There is no shortage of tablet cases. From shock protection to keyboards to portfolios with notepads. The options are endless. Not to mention all the color combinations.
Having owned the iPad 2 and now an iPad mini, one thing I struggled to find was an adequate solution for using the device on a desk.
For a couple of months I’ve used the ZAGG folio keyboard case and despite the small keys it works really well. However, as with most all iPad mini cases, the device is always in landscape position when on a flat service.
- Reading a Kindle ebook at your local Starbucks with the iPad mini on the table?
- Following a recipe on the Yummly app with your iPad mini on the counter?
- Checking items off the Todoist productivity app while hustling at the office?
Nearly every case or dock confines the user to landscape mode.
Even Apple’s own Smart Cover won’t let you prop the iPad mini up on your desk in portrait mode.
Enter Evernote to the rescue. Again.
Now, full disclosure here. I’m a HUGE Evernote fan. I’ve got over 3,000 notes synced effortlessly across 3 devices with 400+ blog post ideas brewing.
Evernote is great for project management, to do lists, creative brainstorming, grocery shopping, wish lists, and capturing anything in the digital realm you never want to forget. Hence the logo featuring an elephant.
In the last few years Evernote has partnered with select companies to create physical products that bridge the gap between the virtual and tangible universe. Moleskine and Post-it just for starters.
Evernote’s latest collaboration with Pfeiffer may be their best move to date.
Introducing, the tablet dish.
From Evernote:
Display your tablet at the ideal angle for viewing horizontally or vertically. The grooved walnut base holds it in place. We also included a strategically placed channel for your charging cable to travel through, so your desktop stays free from clutter.
This is by far my favorite hardware accessory. No assembly or batteries required.
With a unique walnut base and sturdy soft-touch plastic this dock surpassed all expectation.
Even the packaging is cool. Evernote recommends using the well-crafted box as extra storage. Done.
Featuring a sizable hole in the bottom to accommodate the power cord of any tablet (this dock isn’t Apple exclusive), a “hidden” tray for headphones or random office supplies, and an additional grove for a stylus, this dock is both functional and fashionable.
And the best part? It’s designed to display the iPad (Air or mini) in portrait mode, but will still accommodate the landscape position.
I’ve had the dock less than a week, and already had the opportunity to test various applications.
- Reading a book
- Watching a tutorial video while using Scrivener
- Referencing sermon notes while watching a message online
- Managing to-do list while completing tasks
Of all the impulse purchases I’ve made in 2014, this is one I’ll never regret.
At $49.95 the tablet dock isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for. The Pfeiffer dock is stylish, practical, sturdy and takes up a minimum amount of space.
You can check out the tablet dock on the Evernote Marketplace as well as other items in the Pfeiffer collection. I’ve got my eye on the slotted cup.
P.S. If you’re an Evernote fan, ChurchMag has an Evernote-themed book for churches releasing in October. Join the exclusive insider list by leaving a comment below. You’ll get a first look at the cover and the chance to pre-order the title at a discount.
FBK says
Appreciated this review…considering this for myself. Now, I’m gonna go for it. Thought it was brilliant on the part of Evernote as well.
Trip McAlhany says
Thanks for the review. My ipad is always looking for the right place to sit on my desk and this looks as though it might be a help. Might have to pull the trigger on this as well.
I have been an evernote fanboy for a long time. I really enjoy saving articles for reference later as well as the searches and tags.
Trip
Erick Rodriguez says
Great review & sweet looking product!
Corri Page says
I love Evernote and am excited to see a book about how it can be used in the church world.
Warren says
I do almost everything on Evernote, so this dock would be a well-used addition. I actually thought the price wasn’t too out of range, though it may take me some budget rebalancing to afford it.
tom says
good review of a very useful product. have been in search of something similar. thx.