I love using my iPad at my desk as a sort of second monitor. I can look at emails on my iPad while I am doing legal research on my computer. I look at a document on my iPad screen while I am drafting a memorandum about the document on my computer screen. But it is awkward to look at an iPad flat on a desk next to a computer monitor, and even when the iPad is propped up by the Apple SmartCover or any of dozens of iPad stands that sit on a desk, the iPad is lower than my computer screen. But when an iPad is in the Stable PRO by Thought Out, it has the height of a computer screen, perfect for a dual monitor setup, and perfect for when you just want to look straight ahead at your iPad screen while you type on an external Bluetooth keyboard connected to the iPad. Thought Out sent me a free review unit of this stand a few weeks ago and I am somewhat surprised how useful it has been. I find myself using it every day, and it makes my iPad even more helpful in my office.
[UPDATE 8/14/13: Note that in my original review, I incorrectly called the product that I have been testing the "Stabile 2.0." The product I reviewed is actually called the Stabile PRO. There is a different, less expensive product called the Stabile 2.0 which is lighter and has a fixed vieiwng angle. Click here for a comparison. My guess is that most people would found the Stabile PRO worth the extra $40 to have the better viewing angles and a heavier stand, but it is nice to have the option to get a $60 version or a $100 version.]
The Stable PRO lives up to its name. It is heavy (just over 3 pounds), made of steel, and very strong and sturdy.
The vinyl-covered pads on the "arms" of the Stable PRO securely and safely hold your iPad on the device. You can pivot the device to point your screen in lots of different directions, but there is a lot of friction so that when you are just touching the iPad's screen to interact with the iPad, it stays put.
Note that I am using the device with the optional Grapple PRO accessory. You don't need this accessory -- you can just sit your iPad on the Stabile -- but with the Grapple PRO attached, your iPad is held snug in place so that there is no risk of it falling off or getting accidentally knocked off. I recommend getting this accessory.
The iPad can sit on the Stabile in either portrait or landscape mode. And if you have the Grapple PRO accessory, it adjusts to work in either mode.
The design of the Stabile reminds of an Apple iMac computer. It looks very nice and is obviously well made. It even looks good from the back, which is important because people who walk in your office are likely to see this device from the back while your iPad is on your desk.
The Stabile PRO is heavy enough that this is not a stand that you would want to take with you when you travel. You'll want to keep it on your desk so that you can easily set your iPad in it whenever you want to view or read items on the screen. Indeed, the Stabile holds the iPad at a perfect height for viewing and reading items on the iPad screen. As noted above, it makes your iPad feel much like an external monitor — except that you can lift your iPad off of the Stable whenever you want to use the iPad as a flat tablet.
The bottom of the Stabile PRO has flat non-skid black polyurethane 3M feet. They keep the Stabile PRO in one position so that it doesn't slide around your desk even when you are pushing on the iPad screen with your fingers. They seem to me to be very well attached, but it is nice that you can buy cheap replacement feet if you need them.
The version of the Stable PRO that I tested is silver, which matches the back of the iPad and also matches the silver on the Apple Wireless Keyboard. It's a great color. The Stabile also comes in black or white.
Thought Out did a great job with this product. I had no idea how helpful my iPad could be when placed in this position, and the product itself is well-designed and well-made. The Stabile PRO is a unique and very useful iPad stand.
