A few weeks ago, LynkTec sent me a free review unit of its 360 Tablet Kickstand. I received it just a few days before I headed to Chicago for ABA TECHSHOW, and I have kept it on my iPad for the last three weeks, except to periodically remove it just to make sure that it is still just as easy to put on and off. This is a really useful device that I can recommend for two reasons: it is a great stand, plus it is also makes it much easier to hold an iPad in your hand.
Microsuction adhesion
When I first saw this device, I assumed that it had some sort of a sticky paste as an adhesion, which made me nervous that if I stuck it to my iPad, it wouldn't easily come off again. But to my surprise, it actually uses nothing glue-like at all, so there is no residue that could be left on the back of your iPad. The device instead uses microsuction technology, which is like having thousands of tiny suction cups gripping the smooth back of the iPad. I cannot see them, but they are there.
To apply the device, just push it firmly down on the back of your iPad. To remove it, put your fingers around the curved part and slowly and gently pull it off. I applied and removed the device many times, and had no trouble attaching it or removing it.
Once attached, it is a very, very strong connection. I have no concern that it will come unattached by mistake. And I have never noticed even a hint of a problem with the connection in the three weeks that I have been using the product.
When the device is removed, you can apply an included plastic pad over the microsuction end so that you can store it in a briefcase or purse and it won't stick to anything else.
Stand
The primary purpose of the product is to serve as a kickstand. Once attached, the hinge on the leg of the device can be adjusted to any angle. Once in an angle, it is very firm and stays in that angle until you move it. Even if you type or push down rather hard on the iPad, the leg stays in place at that angle.
The number 360 is in the name because you can also spin the leg. It snaps into any of eight positions. Frankly, it could have just snapped into four positions β I cannot think of any reason that you would want the stand at a diagonal position. If you think of the stand as normally being pointed down at the 6 o'clock position, by turning it to either the 3 o'clock or the 9 o'clock position, the stand will hold an iPad in a portrait position. I use my iPad in a landscape position far more than the portrait position, but it is nice that this stand can adjust to portrait when you need it.
Holder
The device makes a nice kickstand, but what I liked even more is that it works so well as a holder or handle for the iPad. I frequently find myself leaning back in a chair and reading documents, transcripts, etc. on my iPad. I found that holding the leg in my hand was much more comfortable than holding the edges of the iPad. (Indeed, this is a reason that I used to love to use the FreeOneHand, but unfortunately that product has not been updated for the iPad Air / iPad Air 2.)
Although the leg is made of aluminum, it has soft curved edges on the side, so it doesn't hurt to hold it i your hand for a long period of time. The openings in the leg give you lots of spots to place your fingers so that you can find a position that feels best. And the leg is tapered near the bottom, which also gives you another place to comfortably grip the leg.
For example, during my plane ride to Chicago for TECHSHOW, I had some transcripts to review. I launched the TranscriptPad app, held my iPad by gripping the 360 Tablet Kickstand in my left hand and annotated using my right hand, and it was a much more comfortable way to hold my iPad during a long flight than just gripping the edges. I also felt that the iPad was much more secure, far less likely to slip out of my hand than if had been holding it at the edge.
Limitations
Because this product attaches to the back of your iPad, you cannot use it if you have a case that covers the back. I use an Apple Smart Cover, which just protects the front of my iPad, so that wasn't a problem for me.
The device does protrude somewhat from the back of your iPad, even when you fold the leg all of the way down. I typically carry my iPad in Tom Bihn Ristretto bag, and the sleeve where the iPad goes is big enough to accommodate this device. But if you use some sort of very slim sleeve to cover your iPad, it may or may not work with this device attached.
Conclusion
The best thing that I can say about the Lynktec 360 Tablet Kickstand is that when I first received it, I had planned to remove it after my review was posted. But instead, I plan to keep using it for a long time. It is incredibly useful, it feels good in your hands, and it adds almost nothing to the size and weight of your iPad. This is a great product for anyone looking for an effective way to prop up an iPad on a desk, plus a way to more easily hold it in their hands.
Click here to get the 360 Tablet Kickstand by Lynktec on Amazon ($39.99)