iPad Stand Review: Just Mobile Slide

The Just Mobile Slide iPad stand is one or the more interesting iPad stands available today. It’s made of two pieces — a holder that matches the back of the iPad exactly, and a mini rolling pin that fits right in the holder (when not in use).

To use the Slide, slide your iPad into the holder and put the rolling pin behind the iPad. Set the rolling pin at the angle you would like your iPad to stand.

When in use, the Slide has a very nice elegant look. The iPad can stand in both portrait or landscape mode. However, in portrait mode, the stand does cover part of the Home button. Although still accessible, it is still partially covered.

If you constantly remove your iPad from the stand, you may find that this stand may not be the one for you. The moment you take the iPad out, the rolling pin rolls down, and you have to adjust it again to the right angle before putting it in. I find this a little frustrating since I change the direction of my iPad all the time because some apps only work in landscape or portrait mode. Besides this one point, it does look very nice and is small enough to pack away in a suitcase or bag if you travel a lot.

Although it’s marketed for the iPad and iPad 2, this stand also works with other tablets and eReaders on the market.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars · Xstand.net · $34.95 · Amazon ($32.49)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Just Mobile for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

iPad Stand Review: Bracketron iTilt

Are you always on the go? Need an iPad stand that can keep up with you? The iTilt by Bracketron is probably the thinnest tablet stand on the market. You can tuck it away in your suitcase without taking much valuable space!

This ultra slim iPad stand can hold your device in both portrait and landscape mode in eight convient viewing angles. The non-slip feet at the bottom of the stand holds your iPad securely on your desk.

With this stand, there’s just one thing you have to be careful of. When lifting your iPad out of the stand, you may pull onto the back of it and then unhook the stand’s back support. This doesn’t matter too much if you were taking the iPad out of the stand. But if you were just moving the stand onto another position on your desk, the back support could make the whole stand fall down.

Overall, the iTilt iPad stand is highly portable, functional, and quite affordable. It’s also compatible with both the iPad 1 and iPad 2., as well as most other tablets and eReaders on the market.

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 · Bracketron.com · $19.95 · Amazon ($9.46)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Bracketron for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Tablet Stand Review: SpiderPodiumTablet

The SpiderPodium Tablet is probably one of the most unique portable iPad/tablet stand you’ll find. It’s light and flexible, yet study enough to put your beloved device on it.

When you first take out the SpiderPodium Tablet, it may look strange because it resembles a giant spider. There are eight legs that are all flexible. Each leg has three joints that can be bent in any way you need it. The exterior is made of a soft rubber, preventing any scratches on your tablet.

The product’s box will have two photos on it displaying the two main positions the stand can be in. Follow the photos on the box to setup the SpiderPodium stand in either portrait or landscape mode. Once you get it in place, carefully place your iPad/tablet in and bend the end joints to hold it in place. When it’s sturdy, bend and move the legs to the angle you desire.

What’s wonderful about the extra legs on this stand is that it could be wrapped anywhere. Wrap the stand around a car seat or a dashboard. Or even around a pole or stand so you can read your music sheets. There’s many multiple uses for it.

Overall, the SpiderPodium Tablet is a flexible tablet stand that you can set in any angle, any position, and light and portable enough to take anywhere. Just collapse all the legs to put in your bag, and you’re ready to go.

SpiderPodium Tablet is available in two colors — graphite and black. It fits most tablets on the market. And is not recommended for children under the age of 3.

Rating: 3..5/5 · $34.99 · Breffo.com

Disclosure: This product was sent by Breffo for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

iPad Stand Review: TwelveSouth Compass

The TwelveSouth Compass iPad stand is one of the most compact, yet sturdy, iPad stands you’ll find on the market. It’s lightweight and perfect if you’re always on the go with your iPad. When folded, the Compass reminds me of a Japanese fan — thin and compact. But the magic is when you unfold it into a functional stand.

