[ad_1]
Being the sidekick is hard. You have to face that you’re never going to get the recognition you deserve, any awards you get will have a qualifier in front of them, and forget about a trailer of your own. Imagine then, the tough role iPad stands play. They’re the true supporting characters in the ongoing drama that is the life of an Apple iPad.
Due to their much-lauded portability, iPads pack a busy schedule and constantly travel. But because of their fragility, they need a safe place to land. Cue the iPad stand. The iPad is undoubtedly handy, but sometimes it’s best operated hands-free, whether that’s for writing a novel or for reading one, serving as accompaniment in a dog serenade(Opens in a new window) or for watching a YouTube video of a dog serenade.
Some of the iPad stands in our story are the straight men, acting as a stabilizing factor for the Apple iPad in a variety of scenarios. Some are the stunt men, protecting the iPad in situations that might otherwise be too risky. Others serve as comic relief, lightening the mood and serving up a little bit of enlightenment at the same time. The majority of these iPad stands can be used to prop up different tablets and even some ereaders—just don’t let the iPad hear that; you know how sensitive lead actors can be.
So let’s take a few minutes, get on our feet, and give these iPad stands a standing O so they can enjoy their few minutes in the limelight.
1. DIY
Gone are the days when Apple would include extras like a wall charger with an iPod. But what it might not realize is that it has included a free stand (actually, four!) with every iPad. Ian Collins(Opens in a new window) dreamed up this out-of-the-box solution. Just remove the pieces that secure the iPad in the package, cut them in half, notch them, and you’re done. Now that’s a wrap!
2. Conceptually Brilliant
Kickstarter project PadPivot(Opens in a new window) lets you prop an iPad up on your thigh sans slippage thanks to a grip plate that secures the iPad to the stand. The stand can also be flipped around for use on a table. It’s set to hit theaters near you soon, but the crowd’s gone wild for it already, pledging $180,352 over creator Jim Young’s goal of $10,000.
3. Weirdest
It’s not hard to guess which country the weirdest iPad stand hails from. That’s right, the same place that brought us dancing flower speakers and paper robots(Opens in a new window). Design firm Nendo and electronics accessories maker Elecom, both of Japan, have teamed up to create the Jaguchi faucet-shaped iPad stand. While jokey, it’s functional, but be careful not to use your iPad for transmitting corporate secrets. Everyone will know you’re the source of the leak. (Ba dum bum.)
4. Divine Design
The Stabile iPad stand(Opens in a new window) from Thought Out Company has the elegance and simplicity of a red-carpet tux. Reminiscent of a mid-century modern Vladimir Kagan table, the four-pound solid steel stand can cradle the iPad in landscape and portrait.
5. Deepest Shade of Green
The iLog iPad stand(Opens in a new window) from Twisted Twee brings the iPad back to its roots—or rather, to roots in general. The stand is made of reclaimed London wood (i.e., fallen branches or trees that needed to be felled) and has been hand-crafted to accommodate the iPad’s charging cord.
6. The Multitasker
The Crux360(Opens in a new window) plays the part of an iPad stand, case, and keyboard. Four modes let the iPad act as a laptop, movie screen, or a tablet and keep it safe while it travels between gigs. There’s even a little window to give everyone a view of the (tipsy) Apple logo.
7. Geekiest
No stand is more perfectly cast for the iPad than a Mac Classic. Sadly, you can’t purchase the product, but the good news is that you can watch it in action(Opens in a new window) and, if you’re so inclined, build it from the “How to Make ‘Macintosh iPad Stand’ Processing Guide.”(Opens in a new window)
8. As Seen On TV
The V-luxe from BKNY Design(Opens in a new window) brings the warm glow of a CRT to the iPad’s LED display. Originally a birthday gift from creator Paula Anne Patterson to her boyfriend, it turned into a Kickstarter project and then entered production. The V-luxe swivels and tilts to show off one of three finishes—walnut, cherry, or African mahogany—and, of course, the iPad. Its vented cabinet can house speakers.
9. Talent Competition
The iKlip(Opens in a new window) secures an iPad to a mic stand, so it can unobtrusively accompany vocalists and musicians. Keep it close on karaoke night: You’re going to need something to make you look cool while you belt out Laura Branigan’s “Gloria.”
10. She’s Crafty
The IPEVO Cushi Pillow(Opens in a new window) from Etsy seller Jowun keeps the iPad cozy. The iPad can snuggle into this pillowy stand, and there’s even room to spare for a wireless keyboard. The stand can be folded into two different positions, so you and your iPad can get ultra-cozy.
[ad_2]
Source link : https://www.pcmag.com/news/ipad-stands-take-center-stage