Note the variety of angles that can be locked into place with the Crane Stand

Working with electronics in various portable configurations is very flexible. It’s what enables many of our flexible work situations, and feeds our gadget lust. Sometimes, however, you get to a location where there just isn’t a good place to lay out your gear in any semblance of an order that will enhance your task at hand. Other times, you have so many different pieces of gear to use that there’s no way to reach anything, if you don’t have some sort of stacking system. Enter the Crane Hardware company, and their Crane Stand Pro.This unit is not some cheap, light, make-do piece of kit. It’s aluminum, welded at joints, and designed for a life on the road being made to bend to it’s owner’s will in many different situations. And in the testing I was able to do, it behaves like a champ.

The Crane Stand Pro can give you a lot of room between your work surface and the gear it's holding up.

The Crane Stand Pro folded for travel. It's less than 2" thick in this position!

The friction locks are of a heavy-duty metal, not just stamped out of sheet work. When you click this into place, it stays put. Note the heavy o-ring holding the stand off the surface.

Detail of one of the jointed pieces. Note the rubber o-rings protecting the wood of the table, and the silver knurled tension adjustment knob on the right, opposite the friction lock. I cannot stress how solidly this thing is made.

Fully welded joints on every join. This thing is built to take a licking and stand up to it!

It's no lightweight stand!

Filed in categories: Laptops and Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Laptop, Stand

Crane Stand Pro Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 9, 2012 at 11:00 am.

Sick of smartphone stands that are made for a specific phone only (like only an iPhone ) ? Sick of smartphone stands that don’t work once you put a cover or a case on to protect your baby?

The Oona is a collaboration by 3 guys out of the Bay Area that consists of a base, a stand and 2 suction cups.  This allows you to use it in a stand configuration (as above), as a suction-mount to mount onto a window or other smooth surface, and even as a tripod attachment. It will work on any phone, with or without case, up to about  225g (9oz) with a smooth back surface (even a Blackberry ).

Available direct from Oona for $29.95 plus postage.

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, News

Tagged: Smartphone, Stand

The Oona Smartphone Stand – a Sticky Solution originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 17, 2011 at 12:00 pm.

The GiqueGEAR Smart Station is designed to act as a protective holster, a wallet replacement, and a workstation or stand for your smartphone. It claims to be “the ultimate home for your Android smartphone.”  As a local company, GiqueGear (pronounced ‘geek gear’, I think) already has a special place in my heart, but the claim of ‘ultimate home’ for my Samsung Epic? That will take a pretty special case.

The SmartStation’s main claim to fame is that it is a fully protective case that also works as a portrait or landscape stand for your phone.

SmartStation- front (also available with the Android logo)

SmartStation- back, showing the belt strap

As a case, it offers a lot of value. The materials and workmanship are very good. It is nicely padded and lined with a soft fabric. The full double zipper is backed up by a Velcro tab which also serves as a belt strap. Being a universal case, it is a bit over-sized and clunky, but not terribly so. It features two big pockets so it can serve as a wallet as well. The case offers excellent protection from drops, smacks, impacts, etc.

The main thing that bugged me as a case is the ‘belt and suspenders’ overkill of the zipper and the Velcro tab. It made it a bit more awkward to get to the phone when it is on your belt. The phone sits rather loosely in the case, so a moment of fumbling at the belt and it could end up on the ground without any protection.

I must also admit that as much as I like the flaming head logo, I would like to see a ‘professional edition’ with either no logo or a much reduced logo available. I cannot picture myself rocking this sort of image at work, and in all honesty, the alternative Android logo is not much better.

SmartStation- inside

Cases like this are thick on the ground in the cell phone world. What makes this case special is the work station element. Flip the belt strap and Velcro tab around and the case becomes an easel.

SmartStation as a work station

You place your phone in the front of the stand (held by a little mesh sling at the bottom) for a portrait stand, or on the back side against the ‘leg for landscape mode. Note the ‘speed bump’ on the bottom edge.

SmartStation- phone in portrait mode

SmartStation- phone in landscape mode

I found that in either position, it was usually a good angle, and did not interfere with my phone’s charger/sync cable (which comes out of the top). The phone stays in place well, even when you tap on the screen.

The few downsides I found, other than the case issues mentioned above, are that the Velcro tab that holds the case closed bugged me in this configuration as well- you can see it up there just sticking out. I also felt as though with a little modification, the phone could be positioned in either landscape or portrait mode on the leg.

Overall, the GiqueGear SmartStation case is a great value at $24.95. Well-made, good-looking, protective, and functional.

Filed in categories: Android related, Blackberry related, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Case, Generic PDA related, holster, Smartphone, Stand, workstation

GiqueGEAR Smart Station Holster/Stand Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 2, 2011 at 11:00 am.

When you want to use your smartphone or tablet hands free, you really need some sort of stand for it. Just like cases, there are a wide variety of device stands on the market. Today I want to show you the FoneStand. It’s an inexpensive plastic stand that can be used for iPhones, Android phones and many different tablets. Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view.

The FoneStand is a sturdy plastic stand that is available in Black or White. It has a nice wide base that is 3.25 inches across.

The back of the stand has a large grippy rubber pad that keeps your device from sliding around.

There’s also an opening in the base that you could use to route a charging cable.

The FoneStand has 4 feet that are also really grippy and keep it from sliding around on your desk or other flat surface.

I tried my iPhone 4S with the FoneStand and found it to work perfectly in both portrait orientation…

and landscape orientation. It can even accommodate the iPhone when it’s in a case.

I found that the FoneStand also works well with the iPad as long as it’s in landscape orientation. If you try to place the iPad in portrait orientation, it will tip over too easily.

