Earlier this year, I noted an iPhone case called the iBottle opener which, as you might guess, is an iPhone case that has a built-in bottle opener. I'm not sure how practical that product is, but it is certainly humorous. The company that sells that product and many other zany contraptions, Baron Bob, sent me a free review sample of a product in a similar vein called the iPlunge, billed as a handy stand for your video emergencies. The product looks like a minature plunger. It is a piece of wood attached to a red suction cup that stands about two inches high:
You attach the iPlunge to your iPhone just by pressing the cup part of the plunger on the back of your iPhone. The directions say that it works better if you moisten the cup, but I didn't find that necessary. It attaches easily to the back of the iPhone, and should also work fine with most iPhone cases that have a smooth surface. It also removes easily without leaving a mark.
With the iPlunge attached, it is easy to prop up an iPhone in the landscape position, putting the iPhone at a good angle for watching a video. You can also use the iPlunge to prop up your iPhone in the portrait position, useful for a FaceTime videochat, but I found it much more difficult to find the exact right spot to stay upright in the portrait position; it can be done with some effort, but the iPhone is more likely to tip over.
Of course, I feel that talking about how this product works is somewhat beyond the point. The main selling point of this item is simply that it is humorous. At only $5.95 it makes for an inexpensive joke gift for someone who uses an iPhone, not to mention a funny gadget for yourself if you are looking for a laugh when you prop up your iPhone. You'll have to decide for yourself whether it is prudent to use the iPlunge during a meeting with a potential client. Will it be an icebreaker that leads to a shared laugh, or will it cause the client to lose all confidence in you as a lawyer capable of a serious representation of the client? How exciting to see which it will be! Let me know how it works out for you; I suspect I'll keep this iPlunge packed away during client meetings. Then again, every time I look at the iPlunge, I cannot help but smile.
Click here to get the iPlunge from Baron Bob ($5.95).
