The new batch of e-ink devices are still so new that there aren't a lot of third party accessories yet. But a new neoprene case for the Sony Reader (PRS-500) will be available in November. The case allows you to read without removing it, and offers additional protection. No indication of whether it needs to be removed to use the docking cradle or now.

From the M-edge web site (http://www.buymedge.com/), "The Sony Reader eMotion Jacket is the ultimate for on the go eBook fanatics... [and] provide superior protection for your Sony Reader... [they] are stylish padded cases that feature a read-through design and clear vinyl screen protection so you never have to remove your Reader to use."

M-edge joined our discussions here (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=38208#post38208) with some additional information in response to Stuart Young's discovery of their site.

The primary interest in third party cases for the Sony Reader will probably be due to protection concerns, because the supplied case (and Sony's optional color choices) are quite nice.

Related:
A Neoprene pouch case for the Sony Reader (http://www.thepouch.com/sony-prs-500.html) that seems to already be available (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7821).
An iLiad version of the M-edge case (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8137)

Okay, but . . . these aren't very attractive. :(

Heh. You don't think so?
But the web page says they are stylish! :D

Okay, but . . . these aren't very attractive. :(

I agree! I think I'll let someone else be the guinea pig on this one.

You might find you're waiting quite some time.

Think I will stick with the black one that came with the reader for now.
Kenal0

This seems like a great idea to me, and here's why:
Today, I took my new reader to the health club. I put it in a zip-lock bag, and used it for reading while on the elliptical trainer. It was great! no messing with page turning, etc. and I could make the font bigger so I could actually read while on the machine. So, I think this kind of case would make a great replacement for the zip-lock bag!

You didn't actually hold it while exercising did you? Or where did you set it, and how did you read? ILm definitely having trouble picturing that, but it's pretty neat if it works for you!

Actually, the trainer had a book-rest/computer readout combination. I've always been frustrated trying to read another book or magazine while doing that, since the type is usually too small, and pages won't stay put, etc. It made the hour go by in a flash!

for myself I would also like a pouch like a neck passport pouch so I could have it hang the reader around my neck and read on some exercise machines and listen to podcasts on others.

Be nice if they would release a cut down version of the eMotion Jacket for the Reader.

Sorry I don't think it looks nice either.

I received my M-Edge cover for the Sony Reader today. It fits like a glove and looks great too. I was getting a blister on my thumb from pressing the page turn buttons on the side, but since this cover lays on top of the buttons I will never have this problem again.

... I was getting a blister on my thumb from pressing the page turn buttons on the side....Wow, you must read fast! :tongue3:

I like it - fits well, makes it easier to hold IMHO.

I just checked the site and the note said that they were taking orders for a late January shipping. Seems like they sold out of their initial supply and had to go back and make more.

That's trash. :/

I just checked the site and the note said that they were taking orders for a late January shipping. Seems like they sold out of their initial supply and had to go back and make more.

Actually it appears they have something new coming out.
1) they have the *sleeve* jacket which some say work well

2) not released yet is this one, a leather Jacket.

http://www.buymedge.com/images/SonyReader/sony_reader_leather-2.jpg

I am curious about this one. Does it just fit in there, or can you leave the reader in it to read? Oh I just clicked on View and they show the reader inside so you can read it there. Has a place for a pen, some slots on the left to hold papers or anything you could slide in there. I am curious about this. I wish the sleeve didn't look so ugly but then I guess if it's for protection, one may have to look beyond ugly.

I have been emailing with this company about this sleeve Jacket. I am going to purchase one, BUT they are going to have a few colors, supposedly brown and RED. I will be waiting because I want a red one. Hopefully as stated they will be out by the end of the month.
http://www.buymedge.com/images/SonyReader/sony_reader_leather-2.jpg

Of course I love that Dooney and Bourke one, but..................

