Here are Smoking Apples, we bring you some of the most in-depth reviews of the plethora of apps available for the Mac, often giving out free licenses or bringing you amazing discounts on some. We’ve also explored plenty of apps from the iPhone App Store, bringing you reviews of the apps that are creating waves on the App Store. However, we’ve received enough feedback making us realize that we’ve never paid enough attention to the ‘hardware reviews’ category. Of course, we’ve done a few hardware reviews in the past, but we realize you want more.
The mighty good fellows that we are, we’re going to bring you a series of hardware reviews, beginning with some classy aluminum stands for your MacBook, iPhone and iPod Touch.
Xtand for iPhone / iPod Touch
Just Mobile Xtand is a classy serious of sturdy aluminum stands for your iPhone or iPod Touch. Made from solid hardened aluminum, apparently of the same grade as used in the Unibody MacBooks, the stand effectively transforms your device into a mini iMac.
The build quality is extremely sturdy, and you won’t be able to bend or break even if you try. The base of the stand is similar to the base of Apple Cinema Displays or the iMac, even carrying the hole at the back. Rubbing footing at the base prevents the stand from sliding on the table. The holding unit turns around 360 degrees, so you can firmly place your device while watching a video off the iPod or Youtube app. Four rubber fittings hold the device in place, and it is firm enough not to fall off the stand, even if you turn it upside down. The rubber fittings are carefully positioned and do not cover the phone’s Sleep/Wake button and earphone connector at the top, Silent or volume up/down buttons at the side or the microphone and speaker at the bottom. What’s unfortunate is that while you are provided with extra rubber fittings for each generation of your device, the company has different stands for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Even though both look similar, the rubber fittings differ in each.
Just Mobile’s Xtand makes a Stunning Desktop Accessory, right beside you Mac. The product can be bought in different countries through authorized dealers on the ‘Where to Buy’ page. If you’re in India, you can order one from Access Infoworld for Rs. 2475. ($38 at Amazon)
Browse through our unboxing and product pictures in the slideshow below.
Xtand Pro for MacBook
The Xtand Pro for MacBook (Pro)s is build from the same sturdy hardened aluminum as the Xtand. It has a big oval base at the bottom, with rubber footing to prevent accidental sliding. The box comes with two different heights, although you have to manually remove one and put the other using a screw. Once in place, the stand is very sturdy and firm, and fits any laptop perfectly.
Similar to the Xtand above, this product can be bought in different countries through authorized dealers on the ‘Where to Buy’ page. If you’re in India, you can order one from Access Infoworld for Rs. 4990. ($91 at Amazon)
For my iPod Touch. MacBook… Probably not.
