Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Enki Gear Genius Case
- Thread starter jedolley
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Replacements coming?
Did anyone else get a response from customer support about receiving a replacement? I emailed them about returning the case because there was no cutout for the mic and they sent back a response stating:
"If you are happy with the case except for mic, keep it and we will be sending out replacement next week."
I'm leaning towards the Belkin case now but may just sell off both Enki's to a buddy if they're send a replacement.
Did anyone else get a response from customer support about receiving a replacement? I emailed them about returning the case because there was no cutout for the mic and they sent back a response stating:
"If you are happy with the case except for mic, keep it and we will be sending out replacement next week."
I'm leaning towards the Belkin case now but may just sell off both Enki's to a buddy if they're send a replacement.
Enki not all bad
I received my Enki case today and was really surprised at how well built it was and how perfectly it hugs the back of the ipad2. I did have a speck case and was really disappointed because it lifted the smart cover off of the front so the magnetism of the opening flap did not work to hold the smartcover in place. I have also had an iCarbon back and a leather full case.
The enki does not have a mic hole. Does this suck? Yes. Is it a manufacturing issue? Yes. However, I found a quick fix that looks factory.
Directions:
Put the case on the ipad. Use a black marker and mark the mic location on the exterior of the case. Take a small piece of masking tap and place it over the black mark. Remove the case form the ipad. Hold it up to the light and transfer the black mark onto the front of the masking tape. Take a small low power drill with a 1/16" drill bit and drill two consecutive horizontal holes(side by each) the tape will prevent fraying. Slide the bit between the two hole gently to join them into on oblong cut. Remove the tape and you have a perfect factory looking mike hole. Problem solved.
As for the "sharp edges" I did notice it and felt that it isn't due to poor production, it makes the case look literally more edgy. However I have small neices and nephews that love to play with my ipad (kind of why i wanted the case in the first place) and I don't want them to get cuts. You can fix this too and it will also look factory.
At home depot or a local hardware store you can buy a 1000 grit sanding block for about $2. Buy one and lightly run it over just the edge, being careful not to touch the smooth flat surfaces of the case. Problem solved.
Should you have to do any off this? No. Does it work like a dream and does it seem (at least so far) far superior to the other three ipad2 cases I have owned? Absolutely!
It sucks to have to do this, but now i love my case. None of the available aren't with out their problems. The biggest solution this one offers is not wrapping to the front of th case and interfering with the smart cover. Some of the smartcover "compatible" ones only allow the magnets to hook up but really impinge on the functionality of the opening side of the smartcover.
Cheers!
I received my Enki case today and was really surprised at how well built it was and how perfectly it hugs the back of the ipad2. I did have a speck case and was really disappointed because it lifted the smart cover off of the front so the magnetism of the opening flap did not work to hold the smartcover in place. I have also had an iCarbon back and a leather full case.
The enki does not have a mic hole. Does this suck? Yes. Is it a manufacturing issue? Yes. However, I found a quick fix that looks factory.
Directions:
Put the case on the ipad. Use a black marker and mark the mic location on the exterior of the case. Take a small piece of masking tap and place it over the black mark. Remove the case form the ipad. Hold it up to the light and transfer the black mark onto the front of the masking tape. Take a small low power drill with a 1/16" drill bit and drill two consecutive horizontal holes(side by each) the tape will prevent fraying. Slide the bit between the two hole gently to join them into on oblong cut. Remove the tape and you have a perfect factory looking mike hole. Problem solved.
As for the "sharp edges" I did notice it and felt that it isn't due to poor production, it makes the case look literally more edgy. However I have small neices and nephews that love to play with my ipad (kind of why i wanted the case in the first place) and I don't want them to get cuts. You can fix this too and it will also look factory.
At home depot or a local hardware store you can buy a 1000 grit sanding block for about $2. Buy one and lightly run it over just the edge, being careful not to touch the smooth flat surfaces of the case. Problem solved.
Should you have to do any off this? No. Does it work like a dream and does it seem (at least so far) far superior to the other three ipad2 cases I have owned? Absolutely!
It sucks to have to do this, but now i love my case. None of the available aren't with out their problems. The biggest solution this one offers is not wrapping to the front of th case and interfering with the smart cover. Some of the smartcover "compatible" ones only allow the magnets to hook up but really impinge on the functionality of the opening side of the smartcover.
Cheers!
I'm also pleased with my enki purchase. With my case, there weren't any rough edges or sharp corners, just the lack of cutout for the mic. I posted a review with pics, where I did mention it took a bit of effort to "snap" it on, but none of my corners have wiggled off or anything. It also looks great and offers full coverage. It doesn't scratch that easy and I like the way it looks and feels. It's obviously high quality polycarbonate and Works awesome with the smart cover. I'm looking forward to their replacement case with a mic cutout! My friend slid it on a brick fireplace (THANK GOD IT WAS THE CASE AND NOT THE IPAD!!!!) so the back does have a nasty nick on it now. Anyway, here's the link:
http://daslautlacht.blogspot.com/2011/05/enki-genius-case-official-verdict.html
http://daslautlacht.blogspot.com/2011/05/enki-genius-case-official-verdict.html
How can you be pleased with a product that covers the microphone?
