Ten One Design Magnus Magnetic Stand for iPad 2 Review

One word came to my mind the first time I saw the Magnus Magnetic iPad 2 Stand from Ten One Design. That word was sexy. It's the most minimalistic iPad stand I've reviewed to date. Is this stand just a pretty face with nothing to back it up though? Let's find out. Note: Click the images in this review to see a larger view. The Magnus looks and feels exactly like the stand that is built into my iMac. It is made of machined, recycled aluminum which has been hand finished. Mac fans would definitely guess that it was made by Apple. The front has a shallow trough with a thin strip of rubber that covers embedded neodymium magnets. A side view shows a slightly raised ledge and also shows off the one-piece design. The bottom has 4 rubber feet to keep the stand from sliding around on your desk. If you're familiar with the iPad 2, you'll know that the edges have magnets that are used to attach smart covers. The Magnus stand from Ten One Design takes full advantage of these magnets by using them as the sole method of holding the iPad 2 in place. I keep saying iPad 2 because the Magnus will not work with the original iPad or any tablet other than the iPad 2. It's been designed specifically to mate with the iPad 2′s magnetic left edge. The iPad clicks into the ledge as soon as you get close to it. Removing the iPad from the stand requires two hands. One to hold the stand and the other hand to pull the iPad free of the magnets. Has it occurred to you yet that you can only orient the iPad one way with this stand? It will only work in landscape orientation with the home button on the right. Although you can balance the iPad in the ledge in normal orientation, it isn't secure and is definitely not recommended as the slightest bump will cause it to slide out. The orientation issue is the number one limitation of the Magnus. The number two limitation is that the viewing angle can not be changed.   What good is an iPad stand that you can only orient one way and can't change the viewing angle? That's a good question… I have found that it does work great as a 2nd display for your desktop or laptop. It also works well as a clock or a photo frame. The angle is actually very good when using the iPad with a keyboard. So although functionality is limited with this stand, it's not a complete deal breaker. The deal breaker is more likely the 50 dollar price tag for something that can only be used with only one device in a very specific way. If the price tag doesn't scare you away along with the limitations, this stand is the sexiest way to display your iPad 2 in landscape orientation.

Magnus iPad 2 Stand – Most Elegant iPad Stand Yet?

If you've been trying to find an elegant and minimal stand for your iPad 2, the Magnus stand from Ten One Design looks like it might be it. Designed specifically for the iPad 2, this hand-finished aluminum stand takes advantage of the magnets that are built in to the Left side of the tablet to hold it in place. The result is a stand that you will barely notice. There are a few caveats though. The stand only works with an uncased iPad 2 in landscape orientation. If you're cool with that, then plunk down your $49.95 for this sexy stand.

Frameshift iPad Stand

The Frameshift iPad Stand from DARWINmachine is made of hand-brushed, anodized CNC aircraft-grade aluminum.  It has military-grade abrasion resistant rubber padding and stainless steel hardware, so it's built for the rigors of travel as well as home and office use.  It adjusts to an infinity of angles, and it will support the iPad in horizontal or vertical orientation.  The tripod design enhances stability, and the Frameshift is compatible with the iPad's charging cable.  The Frameshift is available in red or blue in models for the iPad or the iPad 2.  The price will be $129.00, but DARWINmachine is currently offering it at an introductory price of $99.

Rain Design iRest iPad LapStand Review

It is hard to believe its been over three years and five laptops since I did my Rain Design mStand review. I have gone through a lot of tech/gadget-stuff in those 40 months. But to this day, the mStand remains prominently situated on my desk, supporting all of my laptops from the 17″ MBPro I had while doing the original review to my current 13″ MBAir. Sufficed to say, I like I love the look, style, and function of the mStand especially when displaying my aluminum unibody laptops from Apple. Over the years, Rain Design has continued to release Apple centric designs to accentuate Apple's sleek aluminum and glass look and feel. This year, in that same tradition, they have created a stand engineered to hold your iPad while you're laying/lounging around, called the iRest.

The iRest is well made for its weight and transportability. It is compatible with the iPad 1 and iPad 2. According to Rain Design it also works with any tablet less than 0.47 inches (1.2 cm) thick. You can use your iPad/tablet vertically…..

