Review: The Just-Mobile UpStand, a functional iPad stand wrapped in a beautiful design

Just-Mobile is an award-winning design company behind some of the best accessories for your iPhone, iPad, Mac and other gadgets. We’ve taken a look at several of their products in the past and always came away thoroughly impressed with the build quality and thoughtful designs of these items.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with the UpStand for iPad, which is a ‘high-style’ iPad stand with a focus on design and function. You can find several low-cost tablet stands all over Amazon and eBay and those may do the trick for some people, but there’s also those who appreciate accessory makers who take the time to design products that complement their Apple gear. Just-Mobile is that company. Keep reading to see if the UpStand lives up to our lofty expectations…

First Impressions
Upon removing the stand from the box, it is quickly evident that it has been crafted with the same care as other Just-Mobile products. The entire item is made from precision-cut aluminum, which looks terrific anywhere but perfectly complements aluminum Apple products especially well. The UpStand has a large circular bottom plenty big enough to keep your iPad stable even if it’s bumped or softly hit. Even better, the underside of the bottom has a circle of soft rubber that helps keep the stand in place. The holding place for the iPad consists of two large prongs, which makes it easy to keep an iPad plugged in when in use. Each prong is lined with the same soft rubber to help keep the iPad extra secure and minimize the chances of it being toppled over. It holds the iPad perfectly in portrait or landscape mode.

Function
In my opinion the stand is at a perfect height for reading, watching a movie, or typing a lengthy email on a nearby Bluetooth keyboard. I typically find myself positing the UpStand next to my Mac and watching MLB games on my iPad mini. It positions the iPad slightly higher than a Smart Cover would, which I find to be a more comfortable viewing position. Although I haven’t done it myself, I could easily see people using it on their nightstand for an alarm clock or catching up on the morning news.

Wrap Up
An iPad stand is not terribly difficult to make but to create a truly exceptional one takes extreme dedication and attention to detail. Just-Mobile has accomplished this with the UpStand. Everything from the design to the materials are top-notch and well thought out. It is super stable, functional and absolutely stunning. At $50 MSRP the UpStand may not be for everyone but for those of you who appreciate a well-made product I assure you it will deliver. I truly cannot think of one aspect I would change or any features that I think Just-Mobile missed. The UpStand is available now directly from Just-Mobile and on Amazon (slightly discounted).