I have been emailing with this company about this sleeve Jacket. I am going to purchase one, BUT they are going to have a few colors, supposedly brown and RED. I will be waiting because I want a red one. Hopefully as stated they will be out by the end of the month.
http://www.buymedge.com/images/SonyReader/sony_reader_leather-2.jpg

Of course I love that Dooney and Bourke one, but..................


I just got an email from them telling me that mine shipped today. FINALLY. They only slipped the initial ship date twice. I'll let you know how it is when I get it.

Yea.......... hey didn't we /YOU, go through this once already? LOL. :rolleyes5

ummmm not that I'm aware of....

Okay then it was someone else that ordered one, said it was shipped,then they said nope it wasn't shipped, now it's shipped again. Sorry if I am getting you mixed up with someone else here.

Let us know how you like it. I am waiting for the RED.

Got my M-Edge e-Motion leather jacket (or whatever it's called) the other day.
It's got a nice feel to it, but I'm not thrilled with the way it feels in my hand when I fold the cover back while reading. The three little pockets inside the front cover are deceptive. The two smaller are not wide enough to hold a business card, so it's difficult to figure out a use for them. I wouldn't put an SD card in them because I'd have a hell of a time getting it out. The "tuck in" type latch, while stylish, is a pain and not meant for someone that may need to close up in a hurry and move on. You have to put a little effort into it.


Overall impression. Not terrible, not perfect. I'm considering placing magnets in the tuck pocket and latch so that I can close and go in a hurry.

The M-Edge e-Motion is leather then and not a synthetic? I've put some hard use on my reader, and the original cover is getting quite beat up. If sony offiered their leather cover in black I'd pick it up, but I've been eyeing the M-Edge as a substitute. I'd rather not get another synthetic cover though, as they don't seem to have the durability of leather.

I'm not much of an afficionado where leather is concerned. Hell, it could be be 100% naugahyde (made from real Naugas!) for all I know. If it is leather, it has a "thin", slightly oily kind of feel to it over the stiff boarding underneath it. Dooney and Bourke it is not. I'll say that much. If I had to guess? Considering the price, I'd call it a synthetic, but as I said before...I'm not any sort of expert.

Following up from my earlier "mini-review". I DID manage to get a small amount (about 6) of business cards into one of the small pockets. It's a tight fit, but you can mange to get some in. The outer pocket..I MIGHT be able to get 2 or 3 in with out stressing the cards or the construction of the pocket too much. Also, the elastic pen loop it a little on the tight side, but usable.

For sheer comfort of grip while reading? The originally supplied cover wins hands down IMO, but that may simply be because I haven't broken the new one in yet.

I'm not much of an afficionado where leather is concerned. Hell, it could be be 100% naugahyde (made from real Naugas!) for all I know. If it is leather, it has a "thin", slightly oily kind of feel to it over the stiff boarding underneath it. Dooney and Bourke it is not. I'll say that much. If I had to guess? Considering the price, I'd call it a synthetic, but as I said before...I'm not any sort of expert.
...
For sheer comfort of grip while reading? The originally supplied cover wins hands down IMO, but that may simply be because I haven't broken the new one in yet.

Sounds like I made the right decision buying the Sony leather cover. Excellent, IMHO - provided you get one which lines up right, at least :grin:. Mine is acceptable in that department, although not absolutely perfect.

I think the Sony one is real leather - it certainly smells and feels like leather. I'm extremely happy with mine.

hmmmmmmm, thanks for the update....... may rethink this. I wonder if I went to the sony store to get a red one, if they would let me try it on the reader right in the store as to not get one that didn't fit correctly? I don't see why not though because if it didn't fit I would be right back with the thing. Best try it there in front of them....

thanks for the update.

They'd probably let you, Karen. :shrug:

I remember the ones Sony showed us in San Diego being leather, I'm one of those who can tell the difference by touch and/or smell, so I'm pretty sure they are actually made of leather. (the cow kind, not the nauga kind ;))

They'd probably let you, Karen. :shrug:

I remember the ones Sony showed us in San Diego being leather, I'm one of those who can tell the difference by touch and/or smell, so I'm pretty sure they are actually made of leather. (the cow kind, not the nauga kind ;))

They ought to, because if it didn't fit I would be right back to return it!

