Hey guys. We’re going to talk about aluminum stands for the Apple iPad today.
We all know what a cool device the iPad is. Built for web browsing, gaming and multimedia consumption, I’m pretty sure many of you owning one use it for watching movies. Or, if you pair it with a keyboard, use it on your desk as a non-conventional computer, from time to time. Or just have it on the table, in the living room.
For all these activities you will need a proper iPad stand. Apple sell their own official stand, which is expensive and kind of stupid though, as you’ll only be able to dock your tablet vertically, thus it will be completely useless when trying to use the iPad in Landscape mode.
As in iPad owner myself, I enjoy using a case that also acts as a stand, like my leather Snugg does. However, during these last years, I’ve tried a couple of dedicated stands as well, both the cheap and the premium options available in stores.
In the end, I’m still fine with my case, but if you’re against a leather cover and like to use your iPad bare naked, a dedicated stand will come in handy. One thing is for sure: I for one would totally go for an aluminum iPad stand right now, as they have the proper looks to match the Apple tablet, the reliability and the necessary ergonomics.
You can see some of my favorite available options below. They are all compatible with the first generation iPad, the iPad 2 and the new iPad launched in 2012.
Griffin A-Frame Tabletop Stand
One of the most popular stands for the Apple iPad is the A-Frame from Griffin. Built out of aluminum, comes with a very sturdy design and will hold your device in place firmly. Plus, the areas in contact with the table/desk are padded with slip-proof rubber feet. And it looks quite good, although it is a little bit bulky.
It is very versatile, allowing the iPad to be used in both Landscape and Portrait modes, while keeping the power/sync cables connected at all time. Also, if you have a case or cover for your gadget, you won’t have to take it off when placing it on this a-frame stand.
Like i said, this Griffin accessory is not actually compact. It’s bulky and weighs nearly the same as the iPad does, so it’s not a stand you can easily carry around. But hey, you can’t have something as sturdy and reliable, while keeping it light, can you?
This Griffin A-Frame Tabletop comes with a list price of $49.99 on Griffin’s site, but you can find it slightly cheaper on Amazon, where it managed to score excellent reviews from previous buyers. See them via this link, or get more details and the option to buy such a stand for your iPad.
Griffin A-frame tabletop - versatile and with great reviews from owners
Macally Viewstand
Another solid built aluminum stand for the iPad is this one from Macally. Heavy and sturdy as the one above, this one is also made from metal, but comes with a special scratch-proof coating.
It allows you to use the device in Portrait/Landscape , but as you can see from the pictures, you can use it also when you want to write on your iPad, providing a proper ergonomic position that will reduce fatigue in your joints. Also, I believe you can use it as an iPad lap-stand as well.
It comes with a list price of $59.99, but can be found greatly discounted online, with Free Shipping included. More pictures, reviews and the option to buy one via this link.
Macally ViewStand for iPod - sturdy and solid aluminum stand
Twelve South BookArc for iPad
The BookArc si a different type of stand than the ones above. It’s made out of a lump of aluminum and has an insert in the middle, padded with silicone, where you just snug your iPad. Being elevated in the middle means that you’ll have access to all the ports.
You might wonder if the snug is fit enough? It actually is, and you can even use it if your iPad is placed inside a case (as long as it’s not extra thick). Of course, with such a stand, adjusting the viewing angles to the exact desired position might be a bit tricky, but adjustments are possible nonetheless, while most other aluminum iPad stands won’t offer this feature.
I particularly like the looks and design of this stand; just see how nice it goes with the Apple wireless keyboard on your desk. Plus, it’s a lot more sleek and compact than the ones above.
That doesn’t make it cheap though: list price is $39.99, but Amazon usually offers it cheaper. More details via this link. It is made by Twelve South though and considering how their accessories are so well received all over the world (and for good reason), I wouldn’t mind paying a little bit extra just to get this one.
Twelve South BookArc for iPad - great design and ergonomics
elago P2 Stand
This stand is also compact and sleek looking. You can rest you iPad on it with or without a case, you can use it in landscape/portrait mode and you’ll easily have access to all ports. Plus, you don’t have to worry about loose cables, there’s an integrated cable management system embedded.
Still, this stand looked a bit flimsy when I first got my eyes on it but it actually turned out to be stable, thus there’s no way your iPad would accidentally fall back from it.
It does have a problem though: you can’t adjust viewing angle in any way, and that’s a pitty. Besides that though, this is a stand you should consider, especially since it comes in two color options (silver and black), offers a spartan design and it’s decently priced at around $30 (with Free Delivery included). More details via this link.
Elago P2 Stand - sleek and affordable aluminum rest
Element Case Joule
Last but for sure not least in this list of recommended aluminum stands for the Apple iPad is the Element Case Joule. Built from a piece of solid aluminum, this stand emphasizes on design. See the picture below for details.
The iPad snugs in the special compartment like on the BookArc above, which is actually padded with velvet for a firm scratch-proof grip. The magnetic tilt foot on the back makes sure you iPad won’t roll over and also allows adjustments so you can easily get the right viewing angle for your needs.
All in all, the Element Case Joule is a fancy stand. You can make it even fancier, as the producer allows custom coatings (to the 3 default available options) and laser engravings. All these do come pricey though, as the Joule sells for $129 (price before taxes and without shipping). Way too expensive for my budget, but if money are not a problem and want a stand that looks astonishing, does its job perfectly and is extravagant, this is right now your top option.
Element Case Joule - extravagant, but expensive
Wrap up
All in all, you can see that there are quite a couple of good options for iPad aluminum stands.
They are mainly meant for desk-usage, but some can even be used as lap stands. And most of these stands are universal, as they can also be paired with other tablets, not just Apple’s iPad.
None of them is designed to be used in your car though, so if you’re looking for one of those, let me know if I can find anything suitable (did not have the chance to play with such iPad accessories till now) and I’ll get back with a future article. Also, my friend John has a post on iPad stands and accessories as well.
Now that’s about it, hopefully this list helped you. As you can see, its not a top, all the stands in here are very good and worth buying, you’ll just have to decide which one to choose, based on your taste, requirements and budget.
They are all solid aluminum iPad stands, so they are reliable, but also more expensive than some other plastic rests you might find. But if you want a good looking and reliable stand for your iPad, my advice: go for a metal one, it’s well worth the money.
