Sturdy folding stand makes MacBooks more ergonomic [Review]

The Wiplabs Lift makes it easier to type on your MacBook by tilting the keyboard up. At the same time, it raises the display closer to eye level. And it offers these benefits anywhere you go because the rugged, aluminum stand folds so you can stow it away.

I put the portable stand to the test … and it really stood up.

Wiplabs Lift review

MacBooks are generally brilliant, but they do have limitations. One of these is that you’re always looking down at the screen, and there’s no way to tilt up the keyboard.

These problems are inherent to the basic design of any laptop, but the Wiplabs Lift can help. You can tilt the keyboard up at a variety of angles. And that also raises the screen.

When you’re finished, simply fold it away.

• Hardware and design
  • Unfolding the stand
  • In use
• Final thoughts
  • Pricing

Hardware and design

The stand starts out looking like a small aluminum ski. When folded, it measures 9.5 inches long by 1.75 inches wide. For most of its length, it’s just 0.5 inches thick, but the curved tips are 1 inch thick. The unit weighs in at just 8.6 ounces (0.54 pounds). It fits well in a backpack, briefcase or other fairly large bag.

The various components are 1/8th-inch thick. And because these are solid metal, the accessory is tough. Especially when folded. Don’t worry, though: The aluminum is padded in several places with silicone cushions to keep your expensive laptop from getting scratched.

This laptop stand’s look involves lots of shiny anodized aluminum. It reminds me of a bridge. That said, Wiplabs Lift is designed to go under your MacBook where people won’t see it.

The stand comes with a flannel carrying case that prevents the device from getting scratched, or scratching your other gear, while in transit.

Unfolding the stand

Setting up the stand starts with sliding the two laptop supports apart. That makes the Wiplabs Lift as much as 6.5 inches wide. It’s designed for computers with screens between 10 inches and 15.6 inches.

Next, lift up the two supports, freeing the braces underneath. Place the braces in any of six holes to set the typing angle. That gives you a choice between 15 degrees and 50 degrees … a very broad range.

In use

I found the lowest setting on the Wiplabs Lift most comfortable for typing on a laptop, and appreciated the higher screen. For me, going up to 50 degrees turns the MacBook into a desktop for use with an external keyboard and mouse.

For iPad users, the stand can prop up your tablet when you’re drawing, sketching or even taking handwritten notes.

In my testing, the Wiplabs stand is almost completely stable. There’s no danger of the braces slipping out, and there’s no wobble when typing on it. If you experience wobble, expand the two supports to their maximum width and carefully twist them to get the supports lined up perfectly. Works like a charm.

Wiplabs Lift final thoughts

Wiplabs’ portable stand has two jobs: Tilt up your MacBooks’s keyboard while raising the laptop’s display. And it does both of them very well. Plus, the all-aluminum construction (except for the padding) makes it tough enough to go on the road.

Pricing

The Wiplabs Lift is available now for $39.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store

Wiplabs provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.