There isn’t much I can really criticize about the FoneStand. It’s sturdy, has a nice wide base that doesn’t slide around, a grippy back that keeps devices from sliding around and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

The only feature I wish this stand had is the ability to fold up so that I could easily carry it around with me in my gear bag. That said, I think it will earn a spot on my desk either at home or work.

Do you use a stand for your smartphone or tablet? If so, which one do you prefer?

Filed in categories: Android related, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews, Tablet Computers and Gear

Tagged: Smartphone, Stand, Tablet

FoneStand Smartphone and Tablet Stand Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 30, 2011 at 5:08 pm.

So you’ve spent all that money personalizing your new gadget bag, forked out for that rare once in a lifetime  unobtainium material. What’s the last thing you want to do? Put your new best friend on that dirty, icky floor.

Worry no longer, Workiture has you covered. Their el-bagped stand (shown with a Timbuk2 bag) is manufactured from sturdy eighth-inch cold-rolled steel, sanded, TIG welded, and powder-coated and protects your new baby from all that muck.  You can even choose from a number of (bag matching?) fabrics and patterns if you choose to have it manufactured with a shelf, as shown.  Some of these stands can even be flipped over and used as a stool.

Priced at $169 without and $199 with shelf.

Filed in categories: Gear, News

Tagged: Bag, gear bag, Stand

Do you REALLY love your gadget bag? – Protect it with Workiture El-bagped originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 22, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

Bella Cases offers beautiful leather cases and sleeves for Apple iPhone 4, iPad, and iPad 2.  Each case is handmade in Turkey using fine Turkish and Italian genuine leathers.  Their cases have a polished, professional look and come in a variety of colors.  When they offered their Smart Libretto case for iPad 2 to The Gadgeteer for review, I asked for the opportunity to try one.  I asked for and received the red color.

Some images may be clicked for a larger view.

Details for the Smart Libretto don’t specify which type of leather is used in the case.  When you open the package, you get a subtle whiff of that leather smell; I didn’t smell any chemicals that may have been used in curing or coloring at all.  I was a bit surprised that the Smart Libretto was just sliding around in the package; there was no supporting structure inside the box to keep the product centered in the clear window or to protect it from scratches as it slid around in the box.  The case didn’t seem to be scuffed up, though.

The leather is smooth to the touch, but you can see graining on the surface.  The finish has a sheen, but I wouldn’t say the case was glossy.  In the pictures on the website, the red appeared to be a bright, true red.  The case I received is actually a darker, very bluish red color.  It’s a bit more sophisticated and subdued that the lipstick-red color I was expecting.  The stitching is very even and straight and done in a red thread that’s just slightly brighter than the leather.  The only branding on the front is “bella” embossed into the bottom right corner.  The outside of the case is hard.  I don’t know what the material is, but there is something hard sandwiched between the leather and the lining material.  The edges of the case extend a bit past the edges of the iPad 2.  The Smart Libretto should be able to protect the iPad 2 from bumps to the screen, back, or edges.

Leather tab isn't held shut when not in use

You’ll notice a fold running down the length of the front.  This fold allows the case to be converted into a stand.  The back of the case has a flap of leather with a snap that’s also used to convert to a stand.  The only complaint I have about this case is that this flap doesn’t snap down to the back when not in use.  The flap is open on three sides and gets caught on things.  It worsens a little with use, as the flap starts to curl up a bit more.  You’ll notice the back  has a cutout for the iPad 2’s back camera.  The Smart Libretto case doesn’t interfere with the camera operation.

The case is held shut with a non-magnetic snap centered on the right edge.  The case also has a magnet in the front flap that acts to sleep/wake the iPad 2.  The snap holds the case securely closed, and I haven’t heard that clicking sound that lets me know the iPad is being woken up by the cover sliding.

The Smart Libretto measures about 9.5” long X 7.25” wide X 0.6” thick.  It weighed 10.6 oz on my digital kitchen scale.  It definitely adds some size and weight to the iPad 2.  The hard edges of the case feel much different to hold than the rounded edges of the iPad 2.  That said, the case is comfortable to hold and use.  I personally find that the iPad is too heavy to use comfortably in a book-style case.  Also, a book style case occupies both hands, and using the iPad requires at least one free hand to operate the touchscreen.  The spine of the Smart Libretto is soft enough that you can fold the front completely to the back; I was able to easily support the iPad 2 with one hand this way.

Inside, the case is lined in a fabric with a suede texture.  The front flap has a vertical pocket with four card slots.   These slots are the right width to hold credit cards and a driver’s license and deep enough to hold them securely without being so deep that the cards disappear into the slot.  I personally wouldn’t carry my ID or credit cards in these slots, but they are perfect for the small blank business cards I use as note cards.  You can also slide a couple of folded sheets of paper under the cardholder pocket.

The iPad 2 is held in a leather frame.  You slide it in from the spine side of the frame, and it’s held securely in place by a large flap of leather that slides under the iPad 2.  The front has a cutout for the home button and a teardrop-shaped cutout for the front-facing camera and ambient light sensor.  The leather frame fits over almost all of the white bezel on my iPad 2, but it doesn’t interfere with using the touchscreen.  The frame has a bit of stiffening on top to keep it flat and to prevent it from stretching out.  This stiffening also protects the front of the iPad 2 from being damaged by the back side of the closure snap.

