Customer Reviews

Griffin Technology iCurve Laptop Stand

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Griffin Technology makes a business out of introducing ingenious accessories for MacIntosh computers - in my case, a 15" Titanium Powerbook. As with al companies who do so, some ideas are winners and others are easy to underappreciate. The iCurve, a simple. Elegant computer stand designed for portables is one of their most outstanding products. Although, at first it seems somewhat unassuming.

If you are mostly a road user, then the iCurve will not seem all that useful. But if you are like me and use your portable primarily as a desktop that can be moved around, the iCurve is a lifesaver. I originally bought it because I wanted to use the Powerbook with a standard Apple keyboard and a special mouse. With everything flat on my desk it was getting crowded. The iCurve resolved that problem right away.

What I did not consider was the the ergonomic improvement the iCurve would work. With the screen at eyelevel, pressure on my back and eyes simply vanished. It is far easier to sit back. think, and type - an unexpected productivity gain as well. The shame is that this gadget is primarily marketed to Mac's, even though it will work with any portable, with the same benefits.

I did discover one flaw. If you use the supplied footpads to keep the iCurve from slipping around (I have a glass table top) make sure you place the front feet far enough forward. If you don't, the base becomes a bit unstable. Being a klutz, I wound up getting one extra footpad and placing it square in the front middle. That being done, the iCurve is as solid as a rock.

Bought this to replace a Targus Chill Hub with broken fans after only 5 months. When this happened, I searched Amazon for a replacement product (to provide cooling), stumbling on the iCurve. Once unboxed, this product looked so simple and aesthetically pleasing. Since I own a 17 inch Dell notebook, I was apprehensive about buying a product aimed primarily at Apple owners. Also, I was worried about suspending a $2,000 plus notebook in the air! Let me reassure any other Dell (or PC) owners, that this product is excellent. I use my notebook primarily as a desktop replacement. Not only does the iCurve sturdily support my computer, but I now have enough desk space to use a full size wireless keyboard, my mouse has more room to roam, and the screen is at a much better elevation. Not quite perfect (this stand is unadjustable for height), but good enough and certainly a vast improvement. Simple, yes. Elegant yes. But most importantly, it serves a multitude of functions in improving the utility of notebook computers. Great product.

PS I called the manufacturer's customer support phone number prior to my purchase. They were very courteous in answering all my questions.

I purchased the iCurve for my 17" PowerBook so I would have more room on my desk for a Bluetooth keyboard. It has worked out beautifully and it's practically invisible. I didn't even apply the extra no-slip pads provided with the stand and it stays in place very well.

An added bonus is that it keeps my laptop's processor nice and cool since air can circulate underneath and all around the unit - unlike when it's sitting against a desk where heat is trapped.

For the money and aesthetics, this stand is highly worth it.

As this stand is marketed toward the light-weight iBooks, I was a bit apprehensive about using it for my notebook, which weighs in at just under 10 pounds. Would the elegant iCurve crack under the pressure? No. I haven't even used the rubber pads to keep it in place. I am completely impressed. What's more, it saves me about six inches of desk space as my wireless keyboard slips nicely underneath. My only sadness with the stand is that it positioned my laptop about an inch too high (probably because my monstrous laptop is quite a bit thicker than the intended iBook), and I've now had to prop up my second monitor to compensate. Were it somehow adjustable, it would be perfect.

I was searching for a laptop stand for my PowerBook G4 for a while, and after considering some of the options I decided to go for the iCurve. It is a lot cheaper in comparison to the Lapvantage Dome..., and especially to the otherwise more solid Kamas stand imported from Japan.... Besides, it is much more interesting, since in fact it does not really "exist". My PowerBook simply "floats" in the air in its own beautiful design. The only real option for me was the forthcoming Macally Icestation, which would beat iCurve because of its portability while retaining the low price.... But then, you cannot use the CD slot due to the different construction of the stand. At the end I would like to emphasize the enormous change the iCurve stand brought to my neck. I haven't realized before how bad my posture really was. Now I seat completely straight and feel much more relaxed.

Yes, it looks great and saves space. But why am I the only person who has their laptop slip off at least once a day? I've got the 17" MacBook Pro and use the no-slip pads. But I struggle with it every day. I've even tried putting it upside down!

I spend way too much time working on my laptop (dissertation...) and this item has been a tremendous boon. It elevates the screen of my 15' laptop to eye level, which means that I don't hunch over when I'm working. My back and neck feel much better after a long day.

As well as being tremendously practical, the icurve is nicely designed. It never slips, it looks cool, and it helps cool my laptop when I'm running complicated statistical programs.

Yet another benefit of the icurve is that it keeps my computer elevated out of harm's way. I bought mine after destroying a laptop by dumping a bottle of water on the keyboard. Now I can eat and drink at my desk without worrying that a spill will set me back hours and dollars.

now that i'm working out of my house, i was hoping to use a full-size keyboard and mouse with my ibook. just plugging the keyboard into the ibook proved a tad cumbersome, so i tried the icurve and i love it. it's like having a desktop, albeit one with a small monitor, but with the ease of a laptop. granted, the icurve doesn't have a built-in port to plug all sorts of things. it's just a well-constructed piece of plastic that lifts your computer up. is it worth $30, maybe not. but, it sure is convenient and nice. my ibook sits comfortably on it (i've got the 12" ibook), and is very secure. it's tilted forward, but the rubber stoppers keep it in place perfectly

This stand is a must for all G4 Powerbook owners - it keeps the machine cool and at the right height for work. Get the Logitec Wireless Mouse and keyboard and the Coolshield to protect your screen from fingerprint oil transfer when the laptop is closed and you are set! Looks great with my new 17" G4.

The iCurve stand is elegant and, in terms of aesthetic design, belongs in MOMA. I keep it on my desk for when I'm using the laptop over long stretches, e.g. video editing. But, for use while sitting on the couch or traveling, a Targus Podium works better. It is easily packed and the swivel feature is great. I have another laptop stand that is made of plastic and has a rack for adjusting the lift and angle of the computer. It is cheaply made (you get what you pay for..) and the front bar gets in the way of the MacBook Pro's open/shut button. The material of both the iCurve and Podium are soft and designed to protect the brushed metal surface of the Mac. So: ICurve for home/office desk use, Targus Podium for travel/comfort.