Despite what they say about idle hands (hint: it has something to do with an evil workshop), there are times when you simply want your hands free. Say, when your in-flight meal arrives as you’re watching a movie on your iPhone or iPod touch. Or when you’re reading on your touch and need your hands free to grip the handlebars of the elliptical machine. Or when you simply want to give your weary hands and arms a break. This is where the In Your Face Viewbase comes in. The simple gooseneck design supports your device, while the hinged clamp secures to the lip of your desk, tray, headboard, visor, door handle, etc.

The Viewbase provides a little rest for your weary hands.

As stands go, the Viewbase is a solid, well-made gadget. The padded vise that holds your iPhone or touch in place has a firm grip and is adjustable, even fitting around the protective case we opted to leave on. It also swivels, enabling you to have a horizontal or vertical screen. The 8-inch flexible neck bends handily to accommodate any viewing angle and is surprisingly sturdy. The clamp, which can grip surfaces up to two inches thick, maintains a secure hold--even while bumping along with us on a 40-minute ride on an elliptical. And we can happily report that despite the bouncy nature of such a ride, the Viewbase kept the touch still enough to be able to read while we rode the machine.