Upright Stand. Pull all three legs of the Compass out to form an “A” or easel-like shape. Once you have it in position, pull out the smaller tab parts at the bottom in the front two legs. This is where you would put the iPad. It’ll lean against the stand and sit on these two tabs in the legs. The parts where the iPad rests on are lined with a soft rubber to ensure no scratches are put on your iPad.

Typing Position. Another nice feature in this stand is that it also folds into a typing position. Pull out a metal tab on the back tripod leg and put this new leg on the table. The back leg will fall into place. Lay the Compass in its new position on the table, then put your iPad on top of it. This puts the iPad in a perfect position for typing. It’s lifted off the ground and protected by the soft rubber on the stand.

There is one thing to keep in mind though. In this position, the tabs in the front legs get in the way of your typing, so it’s not recommended to type for long periods of time with the stand.

Overview. With the Compass, the iPad could be displayed in either portrait or landscape mode in both positions. Because of the compact size when folded, this stand is the most ideal for travel. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and quite functional. Beautifully crafted and designed, this stand deserves to be in a class all its own.

Note: The TwelveSouth Compass Stand for the iPad is compatible with both iPad 1 and iPad 2 as well as various eReaders and tablets.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars · $39.99 · TwelveSouth · Amazon ($39.99)

Disclosure: This product was sent by TwelveSouth for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

Review: The Stump Stand

Small, yet tough, this tablet accessory stands in a class of its own. The Stump Stand is a unique tablet stand that’s made of a soft rubber-like material. It’s small and quite versatile. It has a simple design that resembles a tree stump, hence the name. What makes this special is how it can hold your device in three different positions — ramp, upright, and lean.

To put your iPad in Ramp Position, simply just lay your device on top of the Stump. Your iPad covers most of the Stump that your device will appear to be floating on top of the table at just the perfect angle. Lay it down in portrait mode and you can play a friendly game of “Words with Friends.” Put it horizontally, and you have the perfect position for email or web surfing. You can adjust the angle by resting the bottom of the iPad closer or farther from the Stump.

To use your iPad in Upright Position, slide your device into BOTTOM step of the Stump. This will hold the iPad in an upright position. It’s about an 80^o angle, perfect for watching a video or reading a book.

Lastly, to use your iPad in the Lean Position, use the TOP step of the Stump for your device. This holds the iPad in a slightly leaning position (~50^o angle), perfect for gaming, reading, or surfing. It’s recommended that the iPad be horizontal in this position. Having it in portrait mode is not as sturdy especially if firm there is firm tapping of the screen.

The Stump is also available in a customizable version where you can have your logo on the back. This is perfect for business gifts or conference giveaways! Prices for these start at $20 each when you purchase 100 or more.

Overall, the Stump’s unique shape makes it stand out from the crowd. It’s lightweight, portable, and quite versatile. You can use everywhere you take your iPad. The Stump is best used with a caseless iPad. If you prefer to use a thin case, the Ramp position work best. And although I tested this out mostly on the iPad, it’s also compatible with other tablets and eReaders on the market. It also makes a nice little stand for your iPhone or iPod touch. You’ll find many uses for it. This stand is worth a try if you enjoy a minimalists’ approach to design and functionality.

The Stump comes in a variety of colors. Contact them if you don’t see your preferred color.

$29.95 · StumpStore.com

Disclosure: This product was given by StumpStore for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

iPad Stand Review: Griffin Loop

At first glance, this stand looks ordinary, but once you use it, you’ll love how elegantly it holds you iPad in a few different configurations.

The Griffin Loop is basically an oval-shaped piece. On the bottom of the Loop are three non-slip pieces. This keeps the stand in place. There are two cutouts that holds the iPad in an upright position. This is the perfect angle for watching videos. The iPad could be placed in either portrait mode or landscape.

The more interesting position is when you lay the iPad right on top of the Loop. This angle and position is perfect if you’re playing a tapping game like “Plants vs Zombies” or “We Rule” or just surfing websites. It’s one of few stands that hold the iPad in a comfortable gaming position.

