Product Review: Satechi R1 Tablet Stand

Well, the iPad 3 will be announced next week. With new hardware, comes new accessories. Of course it's personal preference for how you'd like to protect or display your device. Once you've figured out how to protect it, Satechi's R1 tablet stand ($49.99) has got you covered for display. Although the R1 is a universal tablet stand, it's obvious that they had Apple in mind. Its form factor closely resembles the L-stand on current iMacs and even matches its industrial, aluminum finish. What sets this stand apart is its second joint, which allows a welcome selection of added display angles. Its base hinge offers 180 degrees of motion, whereas its mount hinge (where you mount your device) offers a whopping 270 degrees of motion. The stand can also fold down completely for easy travel use. Of course, the R1 has rubberized pads in all the right places to prevent slipping and scratching your device. Now that you know what the stand does, is it worth it?

The Good

Aesthetically, the R1 is a great looking stand. It would be at home next to any Apple computer. The hinges are sturdy - remaining unaffected by gaming and typing while my iPad was mounted. The included pouch was a nice addition, which actually prevents the R1 from scratching any other devices you may pack it with while on the go. Both portrait and landscape orientations worked perfectly. Charging my iPad on the stand was still just as easy, and the R1's design even served as (accidental?) cord management. The best part: the cradles should be wide enough to accommodate your future iPad 3! That is, unless it happens to be thicker than about 17mm.   The Bad I wish that the cradles to hold your device were adjustable. Although I never worried about my iPad dropping, it's just hard to completely trust gravity with something that would kill my wallet to replace. My next issue has nothing to do with the stand itself, but I could have done without the big R1 logo on the base of the stand. It just seems intrusive to me.   Verdict Overall, the R1 is worth it's $49.99 price tag, in my opinion. It looks great, does everything its supposed to, and is fairly priced. The dual joints offer a ton of viewing angles and can even be positioned for two-hand typing. This stand is compact and easy to use on the go. Just for the heck of it, I even put my iPhone on the stand. It was surprisingly convenient. For more information and ordering options, visit Satechi's website. If this stand isn't for you, then I'd like to know what you guys look for when choosing a stand for your beloved iDevices. Function? Fashion? Both?

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