Rain Design's mStand360 Review

These days, most laptops can do what, just a few years ago, can only be done on desktop computers. Things like editing photos with Photoshop or rendering videos. But now, laptops being produced are powerful enough that you only need one computer for processor-intensive events and for simple web browsing and tweeting.

Whenever I work, I try to make working as pleasurable as possible. However, laptops, by their very nature are not designed for extended hours of work. The small screen and the low display make for one achy back and stiff neck... There's nothing that can be done with the small screen outside of using an external monitor, but something can be done about the height of the computer. When it comes to computers, I prefer that my laptop is at eye-level so that I won't have to stoop.

To my surprise, the idea of a laptop elevator has not reached the Philippines yet. There are a lot of cooling pads available and there are also a lot of work-from-bed laptop trays in stores, but there are no elevators yet. The problems that crop up when you put your laptop on a table are the cooling pads are relatively low while the laptop trays are relatively high. 

And both cannot be swivelled...

So, when a friend from Pennsylvania visited the Philippines, I asked her to buy a Rain Design mStand360. This is Rain Design's variation on the original mStand. This time however, the stand can swivel 360 degrees, hence the name.

I am a fan of Rain Design's products, like the iLap, because of their beautiful designs. The mStand360 is not an exception. It is as if Jony Ive himself designed the products. The swivel rotates smoothly and repositioning your laptop is a breeze. The mStand360 can accommodate all MacBooks and laptops that has a maximum width of 10.4 inches.

The only problem that I can see with this product is when your laptop is connected to wired peripherals. Say you have a USB-connected hard drive, then swiveling the stand may be a bit of a challenge. The same is true if your notebook is connected to an external monitor...

Oh, and of course you need an external keyboard and mouse.

But all-in-all, the benefits you get from using the mStand outweighs the slight limitation of the gadget. With the use of this device, your eyes, neck and back will be really thankful.

The Shy Photographer loves it and highly recommends it!

Now, if only it will be available in the Philippines... Paging RainDesign... 

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All photos made with the iPhone 5s and the iOS app Hipstamatic.