Mobile Technology

Mantis Stand for iPad - pricey if not deadly

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The Mantis Stand from flatscreen arms
Rear view of the Mantis Stand in portrait orientation
Rear view of the Mantis Stand in landscape orientation
The retracting arms of the Mantis Stand
Mantis Stand face up
The Mantis Stand from flatscreen arms
The Mantis Stand from flatscreen arms
The Mantis Stand from flatscreen arms
The Mantis Stand from flatscreen arms
The Mantis Stand from flatscreen arms
View gallery - 9 images

There's no shortage of iPad stands on the market, but those looking for something a little bit more flexible and robust might be interested in the solid aluminum Mantis Stand from U.K.-based flatscreen arms. Like a praying mantis, the Mantis Stand clasps its prey (well, your iPad) in a vise-like grasp. Rather less like a praying mantis, the stand's x-shaped head swivels and tilts for portrait or landscape viewing from almost any angle. But the similarities and non-similarities to the praying mantis do not end there.

Ways in which the Mantis Stand is like a praying mantis (Mantis religiosa or similar)

  • Its remorseless embrace ("unique" quick release mechanism notwithstanding)
  • Remains motionless much of the time

Ways in which the Mantis Stand is not like a praying mantis

  • Aluminum body
  • Anodized finish
  • Adjustable tension in the head (which presumably affects how easy it is to adjust)
  • Security screw (for locking the iPad in place)
  • Cam lever-controlled retractable arms
  • Sexual cannibalism-free
Mantis Stand face up

The Mantis Stand is compatible with both the iPad and iPad 2 with or without Smart Cover, and can be bought directly from the manufacturer for £149.99 (US$233).

That's undeniably pricey for an, albeit elegant, iPad stand. For thrifty gadgeteers (and we salute you) there are plenty of less expensive alternatives to consider like the RingO, dzdock, Yogi, TabGrip or LUXA2 H4.

View gallery - 9 images
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4 comments
Joseph Shimandle
Kind of defeats the whole \"it\'s portable\" concept of the i-Pad.
Pieter
I appreciate the solid nature of this stand and see plenty of times that would be ideal. Other holders do as good and frankly for less money. Too pricey for me (and many).
SpaceBagels
Pointless and self defeating product.
William H Lanteigne
I\'ll wait for the Chinese-made plastic knockoff, for about US$200 less.