Oh and Mooooooooooooo, LOL.......
Just one of those days <BEG>

What sound to naugas make, anyway? I've always wondered ....

What sound to naugas make, anyway? I've always wondered ....

Now didn't I just say MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO :D

Well, I wasn't able to find out what sound they make...but I DID find THIS!!

http://www.naugahyde.com/history.html

They ought to, because if it didn't fit I would be right back to return it!

Oh and Mooooooooooooo, LOL.......
Just one of those days <BEG>

Sony's accessory Reader cases are leather. They look great but, the one I tried from Borders didn't line up at all and the magnets didn't hit right either. But I found that if you cut across the bottom of the blister pack to get the case out, you can hardly tell it was ever opened. It doesn't take tape to seal it either: just cut straight across the bottom and pop it out.

I guess I should go back and try again, but this seems ridiculous, and I have to wonder if there's a reason they're fitting them wrong - like to sit in the dockstation properly they had to do it this way or something.

There is absolutely no way this would fly in Japan. I can say this with complete confidence based on my experience with complaint handling in Japanese markets. If the product isn't perfect, the complaints roll in, and I mean this with no negative connotation; it is simply a cultural bias.

Regards,

Matt

Nah, the stock case sits in the cradle just fine, and it's straight -- more likely a vendor quality control issue, is my guess. :shrug:

There's a number you can call that's supposed to be related to this ... ah, here's (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showpost.php?p=56610&postcount=22) the relevant post. :nice:

The Sony cases are made by Targus in the US. I'm pretty sure they are assembled by hand, which would account for the occasional misalignment of the attachment "ring".

As I say, mine's reasonable - it's misaligned by about 5mm between the top and bottom, but the case still "covers" the Reader completely and the magnets work fine.

I've not heard any complaints recently of misaligned cases - perhaps they've fixed the problem?

Just got mine in about 10 minutes ago (had it delivered to my office). My first impression is that it’s a good case but not great. I LOVE the insert inside the case to put the reader in, it’s snug and I didn’t have to fumble with that damn thingamajig on the back.

The package was small but packed tight and securely, the cover was wrapped in a large plastic bag which was folded over several times and was rested on a foam mat.

The quality of the leather (?) isn’t great, it feels a little thin but from other executive notebook binders I’ve used it’s about the right quality for the price. Of course I can’t see inside the material but it’s spongy and is backed by a hard material, possibly a thin plastic.

Like I said, the insert you put the reader is snug is I shouldn’t have to worry about an accident. It has smooth cutouts for the buttons and it’s made of a stiff plastic. What I like most about that is that it’s obvious that if I forget to turn the reader off (and don’t bookmark my place) and stick it in my briefcase, the buttons won’t get pressed like it does with the default cover.

The case was not made to fold around back and honestly it would tacky if you did, it would crease the leather on the edge and age it prematurely. As for the flap, they could have worked on that some more, the stitching is no different from the rest of the case (they could have made it heavier) and it looks uneven like it was homemade. There is a standard elastic band for a pen holder but they should have given it some more slack, it would be fine for a standard Bic but I tried it with a standard Uni-Ball and Pilot and it was a tight squeeze. Finally the business card holders were just done wrong, you have one large slot and two smaller ones on top and at the bottom of it. The large one is fine but the two smaller ones are useless, they’re too small to hold business cards. I might use them for some SD cards I have although it would be difficult to get them out, they’re stitched in pretty tight.

Overall though I would recommend this case. A lot of thought and attention was put into the design, some things I know I would not have thought of. As someone who buys executive notebooks and datebooks, I would say the quality of the materials is on par with the price which was very good itself. My final peeve though, which I have to mention last, is that I paid $8 for shipping and they sent it to me via USPS and one the box it clearly said it cost them $2.67.