The sides of the frame are folded around and sewn to the back of the case.  There are cutouts for the controls and ports.  The side leather is soft, but the frame is so closely fitted to the iPad 2 that reaching the controls can be difficult.  I found that I could plug in my headphones and charging cable with no problems.  Because the hard outer portion of the back extends past the edge of the iPad 2, it’s a bit difficult to get your fingers to the back of the iPad to use the volume rocker and power switch.  It’s really hard to use the screen lock/mute switch.  The speaker, situated on the back of the iPad 2 as it is, is a bit muffled.  I find myself cupping my hand around the back of the case at the speaker to redirect the sound to the front so I can hear better.

The Smart Libretto isn’t just a protective case with the sleep/wake function; it’s also a great stand.  Fold the front cover back and snap it to the leather tab on the back, and the Smart Libretto can be used as a vertical or horizontal stand.  In the horizontal position, it’s great for watching movies or using a Bluetooth keyboard.  Lay it down, and it becomes a stable typing stand when using the on-screen keyboard.  If you’re very tall or using a very low table, like the seat-back trays in an airplane, the typing stand position might work well as a viewing stand, too.

When I use the iPad 2, I usually have it in the horizontal orientation, and I always have it sitting on some body part.  I’ve found that using the iPad 2 this way for an hour or two results in a sore area that feels almost like a bruise.  When I used the Smart Libretto, I snapped it into the horizontal stand and set the broad leather base on whatever body part was being used as the prop.  The broad leather base spread out the weight of the iPad 2, and I never had a sore place, no matter how long I used the iPad 2.

I really like the Bella Smart Libretto.  It provides a lot of protection to the front and back of the iPad 2.  It is a worthy substitute for the Smart Cover, and it works very well as a stand.  It does add some heft to the iPad 2, but you get a lot of functionality for that added heft.  The case is beautiful, and it will look at home at the office or the coffee shop.  If you like to take you gadgets with you when you camp or hike, you may want a different case – not that the Smart Libretto couldn’t function outdoors, but you probably wouldn’t want to risk damaging the beautiful leather.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Case, iPad 2, Stand

Bella Cases Smart Libretto for iPad 2 Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 4, 2011 at 12:04 pm.

With all of the accessories available for your iPad, Kindle, Nook, TouchPad, Xoom, or other tablets, it isn’t surprising that there are some great accessories and some not so good ones on the market.  Knowing which ones to consider for your own use can be a challenge at best, so I am always excited to review an accessory and share my thoughts on the ultimate question “Should I buy this accessory, or not?”.

Today’s review is for an accessory that I must admit that I was skeptical about, The Stump Stand, available for $24.95 from The Stump Store.  Why was I skeptical you ask?  I am skeptical by nature and when a company delivers an accessory for the tablet market I think to myself “here comes another accessory that I don’t need, but would love to have.”  Usually, after buying an accessory for my tablet, an iPad 2, and using it for a few weeks, I am onto a new one – having forgotten about the last one that I have purchased with great intentions and expectations.  If you could see my accessory graveyard I think that you would understand – it is littered with accessories that I only used for a few weeks or a month and then forgot about, or worse yet, I bought the accessory only to find that it did not deliver as promised.  The Stump Stand is advertised by its creator as “The portable stand for your iPad” and after using the stand for the past week I have to admit that they did a good job creating a very functional and useful accessory.

The Stump Stand is one of the accessories that will not be finding its way into my accessory graveyard – it delivers where other accessories have failed.  It isn’t glamorous, nor does it need to be.  The Stump Stand unobtrusively sits on my desk, or by my bedside and holds my iPad 2 up for me to use and does so with aplomb.  It isn’t supposed to be flashy or sparkly to distract me from my work, it is supposed to be a desk accessory that provides functionality for my iPad 2, holding it upright and making it instantly available while I work.  I was surprised to find that I think the Stump Stand is cute and functional in a way that I think many other accessory vendors should consider taking note of as they build their accessories.  It feels simple, yet I know a good deal of thought went into designing and manufacturing the product.  The most simple products usually require the most thought to ensure that the initial idea is conveyed without additional layers of complexity.  One of the well thought out and simple yet useful design elements of the Stump Stand is a rounded cut out that makes selecting the Home button of the iPad 2 simple when in the vertical position.   The Stump Stand comes in a rainbow of colors and can even be customized with your company’s logo should you want to give them away to promote your company.

The Stump Stand will support any tablet or mobile phone with a width of less than .5 inches.  This is perfect for my iPad 2 as I can leave the cover on and it fits snuggly and securely in the Stump Stand.  The Stump Stand has .5″ notch cut into it with two different positions shaped into the notch on the accessory allowing for two different upright positions of my iPad 2.  As well, the Stump Stand has an angled flat surface with a design that I am assuming increasing adhesion so my tablet does not slide off.  In effect, there are three positions that the Stump Stand provides:

1)  Vertical with a slight angle

2)  Vertical with a more aggressive angle – this is my favorite so far at my desk as it is just the right angle for me to utilize my iPad 2, and

3)  Horizontal angled, or as the creator of the Stump Stand calls it, a “Ramp Position” as it resembles a ramp

When reviewing an accessory for the iPad or other tablet, I first considered the Apple provided accessories.  With the Stump stand it is easy to compare it with the $30 synthetic or $40 leather cover that everyone who has an iPad 2 has purchased.  It is sleek and functional as a cover, but in my experience the “stand” part of the cover could use some major reworking as the magnetic folding stand, while an engineering marvel, does not deliver in the real-world.  All too often falls off, leaving the iPad 2 flat on the desk, or on my bedside.  The Stump Stand delivers as advertised and is a welcome addition to support my iPad 2 on my desk.