Although, packing this stand is not recommended due to the space it takes up, it’s perfect to put in the kitchen or near your work area to hold up your iPad. It’s a strong and sturdy stand that you’ll definitely enjoy.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars · $29.99 · GriffinTechnology.com

Disclosure: This product was sent by Griffin Technology for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

iPad Stand Review: Just Mobile UpStand

The Just Mobile UpStand^TM is a beautiful iPad stand — the kind that belongs in a fancy department store or something of that nature. It’s looks elegant with and without the iPad on it.

The UpStand is made of solid aluminum and has three parts to it. The bottom part is perfectly round, 6″ in diameter, and lined with a non-slip rubber material to hold the stand in place and prevent it from slipping. The stand part is made of two aluminum rods that supports the grips (the part that holds the iPad). The grips, which looks like a compass, is lined with a a thin rubber material to prevent any scratches on the iPad.

The UpStand holds the iPad in the perfect angle for watching movies or tapping around on your favorite game. If you have a wireless keyboard, it makes a nice monitor stand for typing up papers. You can also set it by your bedside and use it as an alarm clock, or in the kitchen as use it like a recipe book. There are many ways to use it!

The UpStand’s grip can hold the iPad along with most cases. That’s convenient since you don’t have to remove the case every time you use the stand.

The only disadvantage to this kind of stand is that it’s not that portable. It’s one solid piece that’s not compact for travel or packing. But a beautiful piece like this is not really meant to be moving around so much. It’s a nice stand to find a permanent place in your home, whether it be the kitchen or in your home office.

The UpStand is both practical and stylish and I’m sure you’ll find a place for it in your home. You can find more information on the Just Mobile UpStand Just-Mobile.comIn you’re in the U.S., you may purchase the UpStand at MacinBag.com.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars · $49.95 · Just-Mobile.com

Disclosure: This product was sent by Just-Mobile for review purposes. This is part of Beatweek Magazine’s coverage of iPad products. Opinions expressed in this article are my own.

iPad Stand Review: Griffin A-Frame

At first glance, the Griffin A-Frame may look like a mini easle, but upon closer examination, it’s a well-thought out iPad stand with multiple uses!

The stand is made of a heavy aluminum — heavy, more as in sturdiness than weight — and has soft non-slip rubber around the hinges and where the stand meets the table/desktop, as well as where it may touch the iPad.

The attention to detail on this accessory is really nice. Any part of that may touch the iPad is lined with a soft rubber so the iPad would not scratch. The metal used is cleanly cut, leaving no sharp edges on the stand. The stand also folds neatly into a flat position, making it easier to pack in your luggage/gadget bags.

There are a few ways of using the Griffin A-Frame. You can it stand upright and put your iPad on it in either landscape or portrait mode. That’s one thing that works very well with this stand — the ability to have your iPad in landscape mode. Pair it with a bluetooth keyboard and you have a mini workstation.

Another way to use the stand is to have it flat on the desk and have your iPad sit in landscape mode on top of it. This provides a slight angle that’s perfect for typing onscreen. Your wrists rests on the bottom of the stand and you can comfortably type on the iPad for a while.

Having a thin case on the iPad or none at all is optional. The stand will hold the iPad either way. Some examples of how you can use the stand are:

• When syncing or charging your device. Just have the device lay on the stand in landscape mode and connect.
• Set up the stand and iPad in the kitchen and watch your favorite shows as you do dishes.
• Set it up on your desk to quickly and easily view your calendar and notes.
• Connect a keyboard and you have a mini and portable workstation.
• Use it as a stand for your iPad photo frame.

There are many more situations where you would want to use a stand, but I’ll leave that up to you to discover.

The Griffin A-Frame stand unclutters your workspace, while making it a little more sophisticated. Having the stand on your desk makes you iPad take up less room as well as make the content on your iPad more accessible and easier to read.

Overall, the Griffin A-Frame gets an A+ in my book. It’s solid, durable, and versatile. The Griffin A-Frame iPad stand is available for $49.99 at GriffinTechnology.com.