Saving my Neck: The XT Stand Folding Laptop Stand

Lately I've been working much more out of the office at various coffee shops, and when I'm working for extended periods of time I find that the low angle of my notebook's LCD screen causes neck strain after a couple of hours. I've tried carrying around my old Griffin iCurve and Logitech Alto Express, which are elegantly-shaped pieces of plastic, but they do not easily pack into a laptop bag. After a bit of hunting around, I came across the XT Stand, a compact folding laptop stand that stood out from the piles of plastic junk littered across the Internet. After reading this 2005 review, I took a chance on ordering one from the rather mysterious xtstand website. I've been carrying it around for about a month. The verdict: so far, I like it a lot.

The XT Stand is made of satisfyingly sturdy metal with rubberized caps, and I was impressed by the fit and finish. In the hand, it feels more like a piece of scientific gear, and it gets a few looks from people when I haul it out. While it comes with a solid plastic carrying case, I just carry the XT Stand loose in my bag next to my "scroll case" of 11x17 paper. Folded, the stand is about an inch longer than a ballpoint pen, and will tuck away into a wide pen-carrying pocket.

Unfolded, the XT Stand lies pretty low and stably. The base is stable and height adjustable. There are two adjustments possible: the length of the two rear extension supports (5 settings), and the height of the riser tubes (hi or low). While I would have liked the option of being able to raise my laptop screen more than two inches, it nevertheless works well enough to prevent some discomfort. With my external USB keyboard (a compact BTC 6100C) and my new-favorite mouse (a Logitech VX Nano), I have a pretty comfortable portable on-the-go setup. It all fits in a slim LeVertigo 17" vertical brief.

I have to admit, though, that the main reason I like the XT Stand is because it just looks so cool. The slightly bronze-colored matte finish goes very nicely with my MacBook Pro, here encased in a Speck clear hardshell. The Griffin iCurve is probably a better ergonomic solution, as it is a little higher that the XT-Stand, but it loses on portability. I'm also intrigued also by the portability potential of the newer Griffin Elevator and the InclinePro, but I have to say I am drawn to the steampunk aesthetic of the XT-Stand better. I'd like to know who designed the XT Stand, because it doesn't seem to have the usual cost-cutting overseas design vibe that is the norm for gadgets in this category. Someone cared about the feel and build quality of this piece of gear, and it shows. It's elegantly fussy.

I paid about $40 for mine, which is a little pricey, but it's the same price as the Elevator. The InclinePro, by comparison, is around $80, and I can't quite justify that. I got mine from this website, which at first glance looks like it might not actually be in business from the 2004 copyright date on the bottom of the page, but I did receive product.

It's a weird little piece of gear, I admit, but that's also why I like it :-)