M-Edge - Official KindleBoards Thread

[vermontcathy]

A question about the Guardian case -

Here's a review of the Guardian:
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_medge_guardian

BUT it claims that you can't access the power button while it's in the case!! So you're on the beach. You stop reading to put on sunblock or something. It goes to sleep. You can't turn it back on?? This seems like a 100% deal breaker to me, yet the M-Edge website (http://www.medgestore.com/products/kindle2-guardian.psp) doesn't mention this flaw.

Is this really true, or is the reviewer mistaken?

[Mikki]

I placed my order for the M-Edge Guardian early yesterday morning but still had not received a shipping confirmation, even though others had. I called this morning and was told that my order will not ship out until *tomorrow* simply because I used Amazon Payments instead of paying directly. There was no disclaimer on the order page stating this. Very disapponted! Wish I could have just ordered through Amazon with my Prime shipping like I do for other M-Edge accessories.

[Kelly (Michigan)]

The same thing happened to me and I tried to cancel my order with Amazon payments and it won't let me.  The message said to contact the seller. 

[Tuttle]

Are you going to make a bag that works with the kindle in the guardian case?  I put my order for a guardian in immediately upon waking up and checking my email, but had been looking through and wanting to order a bag for it while I would be managing to get the discount. However, neither the hip bag nor the destination bag were large enough to hold a guardian case. Are you going to have something in the future with a pocket sized for the case, or do I need to be looking elseware for a nice small bag for carrying the kindle to water?

[DD]

A question about the Guardian case -

Here's a review of the Guardian:
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_medge_guardian

BUT it claims that you can't access the power button while it's in the case!! So you're on the beach. You stop reading to put on sunblock or something. It goes to sleep. You can't turn it back on?? This seems like a 100% deal breaker to me, yet the M-Edge website (http://www.medgestore.com/products/kindle2-guardian.psp) doesn't mention this flaw.

Is this really true, or is the reviewer mistaken?

That's disappointing.  It would be a deal breaker for me also and I was so excited about this case. 

[Kelly (Michigan)]

Mine was just delivered it does look very, very nice but when I flipped it over it looks scratched up all over on the rubber.  I got the red one.  I've been rubbing & rubbing at the spots but for 80.00 I wanted it to look perfect.  I will be sending this one back.   

[Hoosiermama]

A question about the Guardian case -

Here's a review of the Guardian:
http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_medge_guardian

BUT it claims that you can't access the power button while it's in the case!! So you're on the beach. You stop reading to put on sunblock or something. It goes to sleep. You can't turn it back on?? This seems like a 100% deal breaker to me, yet the M-Edge website (http://www.medgestore.com/products/kindle2-guardian.psp) doesn't mention this flaw.

Is this really true, or is the reviewer mistaken?

The reviewer is not mistaken. The case is sealed over the on/off switch. I'm still deciding whether to keep mine. I do like it, but I can see that it could be an accident waiting to happen opening the case to turn it on while at our lake. Usually I'm wet from swimming, we have a small table that usually has open drinks on it, and a wet 105 lb lab on the dock. At this point, I'm thinking the floating aspect isn't that big a deal for me, but being able to turn it off/on while in the case is much more important.

[M-Edge Accessories]

Hi everyone!  In regards to the questions surrounding access to the power switch, here are the details: 

M-Edge designers explored numerous options to allow access to the on/off sliding power switch, including flexible materials, exotic waterproof switches, and software modifications to Kindle itself.  The difficulties associated with incorporating this option while maintaining the main goal of the product--a highly functional floating and fully waterproof case to be launched in Spring 2010--led us to proceed with our current design.  We understand that for some customers this limitation is a deal breaker, and we respect that.

We hope you’ll find that the positive benefits included in the Guardian--100% waterproof, floating case, with screen protection to cut down on glare, and by far the most rugged protection you will find for your Kindle--far outweigh the power switch access limitation. 

Rest assured, we are working aggressively to identify a solution to this issue.  One way you can help is to e-mail Amazon and ask them to include the option to turn off the "sleep/screensaver" feature in their next software update, or include a "wake up" keyboard shortcut.  If enough people ask, we're confident Amazon will listen! 

We appreciate and value your candid feedback.  Everyone at M-Edge is committed to putting forth highly innovative products that make reading the absolute best it can be.

Thanks!

The M-Edge Team
www.medgestore.com

[ProfCrash]

I love that I have a keyboard wake up option on my K1. Too bad the Guardian isn't available for K1's. Guess I will have to go with Trendy Digital.

[MarieAtMEdge]

I have long awaited the release of the Guardian.  I have a question about it.  I live in Florida for most of the year, and when I go to the beach, I use my Kindle in a DryLoc bag.  If I have the Kindle in the bag before I leave my air-conditioned home, when it gets out into the heat and humidity in the sealed bag there is a lot of condensation produced inside the bag.  If I don't open the bag, the Kindle actually gets wet from the condensation.

