Rain Design mStand vs. Griffin Elevator for 13" MacBook Pro.

Steve.P.JobsFan · Jan 17, 2012

So, I want to buy a stand for my MBP. There are multiple reasons. Firstly, it'd be eye level, and I wouldn't have to strain, and it has better cooling. I have two choices from the AOS. (Apple Online Store)

1. Rain Design mStand (I like it's design, and I like the angle it's tilted to)

[URL="http://store.apple.com/us/product/TN740ZM/A?"]Rain Design mStand for MacBook and MacBook Pro: Apple Online Store[/URL]

2: Griffin Elevator (I like the simplicity, since you're just putting two pieces of aluminum in a holder, but I don't like how it's only slightly tilted.)

[URL="http://store.apple.com/us/product/H2619ZM/A?"]Griffin Elevator Stand: Apple Online Store[/URL]

Which one should I buy? I'm leaning towards the Rain Design. I think the extra $10 is worth it, for the tilting and the design.

Any reviews on the products, and feedback, is appreciated as always.

- William

0000757 · Jan 17, 2012

The mStand would be a MUCH better buy than the "Elevator".

Macman45 · Jan 17, 2012

The elevator looks pig ugly to me....Rain stand is just like a mini iMac stand...I want one too!

maflynn · Jan 17, 2012

Rain Design is very mac-like and will complement your set up. The elevator looks rather cheap and gaudy imo

Simplicated · Jan 17, 2012

Don't get the Elevator. I have it and it's extremely horrendous. It's just not sturdy at all, and plugging in/out your peripherals will shake your MBP vigorously.

jgz · Jan 17, 2012

I have the Raindesign mStand and I love it

The only thing which scares me a little bit is, that my Apple mini-dp to DVI Adapter hangs down, don't know, if it damages the TB port after some time.......

But looks great, feels well built, and the alu material keeps my mac cool, when doing something cpu-intensive

very useful gadget in general!

user418 · Jan 17, 2012

Go with the mStand. Best I've found in terms of mitigating back, neck, and eye strain. Typing can be challenging at times but not a deal breaker. I use mine with a wireless keyboard and magic trackpad. This setup also works well when using my hdtv as display. Sturdy, nice looking, small footprint, a little pricey. Good overall choice.

BreakGuy · Jan 17, 2012

The mStand reminds me of the iMac/Thunderbolt Display stand. The Elevator is fugly and doesn't complement any Mac product well.

Jaro65 · Jan 17, 2012

mStand, definitely. I've been happy with mine.

bdodds1985 · Jan 17, 2012

got the mStand. love it. Maybe try amazon instead, save a couple dollars.

Steve.P.JobsFan · Jan 17, 2012

bdodds1985 said:
got the mStand. love it. Maybe try amazon instead, save a couple dollars.

It's actually more expensive at Amazon. Amazon sells it for $53.11, Apple for $49.99. Then again, Amazon is tax-free for me.

knightwrangler · Jan 17, 2012

How about a Belkin Zero stand? I bought one after seeing several of them being used at my local Apple store.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff7pjIpWtZ8

jeremyshaw · Jan 17, 2012

I'm gonna agree the mStand is better. I've used a few cheap, weak, yet still metal, stands in the past for my laptops, and I'd rather not again.

bdodds1985 · Jan 18, 2012

knightwrangler said:
How about a Belkin Zero stand? I bought one after seeing several of them being used at my local Apple store.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff7pjIpWtZ8

That looks horrible. I mean the design looks okay but it looks like it wobbles and doesnt have much of an angle at all. plus nothing to hold the laptop from sliding other than a rubber lining on the top of it.

heres kind of a multi purpose one.
iLap Laptop Stand
The link is to a 15" one, but they have more of course. Also, another rain design stand, but this one can be used on your lap as well.
I wouldn't want this sitting on my desk (but I already have the mStand) but seems purposeful for both desk and lap uses.

Jiten · Jan 18, 2012

I recall reading some old Griffin reviews that complain that there is a tendency for the laptop to slip and fall over. Considering how flimsy it looks, its a possibility. This was when it was plastic, now its made of aluminum but the design is basically the same.

I own the mStand and its a solid piece of (somewhat expensive) kit. I would pick Rain Design any day.

drambuie · Jan 18, 2012

jgz said:
I have the Raindesign mStand and I love it The only thing which scares me a little bit is, that my Apple mini-dp to DVI Adapter hangs down, don't know, if it damages the TB port after some time.......

Something to try is get a 12" steel ruler with a cork backing. Slide it under the MBP at the TB port with the cork side up, to protect the MBP's finish, with just enough protruding to support the adapter block. The ruler will deflect downward a little, but will take most of the stress off the TB port.

If you have a steel rule without cork backing, masking tape will be just as good.

jeremyshaw · Jan 18, 2012

Well, the vote should make it obvious which we have chosen, either IRL or online, as the superior choice

bdodds1985 · Jan 18, 2012

jgz said:
I have the Raindesign mStand and I love it The only thing which scares me a little bit is, that my Apple mini-dp to DVI Adapter hangs down, don't know, if it damages the TB port after some time.......

highly doubt it will damage anything. but instead of buying a ruler I would just look for an all in one cable.
like this mini display port to dvi cable

knightwrangler · Jan 26, 2012

bdodds1985 said:
That looks horrible. I mean the design looks okay but it looks like it wobbles and doesnt have much of an angle at all. plus nothing to hold the laptop from sliding other than a rubber lining on the top of it.

Actually, it is very minimalistic in it's design. It just kind of fades away once you put your Macbook Pro on top of it. There is a very slight tilt not as much as the mStand but it's there. The laptop will not slide off the rubber lining, an Apple CSR and myself tried to push it off the stand in store-it was stuck like glue and would not budge. It will wobble slightly but only when very hard pressure is applied but who on earth would do that?

I'm happy with my purchase, I certainly would have bought the mStand but they had none in the Apple store they only had the zero stand and the Elevator and I wasn't impressed with the Griffin.

Here's mine below:

bdodds1985 · Jan 26, 2012

knightwrangler said:
Actually, it is very minimalistic in it's design. It just kind of fades away once you put your Macbook Pro on top of it. There is a very slight tilt not as much as the mStand but it's there. The laptop will not slide off the rubber lining, an Apple CSR and myself tried to push it off the stand in store-it was stuck like glue and would not budge. It will wobble slightly but only when very hard pressure is applied but who on earth would do that?

I'm happy with my purchase, I certainly would have bought the mStand but they had none in the Apple store they only had the zero stand and the Elevator and I wasn't impressed with the Griffin.

Here's mine below:

Image

looks really good on your desk! either stand works just fine i guess. thank you for sharing! did you post your pictures in Post Your Mac Setup? would be nice to see the whole thing. pm me a link if you get a chance to post.

Rain Design mStand vs. Griffin Elevator for 13" MacBook Pro.

Which stand should I buy for my 13" MacBook Pro?

Rain Design mStand

Griffin Elevator Stand

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