The Stump Stand has a solid feel to it, and on the packaging the vendor challenges the market to “TOUCH ME” which is a clear message that the accessory is different.  It is soft to the touch, yet sturdy, made from a dense rubber compound.  Weighing in at 8.5 ounces the Stump Stand is sturdy on my desk, or any other flat surface that I put it on.  The Stump Stand holds my iPad 2 securely at the proper angle so I can easily access all of my Apps and information without having to move from my position, where I am also accessing a couple of laptop computers.  I could see the Stump Stand team adding an adventurer’s version of the Stump Stand based on the sand infused holders that have become a mainstay of the in-car GPS market.  This way the Stump Stand could work on non-flat surfaces as well as flat surfaces.

Back to the packaging for a moment – in my opinion, it is innovative – combining a cardboard backer with a notch cut out of it so it can be hung on a retailer’s display with a second notch cut out of both sides to support a rubber band that holds the product in place.  The cardboard backer is a combination advertisement and holding spot for the Stump Stand.  A custom imprinted rubber band holds the Stump Stand to the backer securely.  I can imagine seeing an end-cap in a retail outlet, such as Fry’s or Best Buy with a rainbow of Stump Stands to attract the consumer.  Again, the simplest of designs usually require the most thought to execute and the team at Stump Stand delivered.  Maybe the team should design packaging as well as tablet accessories?

I am not sure I would consider the Stump Stand a portable product that I would take on trips, as it adds a good deal of weight to my already heavy bag.  I would like to see a Stump Stand Mini for travel that cuts the weight down considerably as the iPad 2 cover is not very good for travel.  As stated before, the iPad 2 cover does not work as promised – great ideas and engineering, but poor execution, as the magnets are not strong enough to prevent my iPad 2 from toppling over, or it could just be that I am not very delicate when the plane is jumping up and down during turbulence.  I am going to take the Stump Stand on my next trip and see how it fares on the airplane and let you know.

I only had one other concern, besides the travel applicability of the accessory;  when using the Stump Stand with my iPad 2 it was challenging to use it in the vertical orientation with the power connector attached as the Stump Stand does not have the depth necessary to support the iPad 2 with its power connector in place without turning it upside down, putting the Home button at the top of the iPad 2.  This is not a major inconvenience for me as I usually use my iPad 2 in the horizontal orientation, but it would be nice to be able to should I want to do so.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Stump Stand for those that are looking for a great way to hold their tablet on their desk, bedside, or any other place they need to easily access their iPad 2.

Update:  September 28, 2011 – I took the Stump Stand with me on a recent trip to Europe and used it on the airplane.  It was very simple to use and I enjoyed having it on my tray to watch videos and type out a few messages.  I did have one interesting experience at security with the Stump Stand, as the security screener asked me what it was as it showed up on the X-Ray while traveling through Europe.   Not sure if it was the material the Stump Stand is made of, or the shape that caused the concern.  As far as the concern on the weight, to be honest, I did not notice any concern, as I used a wheeled briefcase for this trip, so it was not hanging on in my shoulder bag or in a back pack.

Filed in categories: Android related, Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPad, iPhone, iPod, PDA, Stand

Stump Stand Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 31, 2011 at 3:13 pm.

The InCase Origami Workstation is a well-made and thoughtfully designed case.

Carrying a keyboard for long typing sessions on a portable device can be a hassle. There are many keyboards that can connect, cases that contain keyboards, and stands that make the combination more useful. I recently purchased a case from InCase that is custom made for the Apple BlueTooth keyboard, and designed to also serve as a stand for an iOS device in either landscape or portrait mode. It’s called the Origami Workstation, and retails for $30.

Recently, the iPad has come under scrutiny as more than just a “media consumption device”, but as a content creation tool. Those who argue for this use mention that with the simple addition of a physical keyboard, most of the  problems of the virtual keyboard vanish, and there is software available that is sufficient for some serious writing or editing.

As I said, I recently purchased the InCase Origami Workstation to use with my Apple Wireless Keyboard along with my original iPad. I’ve taken this combination on trips locally and for several days out, and have found it extremely functional for writing, note-taking, and general computer use on the go.

The Origami Workstation in use seen from the rear. Note the tabs joining to create a sturdy stand.

Bottom of the InCase Origami Workstation, showing hook-and-loop tabs on closure straps.

Top of the case, showing the "fold" lines. These are very strong and show no sign of weakness or creasing.

Origami case folded back into stand.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews, Tablet Computers and Gear, Travel Gear

Tagged: Bluetooth keyboard, Case, iPad, Stand

InCase Origami Workstation Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 13, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

We’ve reviewed our share of iPad stands here on The Gadgeteer. Today I want to show you another iPad stand, but this one isn’t for your desktop, it’s an iPad floor stand called the iProp. The iProp is an adjustable stand that will allow you to use your iPad hands-free for watching movies, reading, or even as a musical stand.

Note: The images in this review can be clicked for a larger size.

The iProp is comprised of 3 main parts. The heavy duty V shaped metal base, which weighs 3 lbs, the flexible gooseneck and the iPad holder. It ships unassembled, but don’t worry, assembly only requires 1 bolt. They even include the tool to tighten it.

The iPad holder is made of black plastic. It holds the iPad by the bottom two corners and top edge.

If you flip the holder over, you’ll see the ball and socket connector that is used to attach the holder to the stand. This connector allows you to rotate the iPad 360° as well as tilting it to almost any angle.

You can use the iProp with the original iPad and the iPad 2. To use it with the iPad 2, you’ll need to attach a stick on foam spacer to the back of the holder and small spacers to the corner holders.