My question is, since the Guardian is so tightly sealed, will the temperature change from air-conditioning to outdoor heat produce the same condensation?  I really want this case but it would be unuseable for me if this occurred.

Thanks, M-edge!

DD,

Thank you for your interest in our product!  As with any air-tight container, which the Guardian is, changes in air temperature and humidity can result in condensation.  If you close the Guardian Case in a cool, air-conditioned space and then go out into the heat and humidity you shouldn't have condensation on the inside of the case.  However, if you close it outside in the heat and humidity and then go where it is considerably cooler without opening the case, you may get some.  We do recommend thoroughly drying the interior of the case if fogging occurs.  I hope this information helps!

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

[drenee]

It would be great if Amazon could add that option of waking up with the keyboard.  I forgot about that option. 
deb

[MarieAtMEdge]

Are you going to make a bag that works with the kindle in the guardian case?  I put my order for a guardian in immediately upon waking up and checking my email, but had been looking through and wanting to order a bag for it while I would be managing to get the discount. However, neither the hip bag nor the destination bag were large enough to hold a guardian case. Are you going to have something in the future with a pocket sized for the case, or do I need to be looking elseware for a nice small bag for carrying the kindle to water?

Tuttle,

Thank you for your interest in our products!  The Guardian Case fits inside our Destination Bags with room for more.  And our Destination Bags are currently on sale for $29.99:
http://www.medgestore.com/products/kindle2-destination.psp

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

[Tuttle]

Tuttle,

Thank you for your interest in our products!  The Guardian Case fits inside our Destination Bags with room for more.  And our Destination Bags are currently on sale for $29.99:
http://www.medgestore.com/products/kindle2-destination.psp

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

I'm confused then, because the destination bag said its dimensions are 8.5" x 6.5" and the guardian case said 9" x 6.5". That's actually the only reason I didn't order a Destination bag at the same time as the guardian (because then I would have been getting a discount). Is the destination bag bigger or the guardian case smaller?

[CanmoreChick]

Kindle and Kindleboards newbie here, so forgive me if this shows up in a goofy spot.   

I am very interested in purchasing a M-Edge Prodigy cover but really want the Jade...any idea when it will be available? should I wait? any opinions on whether I will be happy with the GO!...?

many tks!

[Martel47]

Well, M-Edge, you got my business with a platform for my new DX coming tomorrow, but I really liked the M-Edge latitude, except it's not available in black anywhere that I can find.  Why has it been discontinued, or is it to be expected soon?

[MarieAtMEdge]

I'm confused then, because the destination bag said its dimensions are 8.5" x 6.5" and the guardian case said 9" x 6.5". That's actually the only reason I didn't order a Destination bag at the same time as the guardian (because then I would have been getting a discount). Is the destination bag bigger or the guardian case smaller?

Tuttle,

I am sorry for the confusion, we are looking into the product dimensions we have listed.  However, I have tried the Guardian in the Destination Bag myself and can assure you that it does fit.  I have also just tried it out in our Journey Bag and it fits in that too.  However, it does not fit in our Hip Bag.  If you have any other questions or concerns about your order, please feel free to contact us at customerservice@buymedge.com.  Thank you!

Take care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

[MarieAtMEdge]

I have a question for the M-edge reps:  My Leisure jacket is getting... loose.  The kindle fit pretty snug in it to begin with and 5 months later, it sort of wiggles in there.  And the clear plastic front is kinda wavy.  I hold it various ways so I'm not paying attention to the wavy plastic.  The amount of wiggle room is now a little over 1/8 of an inch from side to side. 

What do you suggest, other than perhaps me putting a silicon skin thing on it or getting a new one?  Do y'all know your products do this, are they supposed to get loose, etc.  I know it wasn't a fantastically expensive purchase, but it bugs me.

Indy,

Please contact our Customer Service Team at customerservice@buymedge.com and we will be happy to assist you with replacing this item.

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

[DD]

DD,

Thank you for your interest in our product!  As with any air-tight container, which the Guardian is, changes in air temperature and humidity can result in condensation.  If you close the Guardian Case in a cool, air-conditioned space and then go out into the heat and humidity you shouldn't have condensation on the inside of the case.  However, if you close it outside in the heat and humidity and then go where it is considerably cooler without opening the case, you may get some.  We do recommend thoroughly drying the interior of the case if fogging occurs.  I hope this information helps!

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

Thank you, Marie, but I have experienced just the opposite.  I close my Kindle in an airtight bag (dry-loc) or even a ziploc bag in an air conditioned location and then go outside into the heat and humidity.  That's when the condensation forms.
and humidity

[Hoosiermama]

MarieAtMedge, I have a question about my Guardian. We were at the lake, and I was reading yesterday. It was HOT outside, but I was under the umbrella, so the case/Kindle were not indirect sunlight. As the day went on, the silicone covering over the keyboard began to inflate. I opened the case to let air in, hoping it would deflate. It did, but it concerns me that it inflated like a balloon in the heat. Opening the case to deflate it kind of defeats the purpose of a waterproof case, if I have to keep opening it to deflate it and to bring the Kindle out of sleep mode.

