Several weeks ago, Macgasm did a preview of the Joule iPad Stand by Element Case. Today we have a review, and one lucky Macgasm reader will win a black matte Joule stand engraved with the Macgasm logo!
The Giveaway
To enter the giveaway just tweet the following by clicking here (opens the twitter website; must be logged in): “Macgasm.net is giving away a Joule iPad Stand! RT to enter! http://su.pr/2KjTLW” The contest runs from today (May 21, 2010) until next Thursday (May 27, 2010 @ 12:00 midnight EST). The winner will be announced on Friday, May 28. Contest is limited to people in the US and Canada who are age 18 and above.
Contestants will be entered into a list, and selected by a random number generator.
The Review
The Joule iPad stand is a gorgeous metal stand. Made of solid aluminum, it sports a shiny chrome surface ($129), or, if you prefer, a black matte finish ($139). If you choose the matte finish, you can have your stand engraved with your name or a logo.
Inside the package are the base, the foot, and a carrying case. You’ll definitely want to keep the stand in its carrying case when it’s not in use, especially if you stick it in a bag with your iPad. The stand is so heavy you won’t want it bouncing around and coming in contact with your precious gizmo. While there’s no instruction booklet included, the cardboard label has a photograph that demonstrates the stand’s three positions, and it’s pretty obvious how the Joule works.
The base has a velvet-lined interior that protects your iPad from scratches. On the underside are two rubber feet that keep the base from slipping.
You can insert the iPad either horizontally or vertically into the stand. When the iPad is vertical, the power button is accessible through the curved opening in the stand. There is also a cutout that allows sound to come out the iPad’s speakers. Unfortunately, in the vertical position you can’t insert the iPad’s dock connector, so you can’t use the stand and charge the iPad at the same time. In the landscape position, all the controls are easily accessible and you can plug the iPad in.
The stand offers three viewing positions.
High
Medium
Low
What’s Macgasmic: The Joule iPad stand is simply gorgeous. It’s solid and holds the iPad securely in both vertical and horizontal positions. The stand is perfect for viewing videos, displaying on a desk, or typing with an external keyboard.
What’s Not: First, the stand only works with a bare naked iPad. The opening will not accommodate even the most form-fitting case (though skins should be fine). For example, my husband has the Griffin FlexGrip case, which is a pretty minimalist case, and his iPad wouldn’t fit in the Joule. So, in order to use the Joule, you’ll either need to forego a case or remove your iPad from its case each time.
Second, I was hoping that, on the lowest setting, the Joule would angle the iPad correctly for typing. Unfortunately, the angle is too sharp, forcing your hands upward into an uncomfortable position. Within just a few minutes, my hands and wrists were aching. Of course, if you use an external keyboard with your iPad, this will not be an issue.
Third, obviously $129 is pretty expensive for a stand. If you shot your wad buying your iPad, you might prefer going to your local office supply and purchasing a $3.00 business card holder. If, however, you desire something both beautiful and extraordinarily well made, the Joule is well worth the price. It is more than just an iPad stand, it is a work of modern art.
The Joule is an elegant, sturdy stand that complements the clean lines and aesthetics of your iPad. It offers three different viewing angles and the option of portrait or landscape orientation. It can display your iPad on your desk while you work, on your kitchen counter while you prepare dinner, or on your coffee table while you watch a movie. The only task you can’t do well with the Joule is type directly on your iPad.
Photo Credit: Two images are courtesy Element Case; all other images are by Susan Pigott.
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