Review: Griffin Loop for the iPad

Griffin Technology is known for making handy accessories for the Mac and iPod/iPhones. The MacBook Pro that I am using to write this article is currently supported by the Griffin iCurve (which was later replaced with the Elevator), which I've been using for about 6 years now.

When I saw the Loop for the iPad, I knew it was going to be something that I wanted to use. As shown above, it will hold your iPad in either "portrait" or "landscape" orientation, but if you look at the very front of the Loop, you will see a slight edge there as well. You can rest the iPad at a lower angle, which is more comfortable for typing (see image here).

What is harder to see in the pictures is that the notches to hold the iPad in the upright position (as shown above) are cut a little wider than necessary. This turns out to be a big benefit if you use a case for your iPad, since you can use the Loop without taking it out of the case. Another nice touch is that, when held in portrait mode with the dock connector on the bottom, there is enough clearance to keep the iPad plugged in. The same is not true for the SD card reader and USB camera connector kit accessories for the iPad, but I use those far less often than the sync cable.

The Loop is heavy enough that it won't move around, even if you are tapping on the touchscreen. It has some non-slip material on the bottom of it as well. My only (relatively minor) complaint is that the material doesn't cover the entire bottom of the base, which seems like a strange decision to make; it means there are several edges that can get caught and pulled off, making the Loop uneven. I haven't actually had this happen, it just seems like a risk that could have been easily avoided.

At US$30, the Loop is on the more expensive side of the various iPad stands out there, but it's versatile enough to give you different ways of using it. If my experience with the iCurve is any indicator, you should be able to use this for many years to come. The ability to keep the case on the iPad is a big "win" for me. Given that the Loop's notch is open, I suspect that whenever Apple announces the second version of the iPad, the Loop will be able to hold it securely, too (even if Apple "tweaks" the design, as they have shown they like to do with the iPhone). Of course, only time will tell.

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Source: http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/loop

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iPad

Griffin Technology is known for making handy accessories for the Mac and iPod/iPhones. The MacBook Pro that I am using to write this...

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Vuilnis

This is ridiculous design, like most others that neglect to recognize the ultimate portability of the iPad. While perhaps fine for the home, $40 for a plastic ring devoid of any design is outrageously expensive. If they had made it so it could collapse and slipped into a bag they would've had something useful.

September 08 2010 at 5:31 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

claus.rosenstand

Hi

You should really check this elegant holder for iPad

www.iPadBuddy.dk

/ClausR

September 08 2010 at 2:29 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

MaggieB

Thanks for a great revue! I have been contemplating buying one of these for my office... you have given the push I needed to just go ahead and BUY it! Since I am constantly reviewing iPad apps on http://appsforipads.net/ it will be nice to have such a reliable stand.

Great site! I will be subscribing to your RSS feed!
Thanks again!

September 07 2010 at 9:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to MaggieB's comment

Steve Comando

Shameless plug, and your site stinks. Like your stand has any relevance to reviewing APPS. Ugh.

September 07 2010 at 10:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Brian

the BookArc is $9 more and much sturdier, looks better and holds my iPad without any playing around. i'm not really into supporting griffin products so I'd encourage those shopping around to check the alternatives.

September 07 2010 at 9:48 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Saviopalm

I don't know if I get this one or the Compass stand. What do you guys think?

September 07 2010 at 5:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Michael Murdock

I was looking for something to replace the apple portrait stand and ran across this in the store, test drove it and even though I don't work there had 3 other people who saw me toying with it buy them after I did.

Expensive...yes. Everything Griffin makes is pricey. They're a rip-off. However, functionally this is a great stand and simplicity...it's got. Love the angles and it makes typing in bed pretty easy when you use a tv tray or something else to sturdy it on.

Could be less expensive and they might sell a few million of them. But Griffin is a pretty greedy company. Sad, but true.

September 07 2010 at 5:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jmproffitt

I bought it and like it. So does my wife -- she swiped it for using with her 2nd generation Kindle. Great. Now I have to get a second one.

I will say that this is a more versatile stand than the more-expensive Griffin stand that's made of solid aluminum. This one doesn't fold flat-ish, but it makes up for it by being really sturdy and flexible.

Probably the best iPad stand out there for real-world use.

September 07 2010 at 4:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Did anyone else get the reference on their site: 'One Loop with infinite possibilities."

September 07 2010 at 4:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

spyker

I really like mine, bought it the day it was announced. Right now it's holding my iPad up on a shelf above my desk. I love it.

September 07 2010 at 4:33 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

justin_forb2003

I like it very much, i want ONE!

September 07 2010 at 4:29 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply