Ethic, LLC The WINGStand (Black) (3016)

Since the iPhone and iPad first support Bluetooth keyboards, I've been experimenting with various solutions from a foldable "stowaway" keyboard, roll up keyboards, laser keyboards, and others.However, as many people have noted, it's nearly impossible to beat the Apple Bluetooth keyboard. At a school I work with we've used these to create an ad-hoc lab of "mini laptops" for typing practice using Apple Bluetooth keyboards and iPads.The design of the WINGStand is SO obvious, it is genius. The stand clips over the rounded battery compartment of the Apple Bluetooth keyboard making a nice stand for your iPhone, iPad, or other tablet. The pieces also clip together for easy storage.It even works as a stand without the keyboard - just cut a piece of transparency film in half, roll it up, and slide each half of the WINGStand over each end and the film will expand to hold the WINGStand firmly in place.The only improvement I could suggest for version 2 would be a small adjust hinge at the back of the stand to subtly change the angle, but that of course would complicate things a bit.Pros:• Inexpensive solution for "pairing" devices physically that are paired by bluetooth• Perfect fit for Apple Bluetooth keyboard• Stand is surprisingly sturdy when in use - does not tip over easily• Clip together pieces makes it harder to lose one• Can be used with other round object for a stand without the keyboardCons:• Probably won't fit future Apple keyboard designs• Back support could be a little longer to make design feel less top-heavy when in useAll in all, it is hard to find anything negative to say about this exceptionally simple and elegant solution. I use mine at least two or three times a week.

THIS IS AN UPDATE OF MY REVIEW:These clips are very useful for holding an ipad or iphone on an apple wireless keyboard, and I used them for several months. That is why I'm giving them 3 stars, not 1 star. I got some use out of them.But when I slid them off to clean my keyboard one of them snapped (see picture).I contacted the company several weeks ago, and included the picture. They never responded.Soooo...A pricey, but useful item.Made of cheap plastic that breaks too easily.Nonexistent customer service.Three stars seems more than fair to me.HERE'S MY ORIGINAL REVIEW:They are pricey for 2 little piece of plastic. But the value is in their usefulness. I use them all the time. My only feedback is that my iPad and iPhone rest in them loosely. I wanted them to fit a little more snugly so I lined the wingstands with black foam. Problem solved. And it prevents my beloved screens from getting scratched. Just saying...

Seldom does something so small and so simple, work so well!Like many iPhone and iPad users ... I have body fitting cases on both. That turns out to be no problem for the WingStand. The designer was smart enough to leave just enough room at the bottom of the 'claw' that holds either so that even my thick case still seats perfectly.Another brilliant design feature is that they included several small nubs that fit into matching holes on the second piece that lets you lock the two together when they are not in use. This makes it far less likely that when you are carrying them in your pocket or travel bag, that they will become separated by accident. The stick together but come apart easily when you want them to.BTW I find I use my WingStand both with and without my keyboard. They work equally well, either way.It is a real joy to type on the standard Apple bluetooth keyboard! I have two other 'iPad' keyboards but I touch type and there is just enough difference both in size and in feel that I constantly have to retype over mistakes. Not a problem with the full sized apple keyboard, though.I don't give five stars often but this is one item that has earned my highest praise!

What I like: easy to store; stable when used with the keyboard; does not pinch or scrap my iPad; easily adjustable to fit the device and the orientation; nothing to break like hinges or surfaces that get dirty.What I don't like: sliding them on and off the keyboard has left black marks along the back; without a keyboard, larger devices like iPads or iPad Minis are unstable (though it still works as a book stand if you are careful when turning the page or scrolling; and its not really any different than Apple's iPad cover that folds into a stand); if you don't connect them together before dropping them in a backpack or purse, it can sometimes be hard to locate both of them; and the uprights that support the device are *just* short of being a good fit for an iPad Mini with Apple's cover flapped around the back (though you can slide the device in then let the cover fall over the back of the stands instead of putting both inside the stands).Overall, I like these and use them frequently to add another option for using my Mini. I can turn it into a little laptop that, in the time it takes to pick it up, can suddenly become a hand-held device again. While it does take a few seconds longer to set up or put away the keyboard than a laptop (unless you take the time to shut down the laptop and/or don't take the time to remove the stands from the keyboard) I think the versatility these stands add just reinforces why I will likely never need to buy a laptop again.

I discovered this product a few years ago when it was a kickstarter.com project, and I quickly ordered a set. I love these! I use my Apple wireless keyboard primarily with my Mac, but for some of my classes I take my iPad and this is a great way to take notes quickly and efficiently. I actually had to order a new set recently because I was pretty hard on my old ones. If you put the keyboard in bags and whatnot with these still attached, they will eventually become loose on the keyboard. I definitely recommend removing these from the keyboard when transporting it.