Honey, I shrunk the iMac.
The iPhone and the iPod touch are revolutionary mobile devices. Now your phone or iPod touch can bring you true widescreen video content, in addition to all the audio goodness that has become synonymous with the iPod brand. But there’s never been a comfortable way to prop up the device and bask in the 420x380 widescreen glow. Instead, we’re left holding our iPhone in one hand—which gets tiring after an episode or two of Dexter—and craning our neck just so, to get the perfect angle. Just Mobile has remedied this predicament by introducing the Xtand.
The Xtand is a two-piece stand for your iPhone or iPod touch. It’s perfect for your desktop or the seat-back tray of an airplane. The aluminum frame of the Xtand makes it lightweight and sturdy, and it allows you to view your content in either landscape or portrait orientation. The Xtand works by gripping the corners of your iPhone or iPod touch in small, rubberized cups. It would be nice to be able to adjust the frame to better grip the slightly different dimensions of the various iPod and iPhone models, but unfortunately the Xtand is one size (sort of) fits all.
Just Mobile took a page from Jonathan Ive’s book of design: the Xtand with an iPod or iPhone in it looks like an iMac that lost a fight with a shrink ray. The design allows for easy cable management, making the Xtand a decent permanent desktop stand for your handheld gadgets.
NOTE: Just Mobile has recently released a version of the Xtand for the iPod touch.
For those who travel frequently, the Xtand is useful for manipulating your iPhone or iPod touch’s screen for the best viewing angle on a plane, train, or in a car—as long as you aren’t the one driving. Apple purists will also be pleased with Xtand’s Mini iMac vibe.
Great way to view video. Looks like Mini Me for your iMac.
Kind of expensive for what you get. Can’t adjust frame for better fit. Blocks the headphone jack on the iPod touch.
