Whither thou, BookGem?

June 6, 2008 5:23 AM

Whither thou, BookGem?

Do any MeFites happen to know if the company that produced the BookGem really does intend to put them back on sale again? They seem to have caught the attention of the internet late last year, promptly sold out, promised they'd have units back in stock early this year, and that was the last update that appeared on their site. Emails to both of their published email addresses have so far gone unanswered.

Like many others, I first learned about the BookGem via Lifehacker. By the time I made it to the site, they were sold out, and the promise to have them back in stock in early 2008 seems to have expired.

Alternatively, does anyone know of any retail outlets (hopefully that will ship to Australia) that still carry them?

posted by planetthoughtful to shopping (3 comments total)

I have a Book Chair that I purchased from an English bookstore. It folds up just like BookGem, though it's slightly bigger. It looks like they ship to Australia, too.
posted by farishta at 6:30 AM on June 6, 2008

Thanks farishta -- it was the compact size of the BookGem that made me hunger for one. Thank you for the lead on the Book Chair -- I'll give them some thought!

Again, thanks.
posted by planetthoughtful at 7:22 AM on June 7, 2008

I have the small version of the Book Chair farishta mentioned. It's not very good, and one of the little legs which hold the book open came out the other day - easily replaceable, but annoying.

If you do intend to get one of these, I'd suggest getting at least the medium-sized one; the small one can't reliably handle anything bigger than a paperback without threatening to tip over at the slightest provocation.

I've been hoping for a BookGem since late 2007 too but the site's promise of an 'early 2008' restock isn't particularly reassuring. :(
posted by WalterMitty at 6:02 PM on July 5, 2008