It’s one of the most common problems out there for smart phone users: Do you shell out $30 plus for the “official” dock for your device, if there even is one? Or do you use some sort of improvised MacGuyver-like device constructed out of paperclips and q-tips? There hasn’t really been a good, universal solution for holding your device, whether it’s for charging or watching movies or listening to music.
Until now.
Feast your eyes on the brutally simple iCarpus mobile phone stand in its minimal packaging (go green woo!)
Like all objects, this has a back as well. (It’s got sides too, but they’re basically non-existent since they’re so thin.)
As you can see, the iCarpus team have included directions on how the device is supposed to be operated. But enough about the packaging, let’s tear this thing open:
I forgot to take a picture of the iCarpus with a common object to give you a sense of scale, but it’s shorter than a credit card and just a little bit wider. Let’s see how it actually holds a phone:
As you can see, it has no problems holding onto my AT&T Captivate. In landscape orientation, the iCarpus holds you phone at a perfect angle to set it on your desk or airplane seat-back tray and watch a movie. It’s also great for holding your phone while charging, as it doesn’t matter where your phone has it’s miniUSB port, the iCarpus will hold your phone for charging.
As we all know, the Galaxy S phones are a little larger, with their 4in screens, so how does the iCarpus handle something smaller? Let’s take a look:
So there it is holding my HTC Aria which sports a 3.2in screen. As you can see, the iCarpus has no problem with smaller devices. To see how it does with other phones like the Nexus One or ones that have slide out keyboards, like the Sprint Epic 4G, then make sure you watch the video at the beginning of this review.
Conclusion
So, now it’s time for the age-old question: Should I buy it? I can confidently say: Yes you should. With the iCarpus selling for $12.99 on Amazon, this little stand is a no-brainer. This stand easily held every phone I threw at it. The only thing to watch out for is if you want it to hold your phone in portrait orientation. If your phone has a curved bottom, then it may not work well unless you slide the phone down in the stand (watch the video to see what I mean)
Other than that, I have zero complaints about the iCarpus. If you’re looking to stop laying your phone on your desk or a great way to hold it while enjoying your media, then the iCarpus is for you.
Review by Scott Young
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