TwelveSouth iPad Compass Stand

[TraceyS/FL]

I could not type with my iPad on that - those things would poke the crap out of me and get in my way! I'm also the freak though that prefers to type with the iPad flat anyway... just like i type here at my desk with my forearms resting on the desktop (high desktop coupled with a drafting chair). Wrist issues dictate everything, and that says "no bending"!

Macfeed.com posted some more photos. This one shows the legs from the front...doesn't seem like an issue.

 

[GoCubsGo]

It's a nice over priced stand. I'd buy one if it were more reasonably priced.

 

[md63]

I just picked up the Compass stand from the 5th Ave Apple Store. They didn't have them on display but I happened to see another customer with one in hand and found out that they had them in back. Based on my limited experience with the stand I would say it's a little expensive but worth the money. The best feature is that it's very compact. Last week I picked up the KB Stand which appears to be a branded version of the stand being sold on Ebay which was listed above in this thread. I didn't realized the same stand was being sold on eBay but fortunately I can return the KB. I will post some comparison pictures later since people were considering both of these.

The Compass seems to be about 1/3 the volume of the KB Stand. It is also much better built, however the Compass seems less stable in the typing position. My concern about the Compass was the tabs on the lower arms being too tall and interfering with my palms, however that doesn't seem to be an issue. What I didn't like the KB was that in the typing position the rear leg extended back and gave the stand a very large foot print. This probably would make it a vey good option for use on a plane.

 

[IrishVixen]

I just picked up the Compass stand from the 5th Ave Apple Store. They didn't have them on display but I happened to see another customer with one in hand and found out that they had them in back. Based on my limited experience with the stand I would say it's a little expensive but worth the money. The best feature is that it's very compact. Last week I picked up the KB Stand which appears to be a branded version of the stand being sold on Ebay which was listed above in this thread. I didn't realized the same stand was being sold on eBay but fortunately I can return the KB. I will post some comparison pictures later since people were considering both of these.

The Compass seems to be about 1/3 the volume of the KB Stand. It is also much better built, however the Compass seems less stable in the typing position. My concern about the Compass was the tabs on the lower arms being too tall and interfering with my palms, however that doesn't seem to be an issue. What I didn't like the KB was that in the typing position the rear leg extended back and gave the stand a very large foot print. This probably would make it a vey good option for use on a plane.

One thing I was thinking about...the eBay folding stand has multiple positions for the upright viewing angle. The pics I've seen for the Compass seem to show only one. Can you confirm?

The back leg extension issue for the eBay stand is a nuisance, I agree, but it's also what makes that stand so stable in typing position, and I use that all the time. We're taking several flights over the next few months, and I'm still working out what to do. Most likely, I'll either use my MacAlly Bookstand for in flight use, or get a $15 BookGem stand through Amazon...they're neither as stable nor as adjustable is I'd prefer for daily use, but for occasional trips, it should be fine.

Can't wait to see your comparison shots!

 

[md63]

Comparison Pictures 12South Compass and KB Stand

Here are some pictures.

 

[md63]

One thing I was thinking about...the eBay folding stand has multiple positions for the upright viewing angle. The pics I've seen for the Compass seem to show only one. Can you confirm?

The back leg extension issue for the eBay stand is a nuisance, I agree, but it's also what makes that stand so stable in typing position, and I use that all the time. We're taking several flights over the next few months, and I'm still working out what to do. Most likely, I'll either use my MacAlly Bookstand for in flight use, or get a $15 BookGem stand through Amazon...they're neither as stable nor as adjustable is I'd prefer for daily use, but for occasional trips, it should be fine.

Can't wait to see your comparison shots!

With the Compass only two positions are possible. One position for typing and the other for upright (eg watching movies.) The KB Stand has 6 locking positions between full upright and fully reclined for typing.

 

[md63]

A couple of more Pictures and Comments

Below are several additional pictures showing the fully reclined setting for the KB Stand. I believe this is the proper typing position for the KB. These pictures show the Compass is about 1/2 the depth of the KB Stand. Makes a big difference in tight places such as a plane. The other thing to note is the iPad on the Compass sits about 1/2 inch closer to the table than it does on the KB. This makes typing more comfortable and although the tabs of the Compass are about 1/8 inch longer they don't pose a problem for typing because the iPad is sitting closer to the table.


Another thing I noted is that the Compass can be used without the bottom tabs since the main legs have a rubbery surface which inhibits slipping. It actually seemed a little more stable in this position possibly because it sits lower and the bottom Edge of the iPad is in full contact with the table. I took a few pictures with my iPad sitting on the table surface. I use a Belkin Grip Vue case so it may provide more grip than a naked iPad.

I hope this helps.

 

[prot0type]

The last pic with both positioned for typing is what kept me from the KB stand.

Personally, the footprint seems to take up more space than I would like.

Gratitude for the comparison shots

 

[IrishVixen]

The footprint of the KB stand is definitely a disadvantage when using it on a small surface (airplane tray table being the obvious example). However, I use it for large chunks of the day when lounging on the couch with my knees bent. That long third leg and wider adjustable position means I can literally hang both stand and iPad over my bent knees at a couple of different angles...perfect for reading and oddly comfortable for typing too.

I wish the Compass had the multiple positioning capability of the KB AND that shorter typing position leg. For me, that would have made for the perfect stand--beautiful and more functional than anything else on the market. Still, it appears to be a great product, not that I'd expect anything less from TwelveSouth.

Thanks for the pics, they're great for seeing how these two stands perform!

