Hi all,
I just sent this to hw tech support. What do people think?
Hello,
First, I apologize if this is the wrong department to which
feature requests for the bn's use should be sent; if it is, could
you please forward this to the correct department? Thank you.
I would like to suggest that a new, much more functional case be
created for the Braillenote mPower. First, I will point out the
problems with the current case:
1. The little plastic bulges on either side of the infrared port
stop the case from closing properly and stretch the part of the
case that covers said port (though it will not stretch enough).
2. The material of the case stretches very little, so it is just
about as hard to close now (after two and a half years of use) as
it was when I first got it.
3. Because of #2, nothing can be stored in the zipper pocket
built into the lid, except SD cards or other VERY THIN items; no
compactflash cards, thumb drives, earbuds, or other useful items.
4. This the classics, the strap across the back of the bn,
running from side to side above the rear ports and slots, was
flush with the top of the bn, covering the plastic above the
metal plate holding the CF slot, dial-up port, and so on. With
the mPower case, this strap is just a bit further up, so instead
of being flush it is angled over the back top edge of the bn,
creating even more difficulty in closing the case.
5. The Velcro that holds the lid closed weakens quickly, so now
all I have to do is barely apply pressure and the lid opens.
This means that the lid can open easily when I am walking around
or first putting the unit over my shoulder. This is, of course,
not a good thing for a multi-thousand dollar computer to do; that
is, easily become exposed to a possibly damaging environment.
6. When using the pouch originally designed for SENDERO GPS
users, it is all but impossible to access the cf slot, put in
headphones, access the PCMCIA slot, or charge the bn using the
adapter (the silencer on the end of the cable makes this a
difficult task). Also, this pouch does not secure at the bottom
of the bn case, so it is easy to lose items.
7. The pressure of the case makes SD cards often pop out; it
pushes against the card and triggers the card to come out, just
like when you push on it (the card). I have almost lost a card
several times this way, being saved only because my SD slot is a
bit tight so the card does not fall out completely. This is not
the case for every unit, though, and is no fix for the problem.
I recommend the following (avoiding a reconstruction of the
entire shell of the bn, which would cost much more than a case):
1. The Velcro to close the case should be replaced with magnetic
snaps, much like those found on some clothing or cell phone
cases.
2. The rear of the case has a more solid feel and extends a bit
past the end of the bn so that cards are not pushed on and the
infrared port is not a problem.
3. An optional pouch be supplied with points that connect
securely to points on this rigid back section. In this way, the
problems of a pouch not connecting at the bottom and blocking the
left and right sides are fixed. A slot in this pouch, and in the
corresponding section of the case, allows access to the entire
rear pannel with no small cutouts; just expose the entire pannel.
4. Magnetic catches also should be installed on the top front of
the case so that the lid can partially fold down; this protects
the unit without closing it completely and pressing keys with the
closing, especially convenient for GPS users or walking outside
with a book or the media player running.
5. If desired, a solid pannel supplied with the case would slot
into place in the rigid part to protect the rear pannel.
Depending on measurements that I have not done, this pannel could
be built into the case itself, in two sections, and simply slid
into place, each section moving toward the middle.
Thank you for considering this proposal.
Have a great day,
Alex
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