Posted by Nick Brandi, Associate Editor

I just got a hot tip about a great source for eReader accessories online. It’s called M-Edge (www.MEdgeStore.com), and they’ve got sleeves, jackets, stands, lights and cases for everything from Kindles, Nooks and iPads to HP Touchpads, Samsung Galaxies, Sony Readers, Kobos, HTC Flyers and even Pandigitals.

The selection is way beyond vast. When you click on the Style Library tab, you get 26 pages of results, with over 1,000 products to choose from. Every color, pattern and theme you can think of, plus versions imprinted with the names of classic works of literature that ultimately send a message about your personal predilections. Can you say, “Conversation Starter”? There is even a tab for those who wish to design their own custom jackets, with embedded video instructions on how to proceed. It’s a very slick marketing strategy that recognizes eReaders will never supplant books completely as long as they are perceived as cold, sterile machines rather than personal literary companions, the way hardcover and paperback books have been regarded for centuries.

These products are a substantial step in that direction. BTW, beach lovers, there’s also a clear vinyl Leisure Jacket for the Kindle that protects it against sand and splashes in addition to scratches of course.

The best news of all is that representatives of M-Edge will be at 92nd St. in Ocean City and Rte. 26 in Bethany on Saturday September 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. handing out hundreds of free covers and promo cards for Kindles and iPads.

We’ll probably see you there, but if not, tell the folks at M-Edge that you were sent by Coastal Style, the magazine that wrote the book on Eastern Shore cool!