Sounds like your evaluation is along the same lines as mine.

Could you two go into a little more detail about your views on why you feel the cover is not made to fold back?

I remember m-edge saying that it is made to do so, but I'm curious about the opinions on this.

Thanks,
Don

Don't get me wrong, you CAN bend it back, and now that I've played with it some more you could be right, maybe it was designed to do so.

But I will not, it's clear to me that extended use in that manner WILL crease the leather on the edge and I want to keep this case looking nice.

For comparison, the Sony cover folds back without problem. The part of the cover that forms the "front" and the "back" of the case has some type of stiff "insert" in it, but the "hinge" part of the cover doesn't, and is soft leather, so it freely folds without creasing.

I don't normally bother folding it back, though. It's so light-weight that it's easy to read one-handed with the cover open like a book.

The Sony cases are made by Targus in the US. I'm pretty sure they are assembled by hand, which would account for the occasional misalignment of the attachment "ring".

Just spoke to someone on another forum who bought it and they say it has a label - made in China. And he also complained about misaligned attachment ring.

Just spoke to someone on another forum who bought it and they say it has a label - made in China. And he also complained about misaligned attachment ring.

Sorry, I didn't mean they were made in the US; I meant that Targus are a US company. I'm sure they are made in China - what isn't, these day? That certainly has no implications of poor quality.

Sorry, I didn't mean they were made in the US; I meant that Targus are a US company. I'm sure they are made in China - what isn't, these day? That certainly has no implications of poor quality.
Oh, I see. Sorry for misunderstanding :)

FYI on the comments about folding back the M-edge cover:I have been folding mine back since day 1 (8 days ago, it actually arrived on the 24th, earlier than the revised 2/28 date). Initially it wouldn't fold back "flat", but after a few days it now folds flat with no sign of wear or crease. Overall I think it is better than the Sony cover. Mine was a degree or two off which was annoying, but I never felt comfortable about that thingamajig snap on the back being secure. I think the M-Edge approach is much more secure. My only complaint is the strap that you tuck into the cover. I have to fold it back (in between the two covers) to keep it out of the way while reading. Also I think you still need some sort of case to protect the reader for transport. I like the Pouch, but the M-Edge cover (& the Sony leather cover) are too big to slip in the Pouch. The original Vinyl cover works well with the pouch.
I just wish Vaja ( http://www.vajacases.com/home/home_en.html ) would make a Reader case. I bought a their case for my Creative Zen Nomad Juke Box. It was pricey, but classy.
Thx, Joe Mac

Also I think you still need some sort of case to protect the reader for transport.

What do you mean? Is not front cover hard enough to protect screen?

I just wish Vaja ( http://www.vajacases.com/home/home_en.html ) would make a Reader case. I bought a their case for my Creative Zen Nomad Juke Box. It was pricey, but classy.
Thx, Joe Mac

How about writing to them and see if they would listen to requests. Explain the E-reader to them, people are looking for protection for it. Perhaps they would market something for it to be carried in ;)

You know............. I am sure we all could make something for that screen and extra protection if we wanted to. I think it would be simple enough. As easy as it was to just sew up a quick cover for the orginal cover just to have something that didn't look bland, I would think some kind of material could be bought, a light piece of acrylic cut down to shape, some heave cardboard, anything you would think that would work, Make a cover for that piece of protection and actually just place it between the front cover and the screen and close it up? Even perhaps just getting a piece of neoprene or something and laying it on top of that screen and then closed up for transport... Granted not beautiful, but it would be on the inside where it counts and you have had added protection. I had already started to think about this when screen damage was started to be mentioned and some poor souls screen actually cracked up and it cost over $200 to fix it. For most parts my reader stays home, I can't read when I am out, I get too distracted so I really don't have this as a worry, but I know many of you here do and take it with you everywhere you go.

