Cleaning Ionic pebble

[ron8an]

There is a known issue - a gap between the screen and the bezel. All related responses I've seen so far were around the device intactness and user-experience, but what about the user health?

Fitbit personnel: please don't be evasive, as a customer I expect a direct response to my concerns.

What about hygiene?

We are talking about a device operated by touch. One that is meant to be worn during training and also for breakfast lunch and dinner. The gap between the screen and the bezel is expected to get filled with sweat, dead skin and dirt.

How can you say that wearing a bacterial culture on your hand is something we don't need to worry about. Note: I am talking specifically about the gap since it is too hard to clean and an actual bacteria trap.

Seriously: How should I clean the gap? am I supposed to use a toothbrush? How often should I clean it? How do I know it's clean?

It is my responsibility to make sure that the watch is clean, no doubt and no argument. But it is your responsibility not to make it difficult.

Needless to say, if I knew it will come with this gap I would never consider buying it.

This is a serious problem. Awaiting your reply.

Moderator edit: edited title for clarity and format.

[racertempo]

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@ron8an wrote:

The gap is a serious problem. It is potentially a bacteria culture on your hand 

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Of all the "serious problems" with the Ionic, this one really wins the prize.  

You know when you bought it you could have returned it if this bacteria culture was a problem for you.  You say you have heard the argument before, but you have yet to respond to the people starting that bacteria can and will get into any watch clasp, gather at the charging connections, and be loaded into holes in the bands, like the sports band. 

You also have yet to respond to the fact that, barring putting your wrist in nasty places, the bacteria will be yours, which is not bad for you. 

Why not dip it in alcohol as I mentioned...... or but a UV light that kills bacteria? 

Expecting fitbit to disclose it as a problem is laughable

[N8teGee]

At most I would call it a minor annoyance (even though I forgot about it after a few hours of ownership), calling it a health hazard though is just ridiculous.

If this isn't a wind up and you really do consider it to be a health hazard, I would suggest you return the product and accept a refund. Fitbit have already said they don't consider it to be a defect, so I'm not exactly sure what you hope to achieve from this?

If you must keep the product.... Just get a cotton wool bud/Q-tip, dip it into some rubbing alcohol and run it along the gap... Job done! If you're still not comfortable then maybe something like this would work? I really don't know what else to suggest. 

If you have to go through all this trouble though I'd have to think you're better off not owning the device. 

[ron8an]

racertempo, N8teGee and anyone else that has different views:

Let's set things clear. You are entitled to your opinions. You can write whatever you want. You don't have to agree and you are free to write anything to contradict me.

But - I owe you nothing. I have no obligation to justify my views to you. I also don't have the time to answer (or merely read) every remark someone has about what I wrote. I answered a few comments, but I'm starting to feel like I'm on trial - that's absurd. 

*It doesn't mean I can't answer or give my own grading towards others and what they write. 

I asked for a direct response from Fitbit. As a customer,  I'm entitled for a (any) direct response from Fitbit. I haven't got it. And yet, all complaints in this thread are towards me. 

Let's all agree that this thread should be about the device. 

[N8teGee]

Fitbit responded on the second post of this thread and stated that they didn't consider the gap to be a health risk. They also gave you advice on how to clean the Pebble and strap (using rubbing alcohol). Like I said in my previous post, I think your best option is the Q-tip dipped in some rubbing alcohol. That way you won't damage the frame or screen, but it should ensure some of the rubbing alcohol enters the gap and kills whatever you think might be in there.

Anyway good luck and I hope you find the solution you seek. 

[racertempo]

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@ron8an wrote:

I asked for a direct response from Fitbit. As a customer,  I'm entitled for a (any) direct response from Fitbit. I haven't got it. And yet, all complaints in this thread are towards me. 

Let's all agree that this thread should be about the device. 

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Ha, as just said above, Fitbit gave you an response.  The thread is about the device, and how there are many aces on this device to gather bacteria aside from this little gap.

You saw the fitbit response, you just don't like it and you have said you expect Fitbit to offer a warning, which they have said they will not do.