Astropad Launches 'Bookcase' for Turning an iPhone Into an E-Reader

[MacRumors]

Astropad, known for the Luna Display, Rock Paper Pencil, and Astropad Studio app, today launched a new accessory called Bookcase. Bookcase adds handles to the iPhone or another smartphone to make the device more comfortable to hold when reading.

With Bookcase, Astropad is aiming to turn the iPhone into an e-reader. The accessory provides a more ergonomic grip for long reading sessions, and holding the iPhone doesn't block part of the display.

The Bookcase is adjustable so it is able to work with almost all modern iPhone and Android smartphones, plus it comes with a companion app to create Shortcuts to launch reading apps automatically. With the Shortcut, a reading app can be set to open up whenever the iPhone is put into Bookcase thanks to an included NFC tag.

With the iPhone 12 and later, the iPhone secures to the Bookcase using MagSafe. For older iPhones, there's an included MagSafe conversion kit. Bookcase can be used with MagSafe-compatible iPhone cases.

According to Astropad, Bookcase is ideal for commutes, lunch breaks, bedtime, and more, and it replaces the need to purchase an e-reader when the iPhone already offers the same general functionality.

Bookcase can be purchased from the Astropad website for $40.

Article Link: Astropad Launches 'Bookcase' for Turning an iPhone Into an E-Reader

 

[JuicyGoomba]

For $40 a smart person is buying a Kindle on eBay and putting the change towards a case.

Seems like a solution in search of a problem.

 

[jz0309]

It would take me 2 weeks to read a 100 page book on my 13PM. Not because I’m lacking reading skills but the screen is way too small to read a book for me… but hey, it’s not that expensive so good luck with this

 

[Bytor65]

Is it April 1st again?

 

[Lyrics23]

Completely pointless. The e-ink screen is by far the biggest reason to get an e-reader.

The one advantage phones have over an actual e-reader is convenience; an advantage these handles handily remove.

 

[ctg7w6]

I just… don’t… whatever.

 

[hippopotamusglorypig]

It's like a silver platter to have your phone stolen if you're holding it like in the pictures.

 

[giv-as-a-ciggy-kent]

this product is idiotic beyond words

 

[carniesandrubes]

I could see it maybe being useful with physical page turning buttons but this... aint it.

 

[bLackjackj]

$US40,..are they serious? This literally has to be the stupidest phone accessory ever.

 

[bLackjackj]

The girl advertising it even looks uncomfortable. Her hands look like they are cramping up.

 

[ikunalz]

I was having so much difficulty holding my phone. Thankyou, Astropad.

 

[TinyMito]

What is the point of this product?

 

[PhantomCypher]

You see if they offered something revolutionary or ergonomic then I would understand but this is just like a flat piece of plastic that has MagSafe in it. It’s not like a Dvorak keyboard or perhaps the ergonomic standing mat or something like that this is just not ergonomic at all.

 

[swm]

What is the point of this product?

to milk a few instant gadget-buyers. the phone's screen is probably the worst for reading a book. dragging a larger-than-a-normal-ebook-reader always in your pocket for the situation that might never occur instead of an actual thinner and likely lighter ebook reader...

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Latest April fools ever?

 

[jayducharme]

For that price, the device should have rechargeable batteries in each of those side pieces so that the MagSafe connection can charge the iPhone. That at least would make it slightly more useful. And they don't show you the massive size of their MagSafe puck that makes the iPhone sit above the device.

 

[Purrific]

Beyond parody

 

[tweaknmod]

$US40,..are they serious? This literally has to be the stupidest phone accessory ever.

I think you’re underestimating the stupidity of free-range consumerism… (link to more)

 

[dimplemonkey]

Where's the sponsor link for this product, MacRumors?

 

[CarlJ]

Is it April 1st again?

I'm reminded of Father Guido Sarducci on SNL, back in the day, advertising "Mr. Tea" (to compete with Mr. Coffee, a popular coffeemaker at the time), which was basically a funnel on a stand - you pour your hot water in the top and you get hot water in your tea cup.

 

[CarlJ]

It would take me 2 weeks to read a 100 page book on my 13PM. Not because I’m lacking reading skills but the screen is way too small to read a book for me… but hey, it’s not that expensive so good luck with this

I once read several books (re-reading the Hitchhikers Guide series, among other things) on a Palm Pilot - with a 160 x 160 pixel monochrome screen. It's possible, but, yeah, bigger screens are better for reading. Only reason to read a book on my iPhone is because I have it with me; otherwise, the iPad is much better for that.

 

[MrGimper]

It’s like someone found a new use for those 5.25 to 3.5 PC bay adapters.

 

[rbbloom99]

Astropad, known for the Luna Display, Rock Paper Pencil, and Astropad Studio app, today launched a new accessory called Bookcase. Bookcase adds handles to the iPhone or another smartphone to make the device more comfortable to hold when reading.

With Bookcase, Astropad is aiming to turn the iPhone into an e-reader. The accessory provides a more ergonomic grip for long reading sessions, and holding the iPhone doesn't block part of the display.

The Bookcase is adjustable so it is able to work with almost all modern iPhone and Android smartphones, plus it comes with a companion app to create Shortcuts to launch reading apps automatically. With the Shortcut, a reading app can be set to open up whenever the iPhone is put into Bookcase thanks to an included NFC tag.

With the iPhone 12 and later, the iPhone secures to the Bookcase using MagSafe. For older iPhones, there's an included MagSafe conversion kit. Bookcase can be used with MagSafe-compatible iPhone cases.

According to Astropad, Bookcase is ideal for commutes, lunch breaks, bedtime, and more, and it replaces the need to purchase an e-reader when the iPhone already offers the same general functionality.

Bookcase can be purchased from the Astropad website for $40.

Article Link: Astropad Launches 'Bookcase' for Turning an iPhone Into an E-Reader

Actually... this is a pretty good idea.

 

[RodThePlod]

"For people who love to throw money away..."