The only assembly required for this stand is to attach the flexible gooseneck to the base with the included bolt and washer. There’s an Allen wrench included to tighten it. The hole in the base is countersunk, and the instructions say to tighten the bolt flush with the base. As you can see from the image above, I wasn’t quite able to do that… Either I’m not strong enough (very possible right now…) or this is just as far as it will go. This isn’t a big deal if you intend to only use the iProp on a carpeted floor. But if you are going to use it on a hard wood floor, I’d be worried that this could cause scratches. I was surprised that there were no stick on feet included with the base.

Once you have attached the gooseneck to the base, you are ready to put the iPad in the holder and attach it. This is done by loosening the socket connector, sliding the ball into the socket and tightening it back down again. You can turn the iPad either in landscape or portrait orientation and adjust the angle of the screen. Once you’re done, tighten the socket connector to keep it in place. At this point, you can adjust the gooseneck, too, if desired. If you leave the gooseneck straight up and down, the stand is 36″ high.

Forgive my lack of fashion. I didn't feel like changing my clothes for the picture.

I’ve found the iProp to be a great music stand. I can use the iPad with the TabToolKit app to let me easily view sheet music while I practice songs on my ukulele. It sure beats printing the music and putting it on my lap.

This stand is very sturdy and at 9 pounds, it is heavy enough that there is no worry that it will topple over. I can think of quite a few uses for it in addition to my own musical stand use. For example, it would be useful for watching movies and videos in bed or on the couch hands-free.

Other than the bolt on the bottom of the base, the only complaint that I have about the iProp is the price. You can buy a heavy duty stand for much less. Of course those stands don’t include an iPad holder like this one. Even so, I do think the iProp is overly pricey. On the plus side, they do ship free to anywhere in the US.

Update: 7/8/11
The folks at iProp contacted me with this note:

Julie,

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPad, Stand

iProp iPad Stand Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on June 22, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Sometimes you don’t want to use earbuds or headphones to listen to music or videos on your mobile device. For those times, it’s nice to have an external speaker. The Sony Ericsson MS430 Portable Media Speaker Stand offers a compact speaker that doubles as a stand. Note: The images in this review are clickable. Click to see a larger view to see more detail.

The MS430 is a 4.3 x 0.1 x 1.2 inch brushed aluminum tube that weighs in at 2.4 ounces. On one end you’ll find the Sony Ericsson logo.

And on the other end is a speaker grill.

The speaker is powered by 3 AAA batteries that are included. The battery compartment is accessed by twisting the logo side of the tube counter clockwise.

If you pull the logo side straight out, you’ll expose the 3.5mm headphone jack. Nifty huh?

Just pull, twist and let it spring back.

The end ratchets so that you can orient the plug to allow your mobile device to easily connect to it.

Then the back of the mobile device can rest against the speaker to act as a stand. You’ll also notice the other speaker.

When plugged in to your mobile device, you can hear audio through the MS430. There’s no power button, it just automatically powers on and off when connected. Audio quality is pretty decent for such a small speaker. There’s not much in the way of bass, but it’s fine for sharing tunes in a small space with your friends, or watching a video on your desk. According to Sony, you’ll get up to 12hr play time before needing to change batteries.

I tested this speaker with my Droid X, but it will work with any device that has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Of course the location of the headphone jack on your mobile device makes a difference. Especially for devices with displays that don’t automatically rotate…

Is this the best speaker you’ll ever use? No. But it’s compact, sounds decent, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Filed in categories: Android related, Audio, Video, TV Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related

Tagged: Speaker, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

Sony Ericsson MS430 Portable Media Speaker Stand Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 26, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

Alright, they are not from outer space, but they look pretty spacey right? The Rokform Rokstand’s are available in 2 versions: desktop and folding, made of anodized aluminum with sound enhancing speaker ports.  The desktop stand which is $169.oo has 6 viewing angles and can be used with the iPad. It’s available in a large selection of color combinations. The folding version of the Rokstand is priced at $119.oo and is available in 4 colors and has 2 viewing angles.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad, iPhone, Stand

Rokform – an iPhone and iPad stand from outer space originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 5, 2011 at 1:00 pm.

I love digital devices, but I can still appreciate the feel of a nicely bound book in my hand. How about we combine an iPad and a nice leather bound book into one device? We can with the iCase from Powis. Powis has 15 different leather book style iPad cases and even more non-leather cases to choose from. They sent me samples to review. Let’s take a look.

I was sent the Heavy Grain case and the Embossed Floral case that you see above. Both cases are extremely well made, just like a hard bound book. Isn’t the embossed case gorgeous? It looks like tooled leather and is made of 100% recycled cowhide fibers.

I really appreciate that the front doesn’t have a logo. It’s just nice leather goodness.

Flip it over and you’ll see an elastic hand strap that can also be used to secure the top cover. You’ll also notice one of the features that makes the iCase unique. A fold out stand. We’ll talk more about the stand in a minute.

When you open the cover, you will find the iPad holder, which is made of a thick Black plastic.

You’ll also notice that my web address is stamped on the inside front cover. Optional personalization can be done for $9.95.

The iPad fits into the holder very securely. It takes a little effort to snap it in and remove it. But once installed, it’s not going anywhere and you will have access to all the buttons and ports.

You can tuck business cards under the plastic flap on the inside front cover.

There’s also a hidden screen cloth located under the iPad.

When you’re done polishing the screen, just wrap it around the handle and slide it back under the iPad.

The cover will stay closed on its own, but if you prefer to secure it in place, you can use the wide elastic band that is attached to the back cover. Just stretch it over the front flap and you’re all set.

One drawback is that the Powis iCase does add noticeable bulk to your iPad.

However, it also does a good job of disguising your expensive tablet as a book.

In addition to protecting your iPad from everyday wear and tear, the iCase offers a built in stand.

