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Compass Mobile Stand for iPad – Accessory Review

By | August 1, 2010 | 4 comments
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Since the announcement of the iPad, dozens of companies have launched their very own iPad stand. A good chunk of them are just ok, some are good, and very few are outstanding. The Compass from TwelveSouth, a stylish compact folding stand, falls in this last category.

Like the drafting tool it is inspired from, the Compass is a multi-legged stand that can be folded in order to carry it easily. The stand is only 7 inches long and 1 inch wide when folded, which makes it the perfect travel companion. The Compass is also versatile, as it can be used in two different modes:
- Upright: the Compass looks just like a tripod, and holds your iPad in either portrait or landscape mode, almost vertically.
- Tilted: the stands is almost horizontal, and holds your iPad up at a slight angle for typing.

In either mode, it only takes seconds to deploy the stand. We actually used it in a Starbucks, and most patrons came to ask us where we bought it – most people seem to instantly love the stand as soon as they see it in use.

Beyond the convenience of the product, what makes it so special is the attention to details. The stand looks amazing, thanks to its industrial lines and the use of heavy gauge steel, and perfectly suits the iPad. It also features small rubberized pads all over it in order to avoid any metal-to-metal contact, and to keep it from moving. Finally, the stand comes with its own carrying pouch.

The Compass is surprisingly sturdy, and despite some pretty heavy iPad typing during our tests, it stayed in place firmly. The perfectly proportioned legs keep your iPad at the right angle, in both upright and tilted modes.

What we liked: Extremely well designed, very stylish, functional and compact, the stand is one of the best iPad stands on the market today.

What we didn’t like: Nothing, absolutely nothing!

To buy or not to buy: Simply put, we’re impressed. The Compass deserves five stars hands down.

  • Accessory Name: Compass – Mobile stand for iPad
  • Company: TwelveSouth
  • Price when reviewed: $39.99
  • Score:
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  • Michael Flower

    I was happy to see such a positive review. My Compass stand is en route and by mid-week I will be using mine. I was impressed by my first look at it on the web and so ordered one. Your review confirms that I made the right choice. I was especially interested in your remark that fellow customers at Starbucks stopped by to ask about the stand.

  • Lisaaaargh

    Argh, I’m looking for the perfect stand but every link I click on has an even better one!

  • Spin doctors

    Great stand, great review, just purchased one, thanks!

  • Michael Flower

    This is Michael again. My Compass iPad stand arrived this afternoon. It’s working wonderfully. Solid, sturdy, precisely and smartly crafted. One of the best purchases I have made. Highly recommended. And when folded up and stashed in its case, it’s in a very easily transportable form (you’d hardly know it’s around…except for the heft). Good stuff!