…..or horizontally. The slot that the iPad resides in easily accommodates a naked iPad or the iPad 2 with or without its smart cover.

It does not allow either of the OtterBox Commuter or Defender (aka bulky) cases to fit within the iRest's rail.

As with the mStand, Rain Design has included/engineered adequate padding so that your iPad does not rub against the aluminum back of the iRest.

Specifications: The iRest can fold down into a relatively small volume. At two inches thick and less than a pound, it is very transportable.

The iRest stand is simple to get operational; take off the front pad, extend the acrylic back leg, replace the front pad, then screw in the two back padded feet.

As I stated above, the iRest is well made; from the aluminum stand and front foot, to the various types of padding, to the acrylic back leg. The back leg allows for large range of angles from nearly vertical to almost horizontal.

Quite often, the Gadgeteer Kid and I watch a show or movie in the evening before going to sleep. We typically negotiate (aka argue) who is going to hold the iPad while doing so. Being the end of the day and tired, holding the 1.5 lbs iPad in place is a hassle. The iRest eliminates this burden not only in bed but all around the house; from the couch, to the kitchen counter, to the desk, etc.

For what it is worth, the GK really likes the iRest and has said so more than a few times (this stand has, more or less, become his….). Other than before-bed movies, he primarily uses the iRest to hold his iPad when he is doing homework at the kitchen counter.

In addition to being able to use it as a lapstand, some or all of the padding can be removed, enabling the iRest to be used as a desktop stand for your iPad.  This is a nice feature.

Overall, we find the iRest useful throughout the house. My son takes advantage of its ability to display his iPad (vs him having to hold it or lean over it while laying horizontal). At $50, the iRest is comparably priced to other iPad stands and smart covers.  When factoring in its material and build quality it is a great buy.

Elecom's faucet-inspired iPad/iPhone stand

Looking for a stand for your iPad? If you're not really in need of a stand that has built in speakers, or an additional display or one that can put into your car, then perhaps this Elecom stand designed by Nendo could just be what you were looking for.

Judging by its looks, this stand appears to focus more about design as opposed to being featured packed or being practical. In fact judging by the photos, propping your iPad or iPhone up against the stand does not guarantee that it will not topple over, but if form over function is your philosophy then this iPad/iPhone stand will definitely make a statement in your room's decor.

Made out of polycarbonate and ABS faucet parts, the stand was designed to look like an old fashioned faucet with the illusion of water flowing out of it and into a puddle. It will be available in clear, black, blue and white, with the clear and blue versions looking particularly convincing.

Unfortunately if you were planning to get your hands on one of these stands, Elecom's website does not seem to have stated the price or the availability but perhaps some time down the line they will. For now it looks like you will just have to be content with photos.
source: Ubergizmo

Piano Keyboard for iPad Teaches You to Tickle Those Ivories

Piano Apprentice is a different kind of external keyboard for your iPad

Here's one for all the luddites who whine that “the iPad doesn't have a proper keyboard.” Piano Apprentice is an external keyboard for your tablet, only instead of adding QWERTY, it brings do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do.

The keyboard comes with a free iPad companion app which plugs in via the 30-pin dock connector. With these two parts, you can learn how to play the piano by following the on-screen instructions and/or pressing the keys as their internal LEDs light up.

But that's not all. The 25-note keyboard is also Core MIDI compliant. This means that you can use it as a controller for other MIDI-aware apps on the iPad — Garage Band, for example. The keys are even touch-sensitive, so you won't lose Garage Band's excellent velocity-sensing when you use it.

The Piano Apprentice will go on sale in September, ready for the cool days and early nights of Autumn, and will cost around $100. The companion app will be free.

Piano Apprentice [Ion Audio via Oh Gizmo!]
source: Gadget Lab

IPEVO Cushi iPad Stand Could Double Up As A Pillow Too

If you're an iPad or tablet user in general, you've probably come across a couple of stands or docks, and there are probably not many of those you would see the point in bringing along with you on a trip, but perhaps IPEVO's Cushi iPad stand may change your mind. As you can see in the photo above, the IPEVO Cushi stand looks more like a pillow, rather than a stand, which allows you to place your iPad or tablet at an angle while also providing an area for you to read your hands, head or even a wireless Apple keyboard.