The plastic stand easily flips up to provide two viewing angles and a variety of viewing options. Here are just a few ways to use it. Powis site shows 9 ways.

You can use it this way…

Or this way…

Or even in portrait orientation as shown above. The edges of the book covers have a rubber coating, that will keep the case from sliding around on the table.

You can also fold the top cover behind the iPad and use it that way too.

I was very impressed with the Powis iCase. All the materials look and feel very high quality and I could find no defects in the workmanship. I normally prefer to keep my iPad in a slip cover, so I can just slide it out and use it without a case. But I’ve really enjoyed using my iPad in the iCase even with the additional bulk. I guess I just like the way it looks and feels. If bulk isn’t a worry for you and you want to carry and use your iPad like a favorite book, the Powis iCase will not let you down.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Case, iPad, Stand

Powis iCase iPad Book Style Leather Case Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 26, 2011 at 1:30 pm.

PadPivot appears to be well on its way to becoming another success story from the project funding site KickStarter. The PadPivot is a universal tablet, iPad, eBook reader stand that has been designed to go from your lap (actually, your leg) to a table top. It even folds for easy storage. The two designers put the PadPivot on KickStarter to get funding of $10,000 for tooling expenses and the money was earned within 3 days. The original request of 10K has already been surpassed and is up to almost 50K! The designers plan to have the PadPivot available by April. Check out the video on either linked site to see what this stand can do. It looks like a winner. You can pre-order yours for $25.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand, Tablet

PadPivot – From lap to desk, the ultimate iPad and tablet stand originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 25, 2011 at 3:42 pm.

Ice Blue Line is a Danish design firm that is offering some unique iPad and iPhone holders made of acrylic and steel. There are four different iPad wall mounted holders. Three of them are arcylic and one is steel. There is also one iPhone holder for your desk, that is made of acrylic and available in two colors. The wrap around hands are cute, but I think they would just get in the way of using the devices… All of the Ice Blue Line holders are available now with a price range of $42.00 – $60.00.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad, iPhone, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

Danish designers bring us interesting acrylic iPhone and iPad holders originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 6, 2011 at 12:00 pm.

The iPad makes a perfect kitchen assistant. You can use it to view recipe info or watch the latest episode of Rachel Ray. Peanut butter sammies anyone? The Original Kitchen iPad Rack is an under cabinet rack that stores away when it’s not being used. It’s made of heavy duty acrylic and comes with special mounting hardware that only takes 5 minutes to install. Once the rack is attached, it holds your iPad at the optimal viewing angle. You can buy this holder for $29.95

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Kitchen Gadgets, News

Tagged: iPad, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

iPad + Kitchen = Original Kitchen iPad Rack originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 17, 2010 at 9:00 am.

Do you use your smartphone, iPad or Android tablet as a digital photo frame or clock? If so, you’re most likely using it with some type of stand. There are a bazillion different stands on the market, so finding the perfect one for you, might be a challenge. In our never ending commitment to helping our readers make good choices, we offer a review of the 3feet device stand.

Made in the USA of a dense plastic and available in 10 different colors, the 3feet stand is easy to use, very portable and compact.

The stand has O-rings on both sides of the front ‘foot’ that will keep it from sliding around on a table.

Additional O-rings are used for back rest portion of the stand to keep the device from sliding around.

The legs on the back of the stand fold out to allow the brace to slide into slots that lock it in place. There are two sets of slots that the brace can fit into.

With the brace in the slots, it creates a sturdy base to hold your device.

I tested the 3feet stands with the Droid X, iPad, and Samsung Galaxy Tab.

The position of the brace (top or bottom slots) really doesn’t change the angle of the device.

But the 3feet stand has a secondary support that can be used to orient your device to a flatter position.

Just pop up the center of the brace, rotate it as far as possible, flip over the stand and it’s ready to go.

In this orientation, it provides a good angle for typing on the iPad’s touch keyboard. That said, unless you have a very light touch, it is a bit wobbly to type on the display due to the fact that the iPad is much wider than the base of the stand. It would work well with a separate Bluetooth keyboard though.

A slot in the front support allows certain charging cables to pass through for use with some devices.

I can’t find much to fault with this stand. The 3feet stand is a simple product that’s a good value because it’s easy to use and so portable. I can easily fold it up and stow it in a gear bag or drawer when it’s not being used.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPad, Stand

3feet Device Stand Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 9, 2010 at 10:12 am.

Are you tired of seeing all the different stands for the iPad? I agree that they do get monotonous after awhile. But this one is different. The iProp isn’t a desk stand, it’s a floor stand that offers 360° rotation of the iPad. It uses a ball and socket connector that tilts and swivels in all directions. At full height, the stand is 36 inches tall. Twelve of those inches are rigid and the other 24″ are flexible. The first thing that occurred to me when I saw this product was that it would allow me to use my iPad to display music while I practice my ukulele playing. It’s priced at $79.95 and is currently available for pre-order with shipping early next year.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

The iProp – Not just another stand for the iPad originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 4, 2010 at 12:00 pm.

I’m not sure what it is about these new device stands from 3feet that I like most. It might be that they come in a whole variety of bright crayon colors, or the fact that the parts are interchangeable like LEGO, so you can buy several of them and create your own customized stand. It’s also nice that they can be used with the iPad, Kindle, nook, iPhone and other devices. It could also be the fact that they are made here in the US and only cost $14.99. Definitely a great idea for a stocking stuffer.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

3feet is a stand for your device that is dishwasher safe originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 26, 2010 at 5:06 pm.

