Ten One Design Releases Magnus Magnetic Stand
by Lenny Liang
January 21, 2012
The Magnus stand from Ten One Design markets itself as a handcrafted stand for high-end workspaces. Its calling card is its sleek, but minimalistic design. As described on its features page, Magnus is machine-constructed out of aluminum and then hand finished. Customized magnets are then installed in its base; these magnets interface with an unfettered (i.e., no cover, but skins are okay) iPad 2, set in landscape mode. When the device is placed correctly, the stand virtually disappears from view.
Because of the labor-intensive process involved in making Magnus, orders are limited and are fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of the stand will be $49.95. It will begin shipping on Jan. 24.
The natural question is why one should buy Magnus, when the iPad Smart Cover is more portable, has greater functionality, and is also less expensive (in the polyurethane version)? It's a fair question. It likely comes down to user preference. Ten One's target audience appears to be those who value sophisticated aesthetics over the functional beauty of convenience. The company attempts to differentiate Magnus by stating on its site, "This isn't one of those portable travel stands. Leave it on your desk, ok?"
From its gallery shots, Magnus is indeed a handsome stand. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whether Magnus is worth its price is up to you, the beholder.
