Kindle gets waterproof case from M-Edge, begins its life aquatic
By Vlad Savov 
posted June 10th 2010 8:26AM
posted June 10th 2010 8:26AM
M-Edge Launches Waterproof 'Guardian Case' for Amazon Kindle
The world's first fully waterproof, floating case set to revolutionize the e-reading experience
ODENTON, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--M-Edge Accessories, the leading provider of e-reader accessories, today released their latest groundbreaking accessory for Amazon Kindle-the Guardian Case. The Guardian is the world's first fully waterproof, floating case for Kindle.
"They can read in places they wouldn't dare bring a book, but always wanted to. The Guardian Case provides the solution and is an excellent example of how M-Edge is committed to delivering problem-solving and innovative accessories that meet the needs of readers, no matter where they choose to read."
Made of molded plastic, the Guardian safeguards the device in all water environments up to 1 meter deep, from the bathtub to the pool to the ocean. The Guardian Case allows for full functionality of Kindle's navigation buttons and keyboard through flexible sealed button cutouts. Users can even read hands-free in the water, because the Guardian floats on the surface.
"The Guardian is certain to revolutionize the way Kindle owners read. Now, not only can people read by the water without fear, they can read in the water, on the water, and under the water-to one meter anyhow," says Patrick Mish, CEO of M-Edge Accessories. "They can read in places they wouldn't dare bring a book, but always wanted to. The Guardian Case provides the solution and is an excellent example of how M-Edge is committed to delivering problem-solving and innovative accessories that meet the needs of readers, no matter where they choose to read."
The Guardian keeps a secure, watertight seal around Kindle by utilizing a dual-hinge, integrated gasket and four-latch closure system. Three internal buoyancy chambers provide distributed flotation to keep Kindle afloat for in-water reading. An anti-reflective film protects the Guardian's screen area while allowing for uninhibited reading in sunny environments. Made of transparent polycarbonate, the Guardian's hard shell exterior provides impact protection while the custom molded interior and soft mounting pads provide gentle support for the device.
The Guardian comes in three colors-black, red, and cobalt blue-and is available for $79.99 on medgestore.com and Amazon.com. The case has been featured in such publications as Maxim, People StyleWatch, Forbes, and Wired.
About M-Edge Accessories, LLC
Founded in 2006 as the answer to the growing market for e-reader accessories, M-Edge's product offerings have grown to include several lines of accessories for the most popular e-reader devices on the market, including iPad, Kindle, Kindle DX, nook™, and Sony Reader Pocket, Touch, and Daily Editions. M-Edge strives to continually develop inventive and stylish products to enhance the e-reading and mobile electronics experience all while providing superior customer service.
*Aquatic
Dang, and in the headline too . . .
@Sicarius123 Fun, now I can watch the news underwater... wait, is that even possible?
Would a case like this which is very protective prevent articles such as the iphone vs EVO 4G getting deleted?
@Armchaircritic
you can read the article here: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?num=30&hl=en&safe=off&q=cache:http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/iphone-or-evo-which-one-should-you-get/&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
but the comments and the polls are unavaliable
@Armchaircritic
you can read the article here: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?num=30&hl=en&safe=off&q=cache:http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/09/iphone-or-evo-which-one-should-you-get/&btnG=Search&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
but the comments and the polls are unavailable
I love the amazing shades of gray on the Kindle. Magic, revolutionary, amazing, incredible!
@Peter Church
Me with an e-ink display and you with TN or IPS panel on a bright sunny day. We'll see who can read his display best and who reads the most books on 1 charge.
While kind of neat, what's the practicality of this? Who is going to read in the pool? I guess someone may lay out on a raft, or maybe in the bathtub, but it just seems clumsy for that. I guess I just think this is one area where paper still reigns supreme.
http://www.professorhobo.com/2010/06/09/lefties
@Elwood731
Pool, beach, or on a boat. You'd be surprised how many times I see people talking about the last 2 on the kindle forums over at amazon.
@Elwood731: I'm unlikely to take it in the pool, but I take mine TO the pool pretty often! I frequently see people reading along the edge of the pool as well (traditional books), and this might make that possible too.
