patriyprice: FocalPrice Portable Plastic Fold-UP Stand review

Monday, February 25, 2013

FocalPrice Portable Plastic Fold-UP Stand review

I like to travel. When I travel, I am almost never without my iPad and various accessories (cables, headphones, keyboard). The one thing I have yet to find is a portable stand that is not only lightweight but robust enough to stand up to the rigors of my travel. The Portable Fold-UP Stand from FocalPrice may be just what I am looking for. (Note: This tablet stand is almost identical to the Arkon Universal Tablet Stand reviewed by Janet in 2011, but the FocalPrice version is less than half the price of the Arkon.)

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

The Portable Fold-UP Stand arrived in a sturdy cardboard box that protected it during its travels from China. The box itself contains visual information about the stands dimensions and how to use the stand.

The stand’s dimensions when folded are listed as 7.1″ X 1″ X 1.3″ (18cm x 2.6 cmm x 3.2 cm) with a weight of 3.2 ounces (90 g), small enough to slide into a small bag or purse.

Unfolded, the stands legs spread apart to approximately 5.1″ (13cm) and the and the back’s maximum height is approximately 7.1″ (18cm).

As you may be able to tell, The Portable Fold-UP Stand is made out of plastic. I know that many products are produced using plastics these days, and the quality and durability can differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. That being said, I am happy to say the plastic of the stand seems to be of good quality, giving it a solid look and feel.

All of the moving parts are ratcheted, allowing them to be opened to different angles and heights. I have not had any issues with the ratchet system so far.

This stand has rubber non-skid pads located in key areas on the stand, to keep it and the device it is supporting from slipping.

As you can see, I did have a piece of one of the stand’s bottom pads tear off of the stand. The tear did not affect the stand’s use or stability, but it does make me question the quality and durability of all the rubber pads.

I am using my iPad 2 to test the stand, but the FocalPrice web site states that the stand can be used by serval different tablet and pad devices, including (but not limited to):

Galaxy Tab
iPad
iPad 2
the new iPad
Kindle fire
7″ and 10″ tablet PCs

Since I use my iPad with a Smart Cover and a generic plastic back case cover, any stand I use must accommodate these items. As seen in the above pictures, the stand handles it well.

With the stand, you can use your tablet in landscape and portrait modes; the back folds into many angles for viewing. It offers a high level of versatility in its use.

Although, the overall size of this stand is a little larger then I would like, the stand’s flexible viewing angles and device accommodation makes this stand a good choice for any gear bag. With a price of $6.99, shipping included, I don’t think you can beat it.