If they don't repond to my emails I shall be sending it back and phoning my bank to issue a chargeback.
I just don't find the cutout for the mic important. I've recorded a lecture with the case on AND done recordings and facetime, and though it's quieter, it doesn't make much of a difference.
Also, I've never emailed them. Why ask the same exact questions as everyone else is? To get them to answer quicker? Obviously that didn't work, where they once had very interactive customer service they now seem absent. It's because at least a thousand people have emailed them bitching and moaning about the exact same thing. Just my opinion as to why no one is getting answered.
If they put up that much advertising, they should have been ready to handle the wave, though. I don't think they should have even made promises after that happened. They were a little guy that got way too much business and their customer service department lost them a lot of customers.
Okay, I have acclimated to my Enki case. I give it (customer service issues aside) an 85%. Three issues for me. First is the sharp edges, however as this is a mas produced item, I am more than happy to use a nail file to knock them down. That is a -3% penalty. For a -5% is the mute/lock switch. Mine is in direct contact with the case, meaning the case is too tight on that switch. I also think it may be causing some fit issues on the opposite corner as that corner has a bit of trouble staying put. Finally, for -7% is the mic covering. I havent needed to use the mic yet, but come on... covering it was just not smart.
Overall, I like my case. I have it fitted over an iCarbon skin, and I am looking at the DRO Concepts cover to match... but not sold on that one yet.
Overall, I like my case. I have it fitted over an iCarbon skin, and I am looking at the DRO Concepts cover to match... but not sold on that one yet.
Enki Sending Replacement Cases
Enki just sent this announcement a few minutes ago:
Dear Enki Customers:
This month we shipped thousands of Enki Genius Cases for iPad2 around the world to our first customers. We were overwhelmed by the volume of Genius Case orders and experienced delays in shipping, tracking number distribution and customer service follow up.
As we distributed cases to customers, we listened to your feedback that the Genius case did not provide access to the iPad2 microphone and in some instances edges were not smooth.
We believe that the Genius Case should enhance the iPad2 experience and access to the microphone through the case is a must. We also believe that continuous improvement of the Genius Case is a requirement. Enki was established on the premise that we will provide exceptional products and customer service.
Over the past several weeks we have improved our product to address your feedback. The Genius Case design has been revised to accommodate the iPad2 microphone. The manufacturing process has been improved to remove rough and unfinished edges from the case.
Every customer that purchased an Enki Genius Case between April 14 - May 22, 2011 will receive a complimentary replacement case with the new microphone access and improved finish. Customers will receive a replacement Genius Case in their original order color.
Enki just sent this announcement a few minutes ago:
Dear Enki Customers:
This month we shipped thousands of Enki Genius Cases for iPad2 around the world to our first customers. We were overwhelmed by the volume of Genius Case orders and experienced delays in shipping, tracking number distribution and customer service follow up.
As we distributed cases to customers, we listened to your feedback that the Genius case did not provide access to the iPad2 microphone and in some instances edges were not smooth.
We believe that the Genius Case should enhance the iPad2 experience and access to the microphone through the case is a must. We also believe that continuous improvement of the Genius Case is a requirement. Enki was established on the premise that we will provide exceptional products and customer service.
Over the past several weeks we have improved our product to address your feedback. The Genius Case design has been revised to accommodate the iPad2 microphone. The manufacturing process has been improved to remove rough and unfinished edges from the case.
Every customer that purchased an Enki Genius Case between April 14 - May 22, 2011 will receive a complimentary replacement case with the new microphone access and improved finish. Customers will receive a replacement Genius Case in their original order color.
I'll give them credit for doing the right thing.
They must have taken a huge hit on this financially.
They must have taken a huge hit on this financially.
My order got cancelled a couple of weeks ago...but I just received the case today :O
Are they gonna charge me?? I havent heard anything from them about shipping. Actually, the last email I got from them said "not yet shipped" when it was cancelled. :S
Are they gonna charge me?? I havent heard anything from them about shipping. Actually, the last email I got from them said "not yet shipped" when it was cancelled. :S
Replacement Case??
I purchased my Enki case during the pre-order, received it a few weeks ago, was unhappy with mic coverage and rough finishing, tried to get a refund with no success, received an email saying that I would be receiving a replacement but have not received anything to date.
Has anyone received their replacement case from Enki yet and if so how does it compare to the original one?
Thanks
- Andrew
I purchased my Enki case during the pre-order, received it a few weeks ago, was unhappy with mic coverage and rough finishing, tried to get a refund with no success, received an email saying that I would be receiving a replacement but have not received anything to date.