I'm not sure if the convenience is worth $75, but the product has some merit.
@Elwood731
Why you shameless promoter! Thought you could sneak in that unrelated, offtopic URL, did you?
thank god, reading books under water is finally possible.
...eh wait a minute!
"Tony Stark was able to build this in a cave! With a box of scraps!"
First thing I thought of when I read the spare parts line...and meh, this might be useful for some people, but I live dangerously, I just use my G1 or iPod Touch and rest it poolside, still haven't dropped either of them in.
I am amazed both by the tone of this article, did this manufacturer refuse to give you a free sample or something? What did they do to insult you?
As to usage or practicality, beach and pool reading is a pretty popular activity, so popular in fact that there is a description for these books, "beach reads". So, if you start from the assumption that there are people out there wanting to read by, and maybe even while soaking IN a pool, hot tub, lake, ocean, or other body of water, then a waterproof case is pretty handy for an ebook reader. Just look at the plethora of manufacturers making waterproof cases for cameras, ipods, cell phones, and other electronics devices.
I don't own a Kindle, so I won't personally be buying this, but I just found the tone of the article and the seeming confusion in the comments about why someone would want a product like this baffling.
@mcolburn: Exactly! I won't hesitate to point out that if it's waterproof, it's presumably sand-proof as well.
Not sure if I'm ready to part with $75 for one (especially since my Kindle is likely to be replaced in a couple years by an upgrade), but I wouldn't mind having one otherwise.
How have I been living without this??
80 bucks for this or 5 bucks for a box of large zip-lock bags.
who love to read books in the water?
wow, Now I can read while I make love in the pool.
What a good life.
I hope that this case comes with a warranty, good luck sending it back to amazon with water damage.
@Daverator From what I've seen with waterproof camera and iPod cases, there's frequently a correlation between the products with the best warranties and the more expensive solutions. For instance: real waterproof design/engineering = expensive but good warranty; ziplock bags = cheap but good luck getting them to warrant anything other than a fresh sandwich.
@Eli Haj
No hes saying if you damage your sandwich with water then Glad will send you a new sandwich.
Well, no more of "Books to read by the pool", and it should be "Books to read in the pool"
R u really gonna hold ur breath long enough 2 get some reading done?
@whatznext28
It's for scuba divers obviously.
As long as the scuba steves out there like to stay within a meters distance of the surface......
Great. Reading underwater on an eINK display is the future.
20,000 leagues under see just got a whole new twist.
also - if you see a floating kindle chances are someone didn't make the right choice in that choose your own adventure book
When I'm lost at sea in the perfect storm, I don't want a Kindle to be at my side, rather I want a waterproof/stormproof iPad.
Yeah, that's the ticket.
Reading in the toilet is serious business.
a big transparent plastic waterproof bag might get the job done just as well
*clears throat*
Under the sea~!
When I use my Kindle in the jacuzzi I pop it into a ZipLock bag and throw a packet of moisture-control beads in. $1 > $80
@Veraxus Actually $80 > $1 :P
umm...sweet! Now I can teach my pet dolphin how to read!
TELL ME!!! TELL ME WHO MURDERED COLNEL MUSTARD WITH THE CANDLESTICK IN THE PARLOR!!!!!!
I bet you will see a full housing for the Kindle soon. Already have one for the Sony... http://wetpixel.com/i.php/full/gates-announces-underwater-housing-for-sony-prs-300-ebook-reader/
Now I can read my ebooks while scuba diving, like I've always wanted!
This reminds me of the episode of Spongebob where Spongebob saves the life of someone who is reading and swimming at the same time.
But wait, what if Spongebob isn't around when this happens again?
I guess this is good for reading the Wall Street Journal on the beach of your own private island.
another really cool case is coming out from Klearkase (http://www.klearkase.com). Half the price, about 1/3 less weight and frankly way more attractive. Check it out..
Nice try employee of KlearKase, you should check out your own website, your product isn't waterproof.
This case is waterproof enough, however no access to the power button makes this a return item for me. After 10 minutes of inactivity the only way to wake it up is opening the case by the edge of the pool. Major Design Flaw!
And it's not like the Kindle let's you alter or turn off the screen saver.