Pad Pillow Stand Earns More Than 230 5-Star Amazon Reviews And A 5 out of 5 From This Reviewer – The ‘Book Mystique (Updated)

The PadPillow Pillow Stand by iPevo has received more than 230 5-star reviews on the Amazon online retail store. iPevo reports that robust PadPillow sales during the 2013-2014 holiday gift-giving season was a primary reason for the uptick in enthusiasm and positive reviews. Including from this reviewer. I’ve been using a PadPillow for over a year, now, and it’ stone iPad support I prefer for on-lap typing. It’s light, comfortable, and large enough that it elevates the iPad from my lap to a more ergonomially-sound height and on-screen typing angle.

The PadPillow is compatible with all sizes and generations of iPad as well as Samsung’s Galaxy, Google’s Nexus, Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX, and other tablets and e-readers is available from Amazon or directly from the iPevo Online Store priced at $26.50.

The PadPillow is designed for use in bed, on the couch, carpet, lap, and other non-desk places where tablets and e-readers are used for comfortable extended sessions. With a customizable viewing angle and two configurations, the PadPillow can alleviate the back, neck, and arm fatigue that often comes with using a tablet or e-reader without proper support. In the extended configuration, PadPillow also provides space for a Bluetooth keyboard for emailing and more.

PadPillow is a disarmingly simple concept in theory and a brilliant one in practise. Ergonomics are not the iPad’s long suit, especially for typing more than a paragraph or two. I’ve found that iPad portfolio cases with protective cover flaps that fold to form a wedge that tilts the iPad toward you help somewhat for lap typing, but the angle is still too shallow for comfortable screen viewing.

Another PadPillow advantage is that with folio-type iPad cases, you don’t need to remove the tablet from the case in order to mount it on the PadPillow. Examples are Acme Made’s Orikata “Origami” folio case, and iPevo’s own Origami Folio case.

When I reviewed the iPevo PadPillow in 2012, I liked it, and gave it a positive review. Eighteen months later, I like it more than ever. Over the interval that I’ve been using the PadPillow, I’ve been doing more and more composition on the iPad, to a considerable degree thanks to the PadPillow, which literally makes the difference between comfort and discomfort for lap typing. One of the iPad’s marquee advantages is its unencumbered portability, and on of the reasons I bought the iPad was in order to use it for more relaxed composition and editing activity than is possible when sitting at my office workstation. The PadPillow has helped me realize that, and substantially enhances the tablet’s practical usability, while adding very little extra complexity, although it is, of necessity, a lot more bulky than an iPad alone.

Light though, being essentially a cotton fabric bag stuffed with foam padding, the PadPillow adds very little weight, and is soft and comfortable on your lap. The pillow is made in two triangular sections connected with a fabric hinge. PadPillow is made from a high-density foam with a removable 100% cotton fabric cover, and currently available in a range of five colors: Blue Denim, Charcoal Gray, Light Khaki, Honeysuckle and Orange.

If you fold the sections out to the extended position, it works well on the floor (at least if you’re young enough to be into floor computing), when sitting in a lounge-style chair, or lying in bed. Resting the PadPillow and iPad on your legs allows you to you control the viewing angle with the bend of your knees.

Folding the PadPillow’s sections together forms a more compact pillow support, great for on your lap, a sofa arm, or the chair next to you. In this position, a raised leather label acts as a simple stopper for the iPad. One of my few criticisms of the PadPillow, however, is that there should a Velcro strip or a snap fastener or somesuch to secure the PadPillow in its folded configuration, and a carry handle loop of nylon webbing or some such for one-handed carriage would be great, as well.

Also, while the PadPillow’s fabric cover can be removed from the internal foam shape and padding modules for laundering when it gets soiled (which it does, a reality that might factor into practical-minded users’ color choice), getting the foam out of the cover through a single zipper-closure aperture hidden under a flap at the back through which the inner foam can be removed is much easier said than done, and reinserting them after the cover is washed and dried even more so. It’s doable, but take your time to avoid damaging any if the PadPillow’s three component elements.

That said, iPevo PadPillow is a well-designed product combining the virtues of elegant functionality, simplicity and a reasonable price which has dropped from the original $34.95 to $26.50.

There is also a PadPillow Lite model that works for all generations of iPad, but is particularly well-suited to the iPad Air, iPad mini, and many varieties of sub nine-inch tablet computers, and ebook readers. LIke the full-size model, PadPillow Lite is made from a high-density foam with a removable 100% cotton fabric cover, but available in two colors only: Pink and Dark Gray (the latter the best PadPillow color choice to camouflage accreted grubbiness between washings).

At 5.9 ounces (168g), PadPillow Lite is less than half as heavy as the original PadPillow (which is already very light at less than a pound). The Lite version measures 9.8″ x 4.3″ x 9.2″ (25 x 11 x 23.5cm), significantly more compact than the full-size PadPillow’s dimensions of 7.7″x 9.5″x 12.8″. As such, iPevo emphasizes PadPillow Lite’s travel-readiness and its featherlight weight.

Also like its larger sibling, PadPillow Lite may be used in two different configurations, depending on application, body position and preference. Folded together, the stand provides a steeper viewing angle for the device, but the stand can also be laid flat out for a lower viewing angle. In the folded together position, and with the smaller model, two embedded magnets keep the pillow sections folded in place. PadPillow Lite sells for a very reasonable $16.95.

Amazon user reviews reflect the essential qualities and advantages of PadPillow, including its ability to reduce or eliminate fatigue. User SMS Chefcat writes, “I spend hours each day with my iPad, and this stand is SO much better than holding the iPad in my hands for that length of time.” Zumba Lady Dee Dee echoes that sentiment, stating: “Hands free is far less tiring and subsequently I can read and search longer without fatigue.” L. Constantino is impressed with the PadPillow from a fatigue-reducing point of view, writing: “I have Rheumatoid arthritis, and have a difficult time holding things for long periods of time. I just put this on my lap with my Kindle Fire on it and my hands are free. It is so comfortable.”

Another consistent theme among the Amazon reviews is the versatility and “go anywhere” quality of the PadPillow. Dad of Divas writes, “I also tried using this on the kitchen table and found this to be a great portable stand as well.” Hannah states that the PadPillow is “especially great for using the iPad while relaxing in bed. It also doubles as a pillow that’s great for car trips.” User Arleen writes, “I even use it while watching TV to check emails during commercials, and in bed to check websites that interest me.” Finally, A. Watkins has successfully paired her PadPillow with her toddler: “My 2 year old loves to play on my iPad and watch the PBS kids app. We were always trying to prop it up so she could easily watch it. PadPillow solves all of our problems. Lightweight and easy to use.”

After 18 months, and notwithstanding the minor criticisms noted above, I’m still giving PadPillow an enthusiastic 5 out of 5 rating. I wouldn’t want to be without it.

iPevo:
http://www.iPevo.com

Amazon PadPillow:
http://amzn.to/1fCwXaZ

Amazon PadPillow Lite:
http://www.amazon.com/Ipevo-PadPillow-Pillow-7-Inch-Tablets/dp/B009N8M2P6

Facebook Profile:
https://www.facebook.com/iPevous

Twitter Profile:
https://twitter.com/iPevo

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