Review: Smarter Stand For iPhone and iPod Touch

Back in August we were given the chance to check out an iPad Smart Cover accessory – The Smarter Stand For Smart Cover – that quite honestly should have been considered by Apple during the conception of the Smart Cover. We really enjoyed using the Smarter Stand, it gave us the ability to use our iPad at multiple different angles that we didn’t have the option to at first. So months later, Dotan Saguy isn’t sitting around just starring at his iPad at new angles, he’s fed up with the lack of viewing angels for his iPhone 5 and and the horrific experience that is his EarPod untangling.

Saguy sent me a prototype version of the Smarter Stand and I’ve been using it for the last week, not specifically for testing the product, but to test how it fits in my everyday life. I knew it would be a fine product and the review would pass with flying colors, but how much would I actually find myself using it? Would it be something I could use daily or would it just get tossed in the bottom of my bag and forgotten. Well, let me start by saying that this has really saved me about 19 hours this week by keeping me from having to untangle my EarPods, to say the least.

Dotan Saguy wanted to create an iPhone and iPod kickstand that wasn’t a clunky piece of garbage, that would work with or without a case but would also offer cable management for those pesky ear buds. The Smarter Stand is a minimalistic piece of plastic that is nothing short of simple. No moving parts or breakable stands popping out of a case. It’s simply an extension of your case that gives an added bonus.

I used the Smarter Stand with and without a case over the past week. It worked exactly the same both ways. I even set out to find a case in my arsenal that wouldn’t work with this stand and was actually out of luck, well, as long as the case had a headphone jack to get to. You’ll get some of those cases that keep that protected and covered, I didn’t have any readily available, but I would assume the cover piece would keep the Smarter Stand from sitting right. I tried the Stand with some Speck cases I’ve been reviewing as we’ll as some bulkier wallet style Incipio cases I’ve received, I gave a couple Spigen bumper style cases the test as well and this Stand worked with them all!

It works very well, utilizing your earbud 3.5mm jack and the port on your iDevice, the Smarter Stand props it up without a hitch. The feet that keep it upright stick really well against all types of surfaces. I didn’t find my iPhone falling over at all. There is one issue I found, you had to slide the 3.5mm plug all the way out of the slot of the Smarter Stand so there was enough pressure to plug it into my iPhone, this isn’t a huge issue, and probably was designed that way, but when it is slid into the slot on the Stand, it moves easily so you can’t keep it in there while plugging it in.

I keep my EarPods buried deep in a pocket of my messenger bag, a bag that is carried with me everywhere, and the first 5 minutes of every commute is spent untangling said EarPods. I honestly didn’t think this Stand would be something I’d use for both designed intentions, but I’ll say I will never have my earbuds not wrapped around this. It’s quick, simple and pleasant just wrap the chord around the Stand and walk away, no more, no less.

When you’re ready to unravel the earbuds simply slide the ear pieces from under the chord and it simply unwraps with little involvement. It’s really a time and life saver. I never thought I would have so much use for an earbud cable manager until using one for a week and seeing the amount of headaches I wasn’t having.

I loved the Smarter Stand for the IPad Smart Cover and I am just as in love with the iPhone version. It’s been used more than any accessory this last week and I 100% mean that. I’ve been able to have eardrum shattering metal spewed into my head quicker the past five days than ever before. And I’ve actually used a kickstand for my iPhone. Something I’ve really never had the need for, and that comes from the lack of worry ill break it as well as it not being a hassle to use.

The Kickstarter project for the Smarter Stand is running for another 7 days, but has already passed its goal of $15,000. At the writing of this review Dotan has ready hit the $26,000 mark, which is awesome as we will see this project hit production and retail! You can get an Early Bird special for $9 now, but for an extra 3 bucks you’ll have the final price of $12, which I’m assuming will be the retail price. You can also drop some extra bills to get both the iPad and iPhone Stands which is a great deal. Estimated shipping is in May of this year.

Go back this project and secure yourself a handy little accessory that will save you time and headaches. The Smarter Stand is compatible with all models of the iPhone and iPod Touch. Now if I can just find something that can keep the EarPods in my ears I’ll be great!

More: Smarter Stand [Kickstarter]

 

Thanks to Dotan Saguy for the review sample!
 

Video

 

Smarter Stand for iPhone from Dotan Saguy on Vimeo.