I’ve been waiting for Saddleback Leather Company to release a play through leather case for the iPad since last May when I reviewed their iPad Pouch. The pouch is great for transporting the iPad from place to place, but not for protecting it while in use. I’m happy to say that their new iPad case is now available and it’s gorgeous. Let’s take a look.

Most of the images in this review can be clicked to see a larger size that provides more detail.

My first impression of this case is that it reminds me of a rugged journal that a world traveler would carry with them to record their adventures. Like all of Saddleback’s cases and bags, this one is made of thick leather. Four to 5 oz (2.0mm to 2.2mm) thick full grain chrome tanned leather to be specific. Just to be clear, this case isn’t soft like your favorite leather jacket. It’s stiff and rugged.

The iPad case is available in Chestnut, Dark Coffee Brown, Carbon Black and Tobacco Brown. I was sent the Chestnut version.

The case opens like a book. When you open the cover, you will notice the darker pigskin lining and the iPad holder on the right side. FYI, pigskin is the 2nd toughest animal hide next to kangaroo. This case is built to last forever – which I guess is why they offer a 100yr warranty! Not that we’ll be using iPads that far down the road

Your iPad will slide into the holder from the opening in the center spine area. It takes a bit of effort to slide it into place as the fit is snug. There are no worries that the iPad will slide out by accident. Once inserted, the entire touch screen / display is still accessible and the edges of the leather holder don’t get in the way of interacting with the display.

You might notice that one important feature of the iPad is covered by the leather holder though – the Home button at the bottom of the display. You can press the leather in that area to activate the button without too much hassle, but I still don’t like that it’s covered because sometimes I find that I have to press it more than once.

All the other buttons / features are accessible though. As you can see here, the volume and menu button have a cutout on the right side.

While the power button, earphone jack have cutouts too. I’m not quite sure why the cutout for the earphone jack is so wide though…

Here’s a view of the cutouts for the dock / charge connector and speaker. You can also see the closure method for the cover.

You won’t need to worry about broken zippers and clasps as this case uses tabs and loops. The thread used to construct this case is industrial marine-grade Polyester UV resistant thread.

Even though the closure method is quite simple, the cover his held closed very securely and will protect the iPad’s display during transport.

The triple thickness of the leather around the top and bottom edges will also provide drop protection for your iPad as well. You might want to take a look at the video from Saddleback that demonstrates this feature.

In addition to functioning as a play through case, you can also use this case as a stand by flipping back the cover and sliding the tabs backwards into the loops.

This case is definitely built like a tank. That means it’s super protective, but it also means that it adds some bulk and weight to your iPad. All by itself, the Saddleback Leather iPad case weighs about 15 ounces (according to my digital scale). Add the iPad and the combo comes in at 2 lbs 7 ounces. That’s a third of the weight, which may or may not be a big deal to you.

Since this case already adds bulk to your iPad, it would be cool if it was modular and had the ability to add a shoulder strap and maybe a snap on 2nd case for other accessories like the charger.

But by itself, the Saddleback Leather iPad case is a wonderfully constructed heavy duty holder for your iPad. This baby is going to outlive the iPad by decades. That said, if you keep your iPad in this case, it will probably last just as long as the case!

Note: The links to Saddleback Leather on this page are affiliate links and I will earn a small percentage of any sales that come from The Gadgeteer.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Case, iPad, Stand

Saddleback Leather iPad Case Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 22, 2010 at 11:00 am.

If you’ve been shopping for both a case and a stand for your iPad, you might want to want to take a look at the modulR iPad Case and Accessory system before you decide to buy to separate products. The modulR system consists of an iPad case with a protective cover, that is compatible with a desk stand and a wall mount, with other mounting accessories for your car and home due out soon. Let’s take a look.

Each of the modulrR products in this review are sold separately, but you can also buy a starter package that includes all three of the currently available products. First of all, there’s the Case + Cover. This a prerequisite for the entire system. Without it, you can’t really use the other accessories. The cover is made of a soft touch semi-flexible plastic that has very good gripability. The back portion of the cover is more rigid for added protection. It has a large cutout that allows the Apple logo to be viewed.

The snap on cover is also rigid to protect the screen from scratches smudges and bumps when you’re on the go.

inserting and removing the iPad from the case is not a difficult operation. It’s easily accomplished very quickly.

The cover is equally easy to snap on and remove. When the cover is installed, it does enclose the iPad in a nice thick layer of protection. The only complaint I have about the cover is that it can’t snap on the back of the case when it’s not being used.

There are cutouts for the earphone jack and microphone. Even though the power button is covered by the case, there’s a built in button over it that can be pressed. This works fine and I didn’t notice any problems using it.

The sync/charge port and speaker is easily accessible.

The volume buttons are covered by the case like the power button, but again, the work just fine. The orientation button on the other hand is really hard to activate due to the small cutout and thickness of the case material. I don’t ever use this button, so it doesn’t really bother me.

If you flip the case over, you’ll notice a round node in each corner. They look like little stand up feet. But these nodes are what allow the modulR system to work so well with the Quick Stand and Slim Mount.

The Quick Stand is a steel stand with rubber feet that will allow you to stand your iPad in landscape orientation for viewing and typing. Notice the hooks in the stand? They mate with the nodes on the case. The Quick Stand is available in Orange, Black, White and Silver.

Here we see the case connected to the Quick Stand. The nodes easily slide into the hooks in the stand.

This orientation of the Quick Stand provides a solid base for viewing slide shows, movies, etc on your iPad.

Flip the stand and iPad over and you now have the iPad at the perfect angle for typing with the onscreen keyboard or even using like a laptop with a paired Bluetooth keyboard. The rubber feet on the stand keep the iPad from sliding around on the table in either orientation.