So maybe I just put a thought in some heads of what one could do if they really wanted. :bulb2:

I think the M-Edge cover is hard enough to protect the screen barring some catestrophic bump. My concern is that the ports are exposed. The pouch would provide protection if you got caught in a downpour. Also the Pouch has a side pocket that is just the right size to hold the Bigger n Brighter Light.
Thx, Joe Mac

When you speak about pouch, do you mean this one:
http://www.thepouch.com/sony-prs-500.html

if yes, do you like it?

In the end of the day for home use I am satisfied with the original sony case. I only worry if I have to travel somewhere, to protect the screen. Even though it will be in my backpack, some accidental press from something on my backpack may give reader's screen unwanted pressure. I have have seen the above topic and I am very curious about this pouch now.

Yes that is "The Pouch" that I am referring to. If you plan on staying with the original Sony cover, it will fit. However, when you close the flap on the front, the velcro just barely makes it to the velcro mate. I think they sized it for the Sony without a cover.
Thx, Joe Mac

jmmcg9

Do I understand correctly, that you have all 4 cases/covers for the reader?

Sony original, Sony leather, M-Edge and the pouch?

If yes, what would be your opinion, what do you prefer?

I have the red Sony case for my Reader, but when I take it out of the house and down to Borders, for extra protection (and from dust during the transit), I put it in the RCA pouch. It's an absolutely PERFECT fit. As many here may know, unfortunately, it's a soft-covered pouch.

The posting above is for information only and must not be used by entrepreneurs with more money than me. (Of course, that would be everyone!) Hehehehe.

Cheers,
Don

What is RCA pouch?

What is RCA pouch?

I do believe they are referring to this. Only pouch I know about

http://www.thepouch.com/sony-prs-500.html

I do believe they are referring to this. Only pouch I know about

http://www.thepouch.com/sony-prs-500.html

Dr. Drib unfortunately, it's a soft-covered pouch
What does it mean then?
I got an impression that this pouch is very durable and has something hard inside to protect reader's screen?

What is RCA pouch?The pouch provided by RCA for its original REB (Rocket eBook) 1100 and 1150. The hard side case for the original rocket eBook works too, though it's a bit spacious for the reader without a cover.

Guys, sorry for being so damn dense.
I am confused.

What pouch do we talk about?

This pouch: http://www.thepouch.com/sony-prs-500.html (http://) is or is NOT a pouch from RCA? What does RCA mean? Company name?
If the link I just gave is not for RCA pouches, could I have a link for RCA pouches please? :)
If it IS for RCA pouches then I do not understand why do we speak about its original REB (Rocket eBook) 1100 and 1150. The hard side case for the original rocket eBook because in the link mentioned above it clearly says that the pouch is made for Sony Reader PRS 500.

I'll try to untangle it a bit. :nice:

RCA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA) is the company that originally made the Rocket eBook (http://www.epinions.com/cmhd-PDAs-All-Rocket_eBook) reader, which has been sold off (the reader, not the company) a couple of times and has other names.

It seems that the case BuddyBoy (sorry, that should be) Dr. Drib is using is the one that came with his old Rocket eBook, so it's not available any more, he just still has his and is putting it to use.

The other pouch that AprilBeginnings linked to is, indeed, for the Sony Reader (though the company makes similar ones for other devices too).

You had most of the pieces, astra_lestat, they were just out of sequence. :wink:

Oh, thanks :)

Now I understand.
I started to get confused when Dr. Drib wrote:
I put it in the RCA pouch then unfortunately, it's a soft-covered pouch.

Because I was under the impression that the other pouch made for Sony Reader has some hard material in its walls to protect the reader.

Yeah, that threw me for a minute too, in fact, I didn't figure it out until BuddyBoy's post. :)

minor correction that has nothing to do with the discussion. ;-)

The original Rocket Ebook was built by Nuvomedia and sold by Nuvomedia and Franklin.

Then Gemstar bought them out and took the new model they were designing and produced the GEB1100, then the GEB1150.

