Twelve South Launches New BookArc Flex

[G5isAlive]

My data is personal experience telling users that the reason they have to buy a new logic board is that they've been running with the screen closed. I saw a lot of them over the years, but never had to tell a user twice once I charged them $500+ for a new board.

So completely anecdotal? ever hear of conformational bias? would that be like 2 a year? or 100? intel or apple silicon Macs? MacBook airs or beefier pros? sorry, but if you are going to call everyone IDIOTS then I want to know where you are coming from. It's not surprising that people didn't need a third logic board over the lifetime of one laptop, so your warning probably had nothing to do with not seeing them again.

I am not debating under some circumstances of intense video editing some Macs can get hot (especially Intel Macs), but even then it would be accompanied by loud noise as the fans kick in. in that circumstance if a person doesn't evaluate their set up then okay, call them idiots I suppose. But for the vast majority, especially with the apple silicon chips that require less power, simply not an issue, so says people that actually take measurements.

 

[mrmister]

STOP DOING THIS, YOU IDIOTS!

Yes, I know Apple says you can run your MacBook with the lid closed.

But it's NOT a good idea.

YOU ARE COOKING YOUR COMPUTER. It will SIGNIFICANTLY shorten its lifespan.

Counterpoint: the company that makes the computer approves of using it this way. I've used a large number of Mac laptops, from the G4 days through intel and now on AS, and guess what? They were in fact all fine.

If anything, their lifespans are too long—I am still repurposing laptops for other people.

People should live their lives, and allow others to do the same.

 

[mrmister]

My data is personal experience telling users that the reason they have to buy a new logic board is that they've been running with the screen closed. I saw a lot of them over the years, but never had to tell a user twice once I charged them $500+ for a new board.

That...isn't really data—that's you seeing a dead logic board, asking if they use it with the screen closed, and then assuming that's why it is dead. It's the definition of causality not equalling causation.

Does make sense why you overreact like this, because to you it explains every dead logic board. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[mrmister]

I don't like that. It looks too clunky and complicated. The older stand is made out of solid aluminum. This one looks cheap in comparison.

I have the old stand, and I have to say, I'm not into this one either—it's big advantage seems to be for 12South, in that it doesn't have to make new inserts. And i don't want a stand where they warn me about HOW to insert my laptop.

 

[freediverx00]

Wait, why would someone want to buy a MacBook and then buy an external monitor, external mouse, external keyboard, and use it this way? Why not just get an iMac if a desktop computer is needed?

Because modern MacBooks are powerful enough to use as a desktop, while retaining the ability to take them mobile. This is especially convenient with a Thunderbolt monitor, using a single cable for power and data.

 

[strongPanda]

I ordered the BookArc for MacBook a week ago and it will arrive in two weeks.
BookArc for MacBook

Is the BookArc Flex better for me? Should I cancel the Original BookArc order?
BookArc Flex

 

[strongPanda]

Since Apple Silicon doesn't have the heat issues as Intel I guess I should use it in clamshell mode more because I find it so stupid you cannot turn off the internal monitor and only use the external monitor.

I think closing the lid turns off the MacBook's internal monitor when connected to external monitor, that's what I noticed at least...

 

[DVD Plaza]

I understand people use their MacBook this way to save desk space, but why not just get an iMac or Mac mini? Or Mac Studio for more power?

Because I can't take an iMac to meetings, I can't take an iMac home each night (where I am using it right now), I can't take an iMac on holidays with me (I still need work access in case anything happens), etc. However for the rest of the time when sitting at my office desk I am able to work far more effectively with my ultra-wide 34" screen and a real mouse.

 

[thefredelement]

This thing sucks, I ordered two of them, one for my work Mac, one for mine.

You have to baby the Mac when you insert it and its not very secure, like when you’re connecting a thunderbolt wire you have to hold it down, additionally, if you bump into the thing the holder is on, the Mac can shift.

I setup a return and am sending them both back later today, what a waste. This is really easy to see after like two minutes of using it.

 

[wolfie]

I just received mine. The author (MacRumours) clearly didn't review this thing enough. Trying to toe the line here and keep on their good books. As a consumer, this thing does indeed suck. While it's stable (if you don't touch it), it's not exactly a drop and work design. You need to ensure it's correctly placed otherwise can tip either forward or back. It can sustain decent bumps to the table, stand, but anything somewhat more aggressive and the whole thing will tip over.

It has its use case, looks great, but Ive seen more stable designs. They should have used a more flexible material for the base of the stand (where it sinks as you put the laptop onto it) for a tighter grab.

I would return it if I was in the US, but im in Aus and CBF. It does the job but not super impressed. Is it worth the 100 odd AUD dollars paid, no (including shipping). Maybe 80 AUD with shipping would be fair.

If you prioritise looks over everything else, this will do if you don't mind fiddling a bit as you place it on. if you're for the latter, avoid.

EDIT; part of the reason Im keeping it is I don't remove my laptop enough from the desktop setup to be annoying enough. Your use case may vary.

 

[rnizlek]

I just got one of these. The directions specifically say to place the laptop with the Apple logo facing up. However, the exhaust for the laptop is at the rear, so I'd generally think it would be better to have that facing up, as hot air rises. Can anyone think of any reasons why it would be a bad idea to use this with the apple logo facing down?

 

[ascender]

Wish I'd seen this thread... Instructions are clear on how to properly put the laptop in to avoid instability... but on day 2 of use it fell over and my MacBook Air fell to the floor from a standing desk. No damage thankfully, but it's going back to Amazon.