My question is, is that normal? Should that silicone inflate like that? I'm concerned that it will weaken the waterproof seal around it.

Thanks!

[MarieAtMEdge]

Thank you, Marie, but I have experienced just the opposite.  I close my Kindle in an airtight bag (dry-loc) or even a ziploc bag in an air conditioned location and then go outside into the heat and humidity.  That's when the condensation forms.
and humidity

DD,

Interesting!  I am sorry for the delay in responding, I had to go talk with the engineers on our Product Development Team about this.  Although I do believe you when you say that you are experiencing this issue, I am at a loss to explain how it is occurring.  We have tested, using Kindles and Ziploc bags, under a variety of temperature combinations and have not been able to duplicate the results.
 
Here’s what the engineers told me specifically about condensation in the Guardian:
The volume of air that’s captured in the Guardian Case is less than 5 ounces by volume without a kindle.   Air  at 95°F and 100% humidity can hold at most about 40 grams of water per cubic meter.   Therefore the air volume inside the Guardian can only suspend at most .06 grams, or about 1/10 of a drop of water. 

 
At most this may present as fogging inside the case but should not pose any threat to your Kindle.  Simply open the case and thoroughly dry the interior if fogging does occur.  As I have said in response to other posts, please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding your Guardian Case or other M-Edge products.  We can always be reached by email at customerservice@buymedge.com and will respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible.  Our customer’s opinions of our products is important to us and we appreciate all the feedback we get.  Thank you!

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

[MarieAtMEdge]

MarieAtMedge, I have a question about my Guardian. We were at the lake, and I was reading yesterday. It was HOT outside, but I was under the umbrella, so the case/Kindle were not indirect sunlight. As the day went on, the silicone covering over the keyboard began to inflate. I opened the case to let air in, hoping it would deflate. It did, but it concerns me that it inflated like a balloon in the heat. Opening the case to deflate it kind of defeats the purpose of a waterproof case, if I have to keep opening it to deflate it and to bring the Kindle out of sleep mode.

My question is, is that normal? Should that silicone inflate like that? I'm concerned that it will weaken the waterproof seal around it.

Thanks!

Hoosiermama,

This is a very good question!  I actually went to the engineers on our Product Development Team with this and here is what they said:

As air warms up, it expands.  For example: air at 95°F will expand to take up less than 4% more space than the same air at 75°F.   The Guardian’s soft keypad membrane, which allows use of the keyboard while maintaining water-tight integrity, will bulge outward a little as the air inside heats up.  It may be necessary to occasionally “burp” the Guardian to allow the air-pressure to equalize.  This can be easily and quickly done by unlatching and then re-latching the top two closure latches.

We have done extensive testing of the elastomeric membrane over the keyboard.   Under normal temperature variations we do not expect a few millimeters of inflation on the keypad to have any long term negative impact on the water-tight integrity of the Guardian.  However, we certainly do not recommend leaving your Guardian in a hot parked car during the summer as temperatures can reach over 130°F.

I hope this helps!  If you ever experience any issues or concerns with your Guardian Case, please don’t hesitate to let us know.  You can always contact us at customerservice@buymedge.com and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

[MarieAtMEdge]

Well, M-Edge, you got my business with a platform for my new DX coming tomorrow, but I really liked the M-Edge latitude, except it's not available in black anywhere that I can find.  Why has it been discontinued, or is it to be expected soon?

Martel,

Our Black Latitude Jackets for the Kindle 2 are available to order directly through our website:
https://app.medgestore.com/products/kindle2-latitude.psp
However, our Black Latitude Jackets for the Kindle DX are currently unavailable.  I am checking on the status of this item and will let you know if/when we will be getting any more in-stock.

Thank you for your interest in our products!

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

[Hoosiermama]

Thanks for the reply, Marie! That's exactly what I did when I noticed it inflating...I opened it to burp it  . I didn't notice it right away, as I had gone swimming and left it on a table, albeit in the shade.

It will get another test this weekend, when we go down to the lake again!

[Tuttle]

Two days ago i brought my kindle in my guardian case down to the beach. It needed burping a few times and at first that worked. then i left it in a bag to keep it out of the sun and when i came back it needed burping worse than it had been earlier despite being less time. when i tried to burp it the plastic over the keyboard didn't go down. it still hasn't. is there anything i can do? so you know it was sitting about an hour in about 90F.

[Indy]

Indy,

Please contact our Customer Service Team at customerservice@buymedge.com and we will be happy to assist you with replacing this item.

Take Care,
Marie
Team M-Edge

Well, an update is due.  Y'all were awesome.  I didn't expect much and what I got is an exchange, so that's really nice.