Hasta La Gadget!

LAS VEGAS — Joby, the joint-legged tripod company, has launched a new iPad case / stand today. And as you’d expect from Joby, it’s not your usual iPad stand.

The Ori is named for origami, and it’s easy to see why. The composite aluminum/polypropylene case is made up of sheets which fold into a bewilderment of different configurations. It starts out looking like a folio case, and consists of three sections, like a book-cover with a third section attached at back. Within these sheets are further, pop-out parts that allow all the fancy folding.

First, you can just fold these main sections to various reading-friendly angles. Second, you can pop a smaller kick-stand out from one sheet to make a very secure typing stand. Third, this kick-stand can be used in combo with the main stand for a raised, kitchen-friendly configuration which keeps it above spills.

Lastly, you can go all-out for the in-bed TV-stand, which uses everything but the kickstand and introduces a swivel that lets you spin the iPad into horizontal and vertical positions. And don’t forget: the Ori also works as a microfiber-lined case.

The Oro costs $80. That’s not cheap, but it will replace pretty much every other stand and case you might need. And if the composite material is anything like as light and stiff as that of the Aviiq laptop stand we reviewed, you probably won;t even notice its there.

Ori product page [Joby]

See Also:

• Hands-On with Aviiq's Beautiful, Expensive Folding Notebook Stand …
• Joby Gorillabike: Dangerous, Bendy, Awesome
• Joby's Gorillatorch Flare Puts On the Red Light
• Joby's New Tripod Gear: Magnets and Balls
• Joby Gorillapod, Now for iPod Touch