You’ve probably noticed something by now… The Quick Stand can only work in landscape orientation. If you want a stand that can also do portrait, then you’re out of luck with the Quick Stand.

The Slim Mount offers both portrait and landscape orientations. It’s a steel wall mounted bracket that is available in the same colors as the Quick Stand (Orange, Black, White and Silver).

The necessary hardware for attaching this mount to your wall is included along with instructions.

Here you see how the case and mount work together.

The Slim Mount is very sturdy and I have no doubt that it can easily and securely hold the iPad on your wall without any problems. I have to admit that I didn’t attach the Slim Mount to any of the walls in my home (yet). I’m not really sure where I’d put it. But if I ever want to do so, I now have the perfect tool for the job.

Except for the fact that the Quick Stand can only work in landscape orientation, I’ve found the modulR iPad Case and Accessory System to be top notch. Each component in the system is well made. The case and cover will protect the iPad from everyday abuse, while allowing it to easily connect to the attractive and sturdy desk or wall mounts. modulR is planning to offer a car head rest mount, shoulder strap and a swing arm mount soon, so this system will be expanding.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: Case, iPad, Mount, Stand

modulR iPad Case and Accessory System Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 7, 2010 at 4:19 pm.

Ten One Design’s Pogo Stylus for the iPhone 4 isn’t radically different than their original stylus, but you do get some added functionality with the clip on stylus holder. Besides holding your stylus when it isn’t be used, it will double as a stand to position your iPhone at a comfortable viewing angle in portrait and landscape orientations. The Pogo Stylus comes in 4 colors: Hot Pink, Black, Cactus and Burnt Orange. It’s priced at $14.95 (Available Now for Pre-Order – ships by Oct. 25).

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPhone, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand, Stylus

Ten One Design iPhone 4 Pogo Stylus Now Available originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 9, 2010 at 10:00 am.

Are you still looking for the perfect stand for your iPad because the current offerings on the market are either too bulky or have too many bells and whistles? The PadFoot from independent Dutch designer Michiel Cornelissen is neither of those things. It’s about as simple a stand as you will find. But is it too simple? Let’s take a closer look.

Note: Some of the images in this review can be clicked to view a larger size for more detail.

The PadFoot is available in several colors including Black, White, Green and Red. The PadFoot sample that I received is Black.

The first time I held it my hand I was surprised by how small and light weight it was. It almost felt like it was made of rigid foam. The material used to construct it is Polyamide, which is tough but lightweight with a fine surface texture.

Unlike some other iPad stands, the PadFoot is extremely portable. I can’t imagine anyone having problems finding space in their gear bag for it.

The stand is actually hollow, with a thin lattice base.

Most products like this one are typically injection molded. But the PadFoot has been printed. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s been created through a process called 3D printing where the product is created by laying down successive layers of material.

To use the PadFoot, you just slide the bottom right corner of the iPad into the slot. That’s it. As long as you’ve placed it on a flat and stable surface, the PadFoot will hold the iPad securely at an angle perfect for viewing photo slide shows or videos.

As you might have guessed, you won’t be able to adjust the viewing angle. Remember, I told you that there are no bells or whistles here. What you see is what you get with the PadFoot.

However, it does work well in both horizontal and vertical orientations. I like to use it in landscape mode when I have the iPad paired with a Bluetooth keyboard. It makes me feel like I’m using a laptop.

Other than the fact that you can’t change the viewing angle, the only real issue that I have with the PadFoot is the price. It starts out at $25.00 for White and goes up to $33.66 if you want Green or Red. The reason for the high price is the fact that Michiel is not a big manufacturing company. He’s using a 3D print service to offer the PadFoot to the public and the “printing” process isn’t cheap. Shipping is included in the price though.

If the price doesn’t scare you away and you want an easy to use, extremely compact iPad stand, the PadFoot is one such choice.

What is your favorite portable iPad stand?

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, Reviews

Tagged: iPad, Stand

PadFoot iPad Stand Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 3, 2010 at 8:07 pm.

The Standing iPhone Case for the iPhone 3G/3GS has a pivoting arm built into the case body which allows users to position their iPhone at multiple angles so that they can either watch movies, take group photos, or record videos of themselves hands free. It’s priced at $25 and is available now.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: Case, iPhone, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

Give your iPhone a kickstand originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 31, 2010 at 8:00 am.

Ok, not really, but close. The iPad and E-Reader Recliner from LapWorks is an adjustable desk stand with rubber cushions for your iPad’s or favorite eBook reader’s top and bottom edges. It adjusts quickly and easily to any viewing angle. It’s priced $34.95 and comes with a 6 month warranty.

Filed in categories: iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

A LazyBoy recliner for your iPad originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 18, 2010 at 9:32 pm.

If you’ve been shopping for a stand for the iPad, you’ll know that they come in all variety of shapes, sizes and materials. We’ve reviewed plastic, metal and wooden stands here on The Gadgeteer. If you still haven’t found the perfect stand, here’s another to take a look at. It’s the handcrafted hardwood iEcostand. This stand allows you to display your iPad (iPhone and even Kindle 2) in either portrait or landscape orientations. It also has a swing-out arm to aid in stabilization. Each stand is priced at $17.95 and $1 of that price is donated to the American Forests Organizations to plant a tree.

Filed in categories: eBook Readers and Gear, iPhone, iPad, iPod related, News

Tagged: iPad, iPhone, Kindle, Spotlight Gadgets, Stand

Hardwood iPad / iPhone / Kindle 2 stand originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 16, 2010 at 8:00 am.