Griffin Technology iCurve Laptop Stand
by Griffin Technology

List Price: $39.99
Category: CE
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Digital product summary information

• Sleek plastic stand holds your laptop screen at eye level
• Frees up desktop space for a separate keyboard and mouse
• Conforms to health safety standards for ergonomic safety and comfort
• Improves airflow around laptop; allows access to all side and rear ports
• Compatible with Macs or PCs, though design is Mac focused

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Digital camera reviews of Griffin Technology iCurve Laptop Stand

Digital camera Review: Adds some space to desk
Summary: 4 Stars

Summary of Griffin Technology iCurve Laptop Stand

iCurve not only looks great, but it frees up valuable desk space and positions your laptop for better cooling airflow.

Design
Though it's compatible with PC laptops, the iCurve is clearly Mac focused. The clear, rounded plastic matches the material used around the edges of many Apple monitors--specifically some of its Cinema displays--so it should blend in to most Mac installations, including multi-monitor setups. Griffin even designed the iCurve so that PowerBook monitors would rest at 16 inches above desk level, the same height as Apple's 17-inch LCD monitors. If appearance and consistency matter--and to many Mac users, they clearly do--the iCurve makes a good fit. PC owners shouldn't fret, though, as the iCurve's sleek form will complement any computer.

The iCurve is also pretty tough. Its two slanted arms hold up durably whether carrying a brand-new, I-can't-believe-it-weighs-this-little laptop or an older, heavier model. The stand also offers full access to a laptop's rear access door, FireWire ports, and other connectors, making it easy to attach peripherals without disturbing the laptop itself. And finally, the iCurve allows air to flow freely around a laptop, which keeps it running nice and cool.

Features and Performance
Laptop owners who don't connect an outside keyboard and mouse won't have much use for the iCurve, as it holds the laptop at a 15-degree angle a good 4-1/2 inches off the desk. In other words, it's simply not comfortable to type at that angle. However, anyone who does use a separate keyboard will find a lot to like about the product. When positioned on the stand, the laptop screen sits straight ahead for comfortable viewing. The laptop body is positioned far enough above the desk that you have plenty of room to type or maneuver the mouse. Users can also fit additional peripherals within the curved base to save space. Should the monitor feel too close or far away, users can effortlessly reposition it by sliding it forward or back, much like they can with the iMac's floating monitor.

Laptops fit securely on the iCurve thanks to the nonslip grips. It takes a significant effort to slide the computer along the top of the iCurve, and even then it budges just a little. The iCurve's base, on the other hand, is intentionally smooth, letting users swivel the laptop around. Should the slippery bottom seem a bit unsound, the iCurve comes with four extra base pads that you can attach for greater stability. We preferred the iCurve with the base pads attached (mobile computers make us nervous), but it works fine either way.

If you work on a laptop all day long, the iCurve makes a great addition. In fact, for anyone who suffers from long-term neck and back pain, it may not just be a luxury, but a necessity. --Rivers Janssen

Pros

• Suspends laptop at eye level, preventing neck and back pain
• Sleek plastic material complements most Mac laptops and monitors
• Friction pads keep laptop from moving

Cons

• None

What's in the Box
iCurve laptop stand, four round base pads, quick start guide.

Electronics Features

• Electronics
• Computers Features