Here are the 9 most attractive and functional stands for iPad.
1. The Thought Out Stabile 2.0 (~$79.99)
And the Stabile comes in black, white, and “Apple” silver to match your iPad.
2. Joule for iPad 1 and 2 ($79.99 – $99.99)
If you want to keep in the minimalist tradition of your iPad, then the Joule case is for you. Made of “aircraft grade” aluminum as well as in the USA, the Joule has a very unique 3 position tilt-arm system. Basically, there are three holes in the back of the stand where you can place the tilt-arm. Depending on where you place the arm, the stand will be at different angles. Comes in white, black, and aluminum.
3. Twelve South Compass Mobile ($39.99)
The Compass Mobile is an easel stand and allows you to view your iPad in both portrait and landscape modes. Even though the Compass looks a little “wobbly” you don’t need to worry, it’s made of heavy gauge steel and is precision cut.One potential drawback is that you can only have your iPad at a 60-degree angle, making it not the greatest thing to use if you need to type on the virtual keyboard. But, if you are viewing apps, typing with a hardware keyboard, watching video, and FaceTiming then it would work out great.
4. Incase Origami Workstation ($29.95)
I’d be doing you a total disservice if I didn’t mention the Incase Origami workstation. This is my personal iPad “workstation” of choice. It’s a small Apple bluetooth keyboard case that folds into a small stand for the iPad. It’s super portable, durable, made of great material, and simple. What’s nice about the Origami is that you don’t have to attach it to your iPad like other cases. It’s a separate entity that you can use when and where you want.
5. Kitchen Cabinet Mount ($49.99)
Not necessarily a desk stand for the iPad, the Kitchen Cabinet Mount by Belkin allows you to use your cooking and foodie apps while you are busy in the kitchen. One of the nicest things about this mount is that you don’t have to permanently place it in one place; there is a clamping system that allows you to move it anytime you want.
6. Just Mobile Lazy Couch Stands ($19.99)
I remember Mr. Ihnatko from MacBreak Weekly fame talking about something close to this idea. If you just want a simple way to prop up your iPad a tad on your desk, so you can use the virtual keyboard, then this is the solution for you. There are basically two little “nubs” that sit under your iPad. They also connect together for storage.
7. @Rest iPad stand ($49.99)
Alright, if you want to get serious about your iPad standing, then you have to look at the @Rest before you make a decision. The @Rest is a well designed iPad stand that doubles as a MacBook stand. It’s made of solid aluminum that is powedercoated for a very nice finish. @Rest can be used to view your iPad in portrait or landscape at two different angles.
8. iRest (regularly $60, get it for $40 from Lifehack Deals)
Also, iRest won the 2011 MacWorld Best of Show.
9. Griffin Technology Loop ($29.99)
I remember the first time that I saw the iPad at an Apple store in 2010 with its neat, rubberized stand that cradled it on the table. The closest thing to those stands that I have seen is the Griffin Technology Loop. The Loop has a pair of grooves so you can put the iPad at a 20-degree angle or you can place it on the ring so it is easier to type on the virtual keyboard. The Loop is made of hard plastic and rubber. Are there any other desk stands for iPad that you can recommend? If so, comment below.