Then Fictionwise had the readers for a little while, but now they are being sold by Ebookwise.

Nothing to do with the discussion, but I hate to see RCA getting credit for a device as good as the Rocket Ebook.

Well, huh. Okay, thanks for the information, junkml, credit where credit is due, by all means. :nice:

I have an ebook device called the REB 1100 (with RCA) on the front. This is still a great reading device, but I hardly use it anymore.

I have one that works, and another one that landed on my nose when i fell asleep reading - whereupon it started developing problems on the touchscreen so I took it apart and have yet to put it back together again, and a third one that got the "grid of death" (it stopped working). All attempts to fix it via the recommended ways listed on the internet failed to get it working.

Then I discovered - and bought - the Sony Reader. I LOVE THIS DEVICE! So, I have this case/pouch (The REB 1100 slides INTO the reader) from this older reader, but I now use it for the Sony Reader.

As mentioned in my earlier post, the case/pouch is made of a soft material. However, it DOES provide yet another layer of protection.

I CAN'T STATE THIS ENOUGH: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE SONY READER. I wish it had some kind of internal light, but it's wonderful.

Don

Yes, I do have the Sony Original, had the Sony Leather (returned), the Sony Pouch, and the M-Edge. Of all of these I like the M-Edge the best. It does a good job of protecting the screen. However it is not perfect. The strap is a pain. The sides of the reader are exposed (the ports). The leather is comparable to a nice wallet. I do like the way it securely holds the Reader. That's a plus. I would prefer a thicker leather that gains character as it ages like Vaja's products. The Pouch is a soft cover but it has a flap that folds over to protect the screen. I assume it has a plastic sheet to maintain shape. As I mentioned earlier the Pouch appears to be sized for the Reader without a cover. It will hold the Reader in the original cover, but the velcro on the hard flap just barely reaches the other half of the velcro. The Sony Leather Cover and the M-Edge cover are too big to insert in the Pouch. Finally none of the above covers offer complete protection. For that you'd probably need a Pelican type case. Hope that helps. Thx, Joe Mac

Yes, I do have the Sony Original, had the Sony Leather (returned), the Sony Pouch, and the M-Edge. Of all of these I like the M-Edge the best. It does a good job of protecting the screen. However it is not perfect. The strap is a pain. The sides of the reader are exposed (the ports). The leather is comparable to a nice wallet. I do like the way it securely holds the Reader. That's a plus. I would prefer a thicker leather that gains character as it ages like Vaja's products. The Pouch is a soft cover but it has a flap that folds over to protect the screen. I assume it has a plastic sheet to maintain shape. As I mentioned earlier the Pouch appears to be sized for the Reader without a cover. It will hold the Reader in the original cover, but the velcro on the hard flap just barely reaches the other half of the velcro. The Sony Leather Cover and the M-Edge cover are too big to insert in the Pouch. Finally none of the above covers offer complete protection. For that you'd probably need a Pelican type case. Hope that helps. Thx, Joe Mac

I think I am going to buy the pouch. I am going to use it with the stock cover for now, however, when I place an order I am going to give them dimensions that are about 1-2mm bigger than the stock cover, so that if I decide to buy the leather sony cover later, I can still use the pouch. In the topic for the pouch I was given the pouch dimensions required for the leather cover.

I think I am going to buy the pouch. I am going to use it with the stock cover for now, however, when I place an order I am going to give them dimensions that are about 1-2mm bigger than the stock cover, so that if I decide to buy the leather sony cover later, I can still use the pouch. In the topic for the pouch I was given the pouch dimensions required for the leather cover.
I had my pouch sized for the stock Sony cover and the sizing of the lether cover posted in the other thread make me believe that it too will fit, just a bit more snugly.

I took the Reader out of the case and put it in the pouch. Even closed tightly it still rattled around in there. They made it to the exact sizing I gave them which is slightly larger than Joe Mac's sizing.

I will reply in the pouch thread :)