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miFrame makes your iPad picture perfect

by Michael Grothaus Oct 31st 2011 at 12:00PM

I usually don't review iPad stands, but the people from Striped Sail sent me a miFrames for iPad 2 to try out, and I found it quite clever. Unlike traditional iPad stands, the miFrame doubles as a picture frame enclosure.

Most people aren't going to buy an iPad just to use it as a digital picture frame, but those who use that feature (perhaps photo studios or graphic design offices that want to show off their work, not to mention grandmas) the miFrame is a nice choice. The frame/stand comes in black or silver precision-machined aluminum and can be positioned in portrait or landscape orientation. A five-foot USB cable runs from the base and can be plugged in to a power source, like an Apple USB charger, to keep the iPad charged. The long cable provides plenty of reach for positioning the stand just so.

The miFrame doubles as a traditional picture frame. You can slide an 8x10 printed photograph into the frame which will be displayed when you remove the iPad. That way the frame is useful when it's holding an iPad and when it's not.

One of the few drawbacks about the miFrame is that you actually have to snap the frame's border off to get the iPad in and out. It's easy to do and doesn't take too much time, but it would be nice if you could slide the iPad in without removing the frame. Also, the miFrame can't be hung on a wall, which some users might find limiting.

The miFrame is available for the iPad 1 or 2 and costs US$79.99. You can purchase it directly from Striped Sail or through Amazon.



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I usually don't review iPad stands, but the people from Striped Sail sent me a miFrames for iPad 2 to try out, and I found it quite...
 

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6 Comments

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Intelius Q

In the spirit of that SNL sketch when Will Ferrell was a musician and Christopher Walken was asking for "MORE COWBELL"...

MORE BEZEL

October 31 2011 at 11:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nick

Wow. For $20, MAYBE (and we are talking a major maybe).

For $80? You've got to be kidding me. In no world does this make logical sense. Mark is right, go buy a dedicated electronic picture frame for far less money, this is an utte waste. How do companies like this get funding??

October 31 2011 at 6:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Nick's comment
Rob

Let's break this down:

- Most iPad stands cost between $30-$75.
- A metal picture frame at Bed Bath and Beyond costs at least $20. - http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/search/search.aspx/8x10-picture-frame/?sstr=8x10+picture+frame&grid=20&dim=1&nty=1&
- Apple's iPad dock costs $29 and it doesn't even include a cable.
- Griffin sells an extended cable for about another $20.

Seems to me like for the right person, this is a pretty good deal. Besides, I don't think the author was suggesting you could only use this as a digital picture frame. Obviously, if you have any use for a stand or a charging dock this is an option.

October 31 2011 at 7:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MarkMalley

I'm all for a good idea, but seeing as you can get a 10.5" dedicated frame from Amazon for less than the cost of this accessory, I struggle to see the value.

October 31 2011 at 3:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to MarkMalley's comment
Justin

Mark-

Keep in mind that this is an aftermarket purchase once someone already has an iPad. It's important to realize that most people use iPad only 3 hours per day. While it's sitting idle, it can be used for other purposes, and the miFrame allows people to get more out of a $500 device that would otherwise sit idle 80% of the time.

Consumer reports considers iPad to be "better than virtually any dedicated frame on the market" (http://bit.ly/svdMNE). Why not take advantage of those iPad capabilities while it charges?

There are iPad stands on the market for $90 such as the Joule iPad Stand. High quality, uniquely designed products tend to command higher prices due to aesthetics. I can see the miFrame offering aesthetics in addition to the practical aspects of charging, therefore easily commanding the $79 price.

-Justin

October 31 2011 at 10:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Justin

Mark-

Keep in mind that this is an aftermarket purchase once someone already has an iPad. It's important to realize that most people use iPad only 3 hours per day. While it's sitting idle, it can be used for other purposes, and the miFrame allows people to get more out of a $500 device that would otherwise sit idle 80% of the time.

Consumer reports considers iPad to be "better than virtually any dedicated frame on the market" (http://bit.ly/svdMNE). Why not take advantage of those iPad capabilities while it charges?

There are iPad stands on the market for $90 such as the Joule iPad Stand. High quality, uniquely designed products tend to command higher prices due to aesthetics. I can see the miFrame offering aesthetics in addition to the practical aspects of charging, therefore easily commanding the $79 price.

-Justin

October 31 2011 at 11:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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