There are plenty of stands out there that elevate laptops to eye level, but when you're using a giant monitor it isn't really necessary to have it open. And why not show off that beautiful aluminum body and save space? We're getting a new office soon and these are the laptop docks we've been looking at.
Twelve South BookArc ($14.99-49.99)
One of the slickest docks we've seen, the BookArc Pro matches the smooth curves of a Macbook Pro. Its aluminum body hides a cable management system for a cleaner desk and easier connecting and disconnecting. While the ports aren't as well considered as some models, we do like that it comes with a kit for older Macbooks.
Henge Docks ($55-74.95)
A more literally vertical solution to Macbook docking, the Henge Docks family includes types to fit all kinds of Macbooks. The sleeve resembles a giant version of what you'd put your iPod in down to the modular connectors on the inside that extend the ports on your laptop. It's a simple matter of flipping over your Macbook inside it and tightening down the cables with a hex wrench to keep them in place.
Floater ($305)
Despite the unfortunate name, the Floater is a really attractive laptop stand that provides excellent cooling. Like the BookArc Pro it's made of aluminum, though it's not quite the perfect match the BookArc is. While it's doesn't incorporate as much technology at a Henge dock, it does provide a way of getting at your ports through the bottom. We like the harder, more industrial foot-like shape and look that matches our desk's aesthetic. Once it's for sale again we'll take a serious look at adding this to our setup.
MORE MACBOOK ACCESSORIES ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• Toshiba Introduces Wireless Docking Station for Laptops
• A Minimalist Lamp to Match Your MacBook
• Attractively Anodized: Aluminum...The New Black
(Images: Twelve South BookArc, Henge Docks, Floater)
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i feel like most of these are just asking for you to knock them over. I have my laptop just flat on the desk next to me right now but i have been looking at macessity laptuk pro. It is nice but i can't see spending $90 on it.
My problem with the twelve south is that yes it puts your cd drive up front, but that also puts your headphone jack in the rear. i use that way too much and it would make my cord too short.
I'm also worried with the Henge Dock and ventilation. Although my Pro doesn't get hot too often, it's when I use Photoshop and such demanding software does it get a little hot underneath. And that's what I'd prefer to do at a desk most of all.
I've had both docks. The henge docks is really great - get to work, pull it out of the bag and drop it in place - going home just reverse the process. I liked it so much that I bought two, one for the office and one for home. The Twelve South Arc, however, not so much.
The problem with the arc has to do with the way that the wires are routed to the Macbook Air. The wires go into this notched cut-out in the rubber which does a poor job of holding the wires in place. Furthermore, you will have to route wires to BOTH sides of the laptop as the display connector is on one side and the power connector is on the other. Dealing with this on a daily bassi became so much of a headache that I gave up.
My arc is now a nice (but pricey) stand for my BookBook (a great product from Twelve South).
I actually went to office max and bought a business card holder that was white leather for about $7.00 and it fits my macbook perfectly. No need for some fancy $350 aluminum holder...
Ventilation is really a problem here, especially with the MBA, since it's airflow intake is situated under the keys.
When I plugg in my MBA into my external screen I have too put a magnet on the laptop tricking it the lid is closed in order to run on only the external screen while still having the lid open to not hinder air intake.