dock. Looks like a great case to keep out lotions, water, spills, etc.

[DD]

I really like this idea.  I'm wondering, Harvey, how bad is the glare on the plastic front?  It looks rather shiny in the pictures.

BTW, Harvey, at the risk of being too forward, you're very handsome!  Your avatar picture doesn't do you justice.

[MarthaT]

looks pretty cool

[911jason]

looks pretty cool

Harvey? or the case?

[geko29]

However, a slider could be difficult to implement in a water-proof way -- not impossible, but not a trivial engineering issue.

It's not as simple as a membrane giving direct access to the device's pushbuttons, granted, but it's apparently not terribly difficult as there are literally HUNDREDS of waterproof cases for other products that use them.  And as I included, a simple lever could be set up, wherein pushing down on a spot outside the case causes the Kindle's slider to be actuated.  That could then be simply covered by a membrane, and everything would work perfectly.

Regardless of the difficulty of implementation, inability to use the on/sleep switch is a deal-breaker, in my eyes.

[Harvey]

I really like this idea.  I'm wondering, Harvey, how bad is the glare on the plastic front?  It looks rather shiny in the pictures.

If you are above a light bulb or other single-point light source, there will be reflection - but it would go away with a slight tilt. I don't think glare would keep me from buying this case - and especially for reading in better conditions, with soft or ambient light compared to the harsh lights of the exhibit floor.  

BTW, Harvey, at the risk of being too forward, you're very handsome!  Your avatar picture doesn't do you justice.

You are quite kind, and possibly in need of a better eyeglass prescription.

[Anne]

When will we be able to buy this cover?

[kevindorsey]

It's not as simple as a membrane giving direct access to the device's pushbuttons, granted, but it's apparently not terribly difficult as there are literally HUNDREDS of waterproof cases for other products that use them.  And as I included, a simple lever could be set up, wherein pushing down on a spot outside the case causes the Kindle's slider to be actuated.  That could then be simply covered by a membrane, and everything would work perfectly.

Regardless of the difficulty of implementation, inability to use the on/sleep switch is a deal-breaker, in my eyes.

Just need a custom kindle zip lock bag to hit the market now.  Hopefully sold at all grocery stores 

[robcurtross]

Question from a newbie to this board. I've been using a quart sized Zip Lock bag hiking and in wet conditions with my Kindle -- works great and with a bit of air in the bag, it will float and the keys work fine. In my back pack, I add more air before sealing to add more cushioning. Simple, cheap, and fun.

What are the down sides that others have encountered?

Many thanks, Bob

[TechBotBoy]

Great looking stuff - thanks -- very sexy -- how about the prices?  Is there are catalogue somewhere?

           - Tbb

[Ann in Arlington]

Bob, to me the biggest concern with a Ziploc type bag is that it will eventually fail.  Something sharp could pierce it or the seams just give way.  If you have your Kindle in wet conditions A LOT. . .something heavier duty would probably be in order.  There's the M-Edge product discussed here, also one from Trendy Digital, and DryPak has a product that is the right size as well.

[bordercollielady]

How nice!  I have looked at other covers since I first bought my first Kindle - and always go back to my M-edge.   They are the best!

[marianneg]

Question from a newbie to this board. I've been using a quart sized Zip Lock bag hiking and in wet conditions with my Kindle -- works great and with a bit of air in the bag, it will float and the keys work fine. In my back pack, I add more air before sealing to add more cushioning. Simple, cheap, and fun.

What are the down sides that others have encountered?

Many thanks, Bob

Air in the bag may protect the Kindle from being squished, but the more air in there the more it can get banged around.  Plus, like Ann said, pressure will eventually cause a Ziploc to leak, and then any protection you had is gone.

[robcurtross]

The ZipLock bags are surprisingly durable.  I've sometimes doubled them up, but they've worked well on hikes as long as ten hours in the foothills and in the rain. I carry a supply with me for a variety of purposes and can always switch if they get banged up.

My memory is that Jeff Bezos mentioned this idea a few months ago - in his bathtub if memory serves. 

Thanks for the feedback.  Best, Bob

[cheshirenc]

M-Edge website states it will retail for $79.99.

[segsurfer]

IIRC, the 2.5 update features a password based screen lock.  Perhaps someone with the 2.5 update can comment as to whether or not this feature is an effective work around as to the case sleep mode issue.  As far as the case is concerned, I like to go kayak fishing and could see where taking my kindle with me would be nice for long float trips.  For me, the switch thing isn't all that much of a deal breaker as it looks like it would still do a good job at protecting my kindle while stowed below deck while kayaking.  Plus, it looks pretty sweet for camp side reading.
-segsurfer