Design
Like the Just Mobile Xtand, the InnoPocket HexaPose iPad Stand is formed from anodized aluminum. The curved base has a pad to prevent slippage and a large hole for cable management. Near the top of the stand's base is a mount for the iPad frame, a piece of polycarbonate that attaches to the iPad when you want to use the tablet with the stand.
The bridge between the frame and the stand (seen right) is a rotatable pivot, which allows you not only to turn the iPad to landscape and portrait modes, but also to adjust the vertical viewing able of the tablet for optimum viewing. The plastic frame detracts somewhat from the look of the HexaPose, but since it's in the rear, the aesthetic setback is minimal. The frame is very close in color to the aluminum base, but lacks its metallic texture.
The iPad snaps into its frame by way of four clips, and is held in place by three bumpers. The clips hold the iPad surprisingly well and don't pose much of a challenge when inserting or removing the iPad, and the plastic shouldn't scratch the iPad's shell. |
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The clips and bumpers don't block any of the iPad's ports or controls, and lets much of the iPad's rear shell to show through.
Using the HexaPose Stand
My iPad is always nearby, assisting me in both work and play. When I'm in my living room or in bed, I don't need an iPad stand; but when working I always want to be able to use the tablet without holding it. A stand is a must for me.
When working, the HexaPose stand allows me to use the iPad as a second monitor for my PC or Mac, check and manage my email, and even control my iTunes playback with simple, casual touch. It's easy to set the iPad in landscape or portrait mode with the rotating pivot, though you must sometimes adjust the tablet more than I would like to get it level (I've found that twisting the iPad past where you want it, then rotating it backward a bit is the best way to get a level presentation). The three click-to-set vertical viewing angles are also nice.
One problem with the HexaPose - and it's one I've seen on too many stands, including the Xtand - is that it's not quite heavy enough to keep the iPad stable when you're touching the screen. Touch too hard and the stand slides or tilts. This isn't a huge setback since you can adjust the force of your touch to compensate, but I don't understand why stand makers don't produce heavier products; it's not like making them a bit weightier would detract from their portability, it would simply make them more stable during use.
On a purely subjective note, I really enjoyed the look the HexaPose brought to my desk. I don't have an iMac for a number of reasons, but the iPad + HexaPose setup is visually appealing and I can imagine that iMac owners would appreciate the visual effect more than most.
Conclusion
Whether using the iPad to read ebooks, browse the web, check email, or extend your PC or Mac screen, a stand is a highly useful accessory - and the HexaPose Stand for iPad is the best I've seen so far. It could be a bit heavier, but I can't think of any other improvement that would make this stand more useful to the iPad user in need of two free hands.
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