The iPad can be a pain to use – literally. Unless you’re curled up in your armchair or have your feet up on the sofa, the iPad can be an ergonomic nightmare. The iPad was designed as a ‘lean back’ device, and yet many of us use it when we’re also leaning forwards.
I first realized this problem when I started using my iPad at my computer desk. It became obvious that laying it flat on the desk made it difficult to use, and holding it upright with my hands was both tiring and cumbersome.
If you’re experiencing this dilema like I was, the best solution, in my opinion, is to get an iPad stand when you’re at a table or desk. Propping your iPad up with random objects gets old pretty fast. And these methods rarely give you an ideal angle to interact with the device.
One of my top choices for an iPad or iPad 2 stand is the Twelve South Compass Mobile Stand. Let’s take a look why:
This is a great stand if you need something that’s not only solidly built, but can be folded up and taken everywhere. The Compass is a collapsible stand that comes with its own sleeve. Its slender form is only 7-inches long when folded, so you likely won’t notice it in your bag next to your iPad. Also, when in use, the Compass has a very small footprint – convenient for crowded desks like mine.
What Are The Viewing Angles?
The Compass allows for both a 60-degree upright angle, and a lower 15-degree angle. The upright angle is perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and many other content consuming activities. But when you need to bang out some serious lines of text, the 15-degree angle provides an optimal incline for the onscreen keyboard.
It would seem that Twelve South has carefully researched the ergonomics of the iPad and have chosen these two sitting angles wisely.
Build Quality and Construction
The Compass features an industrial design that’s as stylish as your iPad. The stand looks and feels very solid and robust. When I look at the stand, there’s nothing cheap or flimsy about it. I have no doubts that it will last for years.
Also, despite being made from heavy-guage steel, there’s little risk of the Compass scratching your iPad. The stand is devoid of any sharp or rough edges, and all points of contact with the iPad are coated with silicone. These are features you won’t find on cheaper iPad mounts.
How Practical Is The Design?
The Compass will hold your iPad in portrait or landscape orientation, and will even accommodate most cases while doing so. In addition, the Compass raises the iPad so that you’re able to use the dock connector even when in portrait mode. This is an iPad mount with practicality in mind!
Things You Might Not Like
The Compass weighs around 7 ounces, making it slightly heavier than one would like for a mobile accessory. Still, I think the tradeoff in weight for sturdiness is well worth an ounce or two.
Also, reportedly, the stand has also given at least one person some trouble at an airport security checkpoint. You may have to demonstrate that the stand doesn’t contain sharp points or edges – most likely taking it out of its sleeve. Fortunately, it’s a completely nonthreatening object upon closer inspection.
Awards and Ratings
The Compass currently enjoys a 4.5/5 star rating on Amazon. It is highly rated among users and has received very positive scores by review sites.
Where To Buy?
You can find the best price for the Twelve South Compass iPad Stand stand on Amazon, and usually get free shipping from retailers. Also, you can read more reviews on the Compass stand to see if it really suits your needs.
This looks a really nifty stand I knew if I bought one I would probably find one that looked a better product. Why do we keep looking even after we have bought something we know we are then going to be disappointed with what we purchased sooner or later when we see something better.
Thanks lee I think