Filed under: iPod Family, Reviews, TUAW Faceoff
TUAW Faceoff: MovieWedge vs. MiniRizer
MovieWedge and MiniRizer essentially do the same thing: they provide a stand for your iPhone, iPod, or other teensy portable device (BlackBerry Storm?). If you've ever sat for an hour on a plane, holding your iPhone in your hand like a dope, staring down at the screen trying to enjoy, let's say, Koyaanisqatsi, then you realize there's a market for these things. I had a hard time choosing a favorite here, but I have to say that MovieWedge wins by a nose.MiniRizer is by longtime manufacturer Matias, and it's a miniaturized version of their iRizer -- a laptop stand. The MiniRizer is comprised of two clear plastic rectangles, designed to fit into each other to form a shelf with a backplate. This is perfect for the majority of phones or portable media players out there. But of course, it's really perfect for an iPhone or iPod touch.
The MiniRizer provides two slots for assembly, which gives you two viewing angles: 40 and 50 degrees. The two plastic pieces fit into an envelope that comes with the product. Finally, the plastic "lip" where the iPhone would sit includes a little rubber for gripping the device. As anyone who has tried to sit their iPhone up on a desk, it's the slippage that winds up being the pain (I have been known to carry a large rubber band from a bunch of broccoli in my pocket to fashion an improvised anti-slip surface).
Read on for more, or check out the gallery below.
Gallery: MovieWedge vs. MiniRizer
MovieWedge is a new manufacturer, and they are taking a different route with what is essentially a well-designed bean bag. The outer material is suede, which is great for wiping the screen of the iPhone. The viewing angle is adjustable, but not precise, since it is a bean bag. The clever part of MovieWedge is how the bag is sewn, including a stiff (but bendable) small rod, providing a lip for the iPhone to sit in. I thought the design of MovieWedge was very clever, and after using one for several weeks (including having it shoved into numerous laptop cases and pockets), it held up exceptionally well.
Both products are lightweight. Both are highly portable, although if you need something to pack flat, the MiniRizer has an edge there. Why did the MovieWedge win out? For one thing, MovieWedge costs $9.99 while MiniRizer costs $14.95. The other factor, for me, was versatility. I don't think I'd play a game of hackey-sack with the MovieWedge, but if you've ever been in a situation requiring a bean bag (and you'd be surprised how often this happens to me), you're set. For example, I used the MovieWedge to prop up iPhone in action while I tried some of the examples in Xcode. I guess if you buy two or more, you could also juggle them.
My recommendation: MovieWedge. But one note: if you buy an iRizer, you get a MiniRizer for free. Not a bad deal, really.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Stu J said 5:55PM on 3-05-2009
"Shipping and handling to United Kingdom: $12.95"
yowzer!
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Stu J said 6:01PM on 3-05-2009
the above was shipping for the Moviewedge, which I thought was a little steep - but somewhat understandable.
Especially when I saw the equivalent cost for the Rizer:
" Europe by Expedited (5-8 Business Days) Additional US$80 "
or you could possibly get it for...
"International Airmail (up to 1 lb) (2-3 Weeks) Additional US$40"
guerro said 10:24AM on 3-06-2009
Is that a bean bag I see there??
notworksafe said 7:41PM on 3-08-2009
It's okay. I found the same thing as the MovieWedge for much cheaper.
http://www.centurynovelty.com/detail_56_163-404.html?mr:trackingCode=20698B23-5B0B-DE11-9E3C-001422107090&mr:referralID=NA
brian said 6:07PM on 3-05-2009
Suddenly that stand made with pencils and rubber bands from a few weeks ago is looking a lot better. I don't fly a whole lot so I'd rather just spend a couple minutes making a stand from things that are already in my backpack than spend money on one if these things. Seriously.
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JoshK said 7:00PM on 3-05-2009
I'd recommend getting a cheap desk business card holder. I got a clear plastic one from Target for $1. I'm sure any office store has something similar. It works perfectly and fits the budget.
(01) said 6:23PM on 3-05-2009
Am I the only one that always has my MBP when flying? Usually eliminates the need for barf-bag stands for my phone...
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Rick said 7:44PM on 3-05-2009
The battery in an iPhone/iPod Touch lasts a lot longer than a MBP (though my SSD-equipped MacBook might be close) - definitely a consideration on a cross-country flight (or series of flights). Also, a laptop takes up a lot of room, and more than one has been broken by a reclining seat.
