Review: Griffin Elevator vs. Rain mStand

[DRR]

I said I'd post a f/u to this, so here it is, as promised. My original post:
http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1,693535,693661

After considering these two laptop stands, I actually bought both so I could test them out. Thought I'd post and share in case anyone else was stf for more info. Here's the tale of the tape.

mStand: $48.
Griffin: $28.

The mStand, being a chunk of metal, is heavier and built like a tank. The Elevator, being three separate pieces of plastic, is much lighter but flimsier.

The mStand raises the computer up higher. Not by much, but your screen ends up being about a half inch higher. The Elevator is a little bit lower, but the surface is much flatter. This allows for more tilting of the screen forwards and backwards. When my MBP is on the mStand, the screen needs to be as far back as it can go for it to be comfortable. It can only tilt forward. On the Elevator, there is much more room to tilt backwards more if you wish.

Here's the dealbreaker for me. On the Elevator, my MBP would inch forward slowly, just like Drew's. I attribute this to the smooth aluminum underbelly of the machine, plus tiny vibrations from me typing on the desk and moving around. So ever so slowly it inches forward. AND THERE'S NOTHING TO CATCH IT.

Mine probably moves forward faster than some others because it's a 17" so it's heavier. But I am not comfortable with a laptop stand that I'm not confident leaving a $3000 computer on. So my final verdict is, mStand is worth the extra $20. I do wish it was a little flatter, more like the Elevator, but it's not a huge deal to me. It's heavy duty. I bet I could stand on it.

I could see the Elevator working out for a lighter computer, and maybe there's more friction with the plastic Macbooks. Or you could add pads like Drew (in my original post). But I didn't really want to do that so I'm sticking with the mStand.

Lastly, I will say that working at a desk with a laptop screen at the correct height makes a huge difference ergonomically. And it makes it much easier in a dual display setup also.

[Robert M]

DRR,

I noticed the issue you described with the Griffin. If it was me, I'd've used Drew's solution and save the rest of the money. In my case, it only moves when I'm actually using it. Otherwise, the computer stays put. So, I just keep an eye on the computer and push it back as necessary. Eventually, I'll get some of the non-slip pads - I need some anyway - but the issue hasn't been enough of a problem for me to run out and buy them immediately.

Robert

[DRR]

I'm glad you like your elevator. To each his own!

But your account only confirms that I made the right decision (for me.) To me, a laptop stand that is susceptible to falls is like a laptop bag with partial padding.

[OWC Jamie]

Another to look at:



http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Matias/IF102/

It's surprisingly strong. The Rain is very strong, though, a lot of the differences here are aesthetic.

[Drew]

Drew here. After about 6 months, the non-slip pads are working just fine. The MacBook never slips off now.

[Robert M]

DRR,

The mStand seems to have a similar design and can also be susceptible to the same slippage unless it has something in its design to prevent it. Didn't seem to in the pictures. Definitely let us know if your laptop creeps forward on it.

Robert

[Drew]

Robert M wrote:
The mStand seems to have a similar design and can also be susceptible to the same slippage unless it has something in its design to prevent it. Didn't seem to in the pictures. Definitely let us know if your laptop creeps forward on it.

I think that you're thinking of the iFold. The ad copy says that it has rubber to prevent from slipping. The mStand seems to have a lip in the front to hold the computer.
http://www.raindesigninc.com/mstand_features.html

[DRR]

mStand has a lip in front, yes. It's not slipping anywhere. I do love its aesthetic but I chose it because it feels like the safest thing for my MBP. The entire thing is a hunk of 3/8" thick aluminum.

[ileneh]

I used the Elevator for a number of months - as time progressed, my computer slipped off of it more and more. The way the Elevator is made (one piece u-shaped metal) the legs can bend out of shape, if you tend to lean on your stands, which I do.

So, I switched to the Matias iFold.
I've been using the iFold for 4 months now, and find that, due to its different construction, it works better. In addition, you can fold it up and take it with you, if needed.
I use a 15" PowerBook, btw.

As Jamie mentioned above, you can find the iFold on our site.

The only thing I miss about the Elevator is that it was easy to put a hard drive under the computer and it was supported by the two bottom legs. On the iFold, my external drive is a bit more precariously placed on the one T-bar.

OWC ilene