 

[md63]

The footprint of the KB stand is definitely a disadvantage when using it on a small surface (airplane tray table being the obvious example). However, I use it for large chunks of the day when lounging on the couch with my knees bent. That long third leg and wider adjustable position means I can literally hang both stand and iPad over my bent knees at a couple of different angles...perfect for reading and oddly comfortable for typing too.

I wish the Compass had the multiple positioning capability of the KB AND that shorter typing position leg. For me, that would have made for the perfect stand--beautiful and more functional than anything else on the market. Still, it appears to be a great product, not that I'd expect anything less from TwelveSouth.

Thanks for the pics, they're great for seeing how these two stands perform!

There are definitely positive points for both stands. The Compass is much better for travel due to it's compact size and nicely padded travel case. It can fit in my small brief case with my iPad with no problem. The Compass is also very nice industrial design like all 12South products. The one downside that I see with the Compass is that it doesn't lock on either position. At some point I pushed the stand in the wrong direction and it collapsed. Not a big deal since I wouldn't normally try to slide the stand on the table.

The KB Stand has the advantage of being more adjustable and lockable in many positions. I could definitely see the KB being more useful at home when size and footprint aren't a consideration.

 

[T4R06]

md63 - where can i buy that KB stand that looks the same color like yours? this will compliment my incipio feather - matte

thanks in advance

 

[Ganges]

MD63, can you talk more about the compass material. Someone in this thread stated it was anodized aluminum, but the website said powder coated steel, and the pic almost look like stainless?

 

[md63]

md63 - where can i buy that KB stand that looks the same color like yours? this will compliment my incipio feather - matte

thanks in advance

I purchased my stand at J&R ,however you should check bay since I believe the cheaper non branded version is also available in black.

 

[md63]

MD63, can you talk more about the compass material. Someone in this thread stated it was anodized aluminum, but the website said powder coated steel, and the pic almost look like stainless?

It's not stainless steal. I also don't believe it's anodized aluminum. It feels very heavy in hand so my guess is it's a painted steal.

 

[nowstime]

Got one today from the Apple store...solid built and compact design...Love it.

Just wish the upright viewing angle was closer to a right angle.

 

[prot0type]

Got it today, love it.

Just need to be careful when in typing mode as it can easily tilt over. Aside from that, would like to see more colors but I don't recall Twelve South doing an assortment of colors for their other items.

 

[SchneiderMan]

Got it today, love it.

Just need to be careful when in typing mode as it can easily tilt over. Aside from that, would like to see more colors but I don't recall Twelve South doing an assortment of colors for their other items.

Well that sounds like a con to me. If it's meant to be typed on in that position, then it should not tilt at all.

 

[prot0type]

Nah, I mean if you put pressure on either side past the keyboard such as on the bezel, it'll surely tip. But I doubt anyone will be pressing hard enough for that to happen especially when touch typing on the keyboard.

Duh, home button. That would be one con. The pressure I spoke about? Make sure you're supporting the iPad as you're pressing the home button.

 

[GaresTaylan]

Whatever happened to a version of the bookbook case for the iPad? They blogged months ago that one was in the works.

 

[horatio8]

The footprint of the KB stand is definitely a disadvantage when using it on a small surface (airplane tray table being the obvious example). However, I use it for large chunks of the day when lounging on the couch with my knees bent. That long third leg and wider adjustable position means I can literally hang both stand and iPad over my bent knees at a couple of different angles...perfect for reading and oddly comfortable for typing too.

I wish the Compass had the multiple positioning capability of the KB AND that shorter typing position leg. For me, that would have made for the perfect stand--beautiful and more functional than anything else on the market. Still, it appears to be a great product, not that I'd expect anything less from TwelveSouth.

Thanks for the pics, they're great for seeing how these two stands perform!

Wouldn't the Skadoosh stand by Jadu Industries fit your needs better? It's compact and almost infinitely adjustable.

 

[mrathee]

twelvesouth's products are fantastic. aesthetically pleasing without sacrificing functionality.

i am so close to breaking down and getting the compass stand.

 

[IrishVixen]

Wouldn't the Skadoosh stand by Jadu Industries fit your needs better? It's compact and almost infinitely adjustable.

From what I've read, it's not a good lap stand, and as I said, I do 95% of my work with the iPad on my lap. The Skadoosh also is fairly heavy, making it something I'd be less inclined to travel with, and while it appears very well built, I personally think it's overpriced. It's suffering from the "iPad premium" all these manufacturers think we should pay.

 

[horatio8]

From what I've read, it's not a good lap stand, and as I said, I do 95% of my work with the iPad on my lap. The Skadoosh also is fairly heavy, making it something I'd be less inclined to travel with, and while it appears very well built, I personally think it's overpriced. It's suffering from the "iPad premium" all these manufacturers think we should pay.

You're right about it not being a good lap stand. It's borderline heavy to travel with but folds up, so it's pretty compact. I'm very happy with it, but I did pay the introductory price of $58. It's a start-up company, so maybe the price comes as manufacturing efficiency increases.

I also have the Stickup Stand by Seskimo. It's light as a feather, but I think it probably also needs to be on a table.

 

[ScubaCinci]

Wow, a decent stand at a somewhat reasonable price

 

[jazz1]

Nah, I mean if you put pressure on either side past the keyboard such as on the bezel, it'll surely tip. But I doubt anyone will be pressing hard enough for that to happen especially when touch typing on the keyboard.

Duh, home button. That would be one con. The pressure I spoke about? Make sure you're supporting the iPad as you're pressing the home button.

Yes, in the lower typing position in landscape mode tipping is a problem if you punch the home button without supporting it.