By ‘Doctor Dave’ Greenbaum
As the market matures for iPad products, the choices for a good stand have become overwhelming. Some people have made a cheap stand from a few parts found at an office supply store, while others have a rudimentary stand built right into an iPad protective sleeve.
Lapworks focuses on style and function rather than portability and cost with the Lapworks iPad and E-Reader Recliner
(http://www.laptopdesk.net/ipad-ereader-recliner1.html). Although US$44.95 is not cheap, neither was your iPad.
Fortunately, this stand isn’t specific to the iPad, but can hold any similarly sized tablet device such as a Kindle or Nook. The stand is adjustable and can sit anywhere from 8.25 inches tall to 4.25 inches tall so you can comfortable read or display your device at any angle. It also supports the iPad in either a portrait or landscape mode. The rubber pads provide an excellent grip to prevent slipping and sliding while allowing full access to the device, including the charging port.
Unfortunately, the stand isn’t really portable. Unlike other Lapworks \products, this stand does not fold or deconstruct for easy carrying. I tried to carry it with me to the coffee shop, but the point of carrying the iPad was reducing bulky accessories, not adding to them. Honestly, for the price, I’d expect a bit more. I did receive quite a few compliments at the coffee shop, though.
Overall, I really liked the stand. While not in use, the stand made a highly stable base of my iPad while charging and showing pictures. Occasionally while watching TV on the iPad, the base travelled into the bedroom to provide a easy platform for viewing. Trying to watch a 60-minute show while holding an iPad does get tiring quickly. When the iPad is used for heavy word processing with the BlueTooth keyboard, the experience was clearly superior to the iPad keyboard stand produced by Apple.
Pros: Stable, attractive base for your iPad
Cons: Pricey, not portable
Rating 7 out of 10