Has anyone received their replacement case from Enki yet and if so how does it compare to the original one?
Thanks
- Andrew
I have not, and I suspect few if any others have as yet.
Enki sent their note about replacement on Saturday, May 28th and stated they would ship after 10-14 business days. Also that they would not send tracking notices. 14 business days from May 28th was last Friday, June 17th. Shipping is probably the same slow (but free) shipping process they originally used, which took a week and a half to get to me. So I don't expect many to show up until next week. And that's if they are on schedule. And still in business. See last post on their FB Discussion page.
Last edited:
Made in China Remarks
When making comments like its made in China or feels like a Chinese case you have to remember that most of your companies manufacturer in China.
Apple, Belkin, Macally, etc.
When you pay $15.00 for a similar case you are not paying for any warranty, 15-20 day shipping, a return policy that is more expensive to return than the item itself, no great customer service response, no retail box, etc.
You have to pay a little more for that. Some companies like Belkin can spend upwards to 75K a month of tooling/designs just to release a new case that might not sell well. It's the risk they have to take and can afford to take as they grow.
When making comments like its made in China or feels like a Chinese case you have to remember that most of your companies manufacturer in China.
Apple, Belkin, Macally, etc.
When you pay $15.00 for a similar case you are not paying for any warranty, 15-20 day shipping, a return policy that is more expensive to return than the item itself, no great customer service response, no retail box, etc.
You have to pay a little more for that. Some companies like Belkin can spend upwards to 75K a month of tooling/designs just to release a new case that might not sell well. It's the risk they have to take and can afford to take as they grow.
Anyone who believes that ENKI is still in business hasn't been paying attention. Sad story of incompetence and dishonesty with their customers.
Replacements???
I'm assuming by the lack of posts that no one has received their replacement cases yet. I know some have questioned if they are still in business but their site is still up and a friend of mine recently ordered a case and received it. It was the newer version BTW.
So what gives? I've been emailing them every week or so but not surprisingly no response. This company is a complete joke!
-a
I'm assuming by the lack of posts that no one has received their replacement cases yet. I know some have questioned if they are still in business but their site is still up and a friend of mine recently ordered a case and received it. It was the newer version BTW.
So what gives? I've been emailing them every week or so but not surprisingly no response. This company is a complete joke!
-a
Interesting. I'd assumed that the company had stopped filling orders. Now it appears that the promise of replacement cases was simply an effort to avoid dealing with returns of the first defective cases. The company isn't a joke. It's a criminal enterprise.
P.S. Just checked the revised website. Enki now claims they "experienced delays" in shipping the replacement cases. Frankly, I'll be pleasantly surprised if a replacement case shows up on my doorstep. And even if it does, I'd strongly advise anyone to avoid dealing with the firm.
Last edited:
Replacement Showed Up
Well the long awaited replacement to my "genius" case showed up yesterday. After a rediculous number of emails that went unanswered I had pretty much given up.
The new "improved" case I have to say really isn't that much better. Sure it has the mic cutout but the edges seem actually sharper than the original one I received and the new one also feels a little heavier. I suppose I could sand down the edges as some others here have but overall the entire experience has been a major letdown.
Just wanted to close the loop on a few earlier posts.
-ac
Well the long awaited replacement to my "genius" case showed up yesterday. After a rediculous number of emails that went unanswered I had pretty much given up.
The new "improved" case I have to say really isn't that much better. Sure it has the mic cutout but the edges seem actually sharper than the original one I received and the new one also feels a little heavier. I suppose I could sand down the edges as some others here have but overall the entire experience has been a major letdown.
Just wanted to close the loop on a few earlier posts.
-ac
Received an email a couple of days ago saying my replacement case had been shipped, as well. I'd given the original case away to a friend (and purchased a case from Speck) so I suspect I'll just hold onto the replacement as a spare.
I have mixed feelings about the company. Can't imagine ever dealing with them again but I suppose I'm somewhat impressed that they finally managed to make good on their commitment.
Received my "replacement" case today. Had ENKI shipped this case promptly in the first place, I suspect they would have gotten very positive reviews.
Heavier, thicker, and stiffer than my Speck case. Lacks the rear magnet to hold the SmartCover in place but otherwise seems to be somewhat better quality. Given the history of their introduction debacle, I'd have a difficult time recommending the company but the product (at least the one I've received) is a good one.
Heavier, thicker, and stiffer than my Speck case. Lacks the rear magnet to hold the SmartCover in place but otherwise seems to be somewhat better quality. Given the history of their introduction debacle, I'd have a difficult time recommending the company but the product (at least the one I've received) is a good one.
Hard to say. The complaints on FaceBook have largely disappeared the last time I checked. I would say that after their initial catastrophes in terms of quality control, missed shipping dates, etc, the case I eventually received is the nicest one I have.