With a long list of design awards, Just Mobile offers a wide array of Apple gadgets. Hitting the mobile scene in 2005, behind a mission “to create the most stylish mobile accessories in the world,” the company utilizes a keen attention to detail when designing and creating their products. Unifying form and function, the Xtand Pro for Macbook is an elegant addition to an Apple laden desktop.
Design is Everything
As always, the first sign of an excellent product is the packaging. Steve Jobs spent countless hours perfecting his product package and I am sure Just Mobile has done the same. Even before I had the Xtand pieced together, I was impressed with the attention to detail placed solely in the packaging.
The brushed aluminum matches the Macbook perfectly, along with the wireless keyboard and trackpad, which I recommend when keeping the laptop elevated at the stand’s highest level. Designed to lift MacBook’s display to an ergonomic level, Xtand Pro is three separate pieces: the base; height support bar; and laptop holder (11″ Air – 17″ Pro). Rubberized bumpers are placed on the base to prevent desktop scratching and the laptop holder also implements the same.
While other competitors stands are machine from solid aluminum and boast a single piece product, the Xtand is more versatile, while still offered a machined aluminum construction. Two included height bars provide a low and high option viewing option and the lower height still provides easy access to the MacBook’s onboard keyboard and mouse.
To install/switch the height tube, simply unscrew the connection piece from the stand’s base and switch the included tubes. Because a screw assembly keeps everything together, make sure to bear down on the screw to ensure everything is snug and will not move while the MacBook is atop. If everything is not tightly attached, the stand may pivot left and right. No additional hardware is necessary, however, everything necessary comes in the box.
Why You’ll Want One
Okay…so it is a pedestal for my MacBook, who cares? …for starters, it looks great and gives more usable desk space. When elevated, the area below your laptop can easily accommodate post-it notes, business cards, and the like. Also, increasing the viewing angle of the MacBook is an ergonomic benefit, which prevents slouching over a low monitor.
Most importantly, for my setup, the laptop is raised to the level of my external monitor–for over a year I had been on a quest for an excellent stand that matched my laptop and would keep it elevated with my Samsung SyncMaster 2333HD monitor. The Xtand is a perfect solution.
Conclusion [rating: 4.5/5]
Just Mobile’s Xtand Pro ($99.95, Order Page) is a solid, minimal, and elegant addition to your desktop. The Xtand is a must for users who are tired of hunching over their laptop screen or who have external monitors and if you prefer the desktop “feel” but need the portability of a laptop, the Xtand is made to provide for your desires.
Once elevated, and with an external keyboard and mouse, the MacBook essentially becomes an iMac but easily allows for grab-and-go portability. If you cannot wait to get one in the mail, then head over to your local Apple Store and you might walk away with one today!
Pros
- Brushed aluminum design matches the MacBook line
- Two height options
- Minimal and elegant
- Solidly holds MacBook in place
Cons
- If the screw is not tightened completely, the top may pivot
- Height options are fixed levels, not variable