Watching movies on a flight is one of the great uses for an iPhone, and having fashioned a less-than-perfect stand from a business card holder, I'm definitely in the market for something that works better.
JoeC said 12:33AM on 3-06-2009
I use my iPhone (watch out for flight attendants that don't think the iPhone has an 'airplane mode' or have never seen an iPod Touch) and recharge from my MBP when needed.
It really helps kill the time when flying from Chicago to JoBerg.
Dave T. said 11:20AM on 3-06-2009
I"m the same way. I watch movies on my business laptop and if I'm actually doing work on it I plug into my ipod classic.
I was just on a Southwest flight with WiFi and watch HULU for 3 hours. It was awesome.
xB33M4Nx (willdta.com) said 7:26PM on 3-05-2009
There is a griffin hard case with a clip that locks open to use as a stand, its works great!
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ref26 said 8:15PM on 3-05-2009
I recommend a BatRest, it folds up to fit in your wallet and works with pretty much any device. Cheaper than these stands too.
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BJ Nemeth said 1:01AM on 3-06-2009
I just placed an order for the MovieWedge. I watch my iPhone during a lot of flights, and sometimes even in hotel beds. There are probably cheaper options, but it's cheap enough for me ($15 w/shipping), and I like the idea of a beanbag-style holder.
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ealmasy said 2:16AM on 3-06-2009
A couple of details it would be nice to cover:
Weight? When traveling, every ounce counts. It's pretty easy to get some idea on the MiniRizer from the photos, but depending on what they use for filling, the MovieWedge could be very light for its size or kind of heavy.
Vibration? Particularly when flying, vibration from the plane (train, car, whatever) can make it extended video viewing less comfortable. Does the MovieWedge help eliminate some of that?
And finally, does the MovieWedge include any sort of case? From the review and the description on their web site I'd assume not. Stuck in the bottom of your bag or stuffed in a pocket, it seems like the MovieWedge could end up pretty grungy after several extended trips.
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Tomasz said 2:42AM on 3-06-2009
this must be the stupidest post iv ever seen ... have u people really run out of things to talk about?
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mart said 3:21AM on 3-06-2009
I'm wondering what's wrong with the little plastic stand that already comes with the iPhone / touch - works for me!
I have to say, I'm kind of confused by TUAW's editorial remit, if there even is one. I'm wondering why this sort of thing is important, and Apple's massive UK price hikes aren't even worth a sniff: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/technology/2009/03/apples_brave_price_rise.html
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Jonathan Piccolo said 3:28AM on 3-06-2009
First of all, let me just say that I'm the creator of the MovieWedge and I appreciate all the comments I'm reading here - some great feedback!
Now to answer some of the questions I'm seeing here:
@Stu J
For International shipping, that was the best rate I could find. It's actually the rate for a USPS Priority Mail flat-rate envelope. MovieWedge fits in there nicely.
@brian
I'm all for the "do-it-yourself" solution if that's your thing. In fact, if it wasn't for "doing it myself," I wouldn't have come up with the MovieWedge. Let's see what you can come up with - there's plenty of room for innovation in this area :)
@ealmasy
MovieWedge weighs 2.5oz, it eliminates the vibration problem by absorbing it and even stands up to sitting on my car dashboard with my iPhone in it while my niece watches a movie. I've even taken it on an extreme outing and really slammed on the brakes and took corners pretty hard in an effort to dislodge it - but it held firm. Airplane turbulence is no match for it as well. Not sure I could say the same for the MiniRizer (but I wouldn't mind being proven wrong) :)
@BJ Nemeth
Thank you for your order!
@Tomasz
Will have to kindly disagree with your sentiment and wish to thank Victor for a well-done review! Would loved to have come out ahead by more than a nose but that's just my competitive spirit.
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Jonathan Piccolo said 3:56AM on 3-06-2009
@ealmasy
Forgot to answer the last part of your question: MovieWedge does not come with a carrying case. Didn't seem practical as it's a pretty durable item as is. We might re-visit the idea in a future revision though.
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Andrew Jasper said 10:39AM on 3-06-2009
I prefer the iBend. Cheaper, cleaner, more fun to use and portable. I've never even heard of these 2 stands...
check it out at myiBend.com
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Gina said 11:47AM on 3-06-2009
I have a Batrest, and while I think it is a cool idea, I have to take my case off and it has to be in there just so. I just ordered a moviewedge because of it's versatility on uneven surfaces. I look forward to receiving it. :o)
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