The stand is made out of soft foam and is covered with cotton denim, whose colors the creators have referred to as “Steve's Blue Jeans”. We're guessing it's most likely a reference to Steve Job's jeans, which you can see him wearing during his appearances . Not a lot of flexibility going on with this stand, so you can only prop your tablet at one angle, and either in horizontal or vertical position, but we're liking how comfortable it actually looks. So perhaps when you're done using your iPad or tablet and you decide that you want to grab a quick nap, take the tablet off the stand and rest your head on it.

Ta-dah! A pillow.
source: Ubergizmo

iProp iPad Stand Review

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.
source: The Gadgeteer

Philips Rise And Shine DC291x37 Docking Station

The Philips Rise and Shine DC291x37 is an aluminum clock radio for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad. The docking station features a top-mounted dock, an automatic clock synchronization, a 10W RMS of total power, a digital FM tuner, a front-facing LCD display, a 3.5mm input, weekday/weekend alarm settings and neodymium drivers. The Philips Rise And Shine DC291x37 retails for $120. [Philips]

Acrylic Display Dock for the iPad 2

If you've been in an Apple store recently, you've seen that the old paper information signs for each product on display have been replaced. An iPad mounted in a sleek acrylic wedge now displays everything you'll need to know – and I'm sure using the iPad for the information is designed to pique your interest in one of those, too. Anyway, if you like the look of those acrylic stands, you'll be able to get one of your own from newPCgadgets. The iPad 2 Display Dock holds your device at a good angle for typing or for viewing your calendar, contacts, or a document while it's on your desk. It also incorporates an iPhone/iPod dock. It works as a charging stand for your devices, too. The iPad 2 Display Dock is available at newPCgadgets for $74.95.
source: The Gadgeteer

Stance iPad 2 Stand Fits In Cup Holders

Taking your iPod or iPhone to the gym is not unheard of, placing the iPhone on the windscreen of your car to double up as a GPS unit with Google Maps isn't an uncommon scenario either, but what happened to the iPad? If you're looking to give your iPad 2 some loving in the gym or in the car then perhaps the Stance iPad 2 stand may be what you're looking for.

The Stance stand comes with a base that fits in most cup holders, meaning that for some cars the cup holders can be found in between the driver's seat and the front passengers seat, and for gym goers there's a high chance that your treadmill or elliptical trainer or exercise bicycle will come with a cup holder, usually for holding your water bottles, or in this case your iPad 2. So instead of having to view Google Maps on the small screen on the iPhone you will now be able to get a larger view of Google Maps on the iPad 2 while driving, or when working out instead of having to listen to the awful music played at gyms, pop a pair of earphones and watch your favorite shows right from your iPad, or read a book/magazine instead.

If you're hoping to get your hands on the Stance it will set you back $28 and if you want to look at more photos or place an order just head on down to the Quirky website.
source: Ubergizmo

Thought Out Stabile Stand for iPad and iPad 2

There are a lot of stands for iPad and iPad 2 that can give your device that iMac look. The Stabile Stand from Thought Out stands out from the crowd because it is 4 pounds of American steel. It has a low center of gravity that makes the Stabile stand very... stable. It has non-skid feet and padding to protect your iPad or iPad 2. It holds an iPad with or without a skin or case in either horizontal or vertical positions. The slit in the stand holds the charging cable in place. The Stabile Stand for iPad and iPad 2 is available in a silver finish to match the Apple keyboard, black, limited edition Flame, and chrome. The Flame is only $39.99, black is $49.99, silver is $59.99, and the chrome is $269.99 (no that's not a typo).

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Versatile Magstand2 for iPad 2

There isn't a lot of information available yet, but Macally will be releasing a product for iPad 2 that can be used as a tabletop stand or as an under-counter mount. It appears the Magstand2 will make use of the iPad 2′s internal magnets (that hold the Smart Cover in place) to securely hold the iPad 2, even as it dangles over a kitchen counter. When available, the Magstand2 will sell for $29.99.

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