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Function:Visitors to Chicago quickly learn the provenance of the phrase, "In the loop." As a colloquialism, it means to know current or privileged information, but it has a much more literal meaning in Chicago. The downtown area there, circled by public transportation since the late 1800s, is referred to as "the loop." Living or working "in the loop" in Chicago had a literal connotation of status, which translates well enough to the rest of us that hate the idea of being "out of the loop" in a world of information. Griffin Technology apparently wants to add yet another shade of meaning to this term, with their Loop accessory for the iPad. It's a stand for your device, propping up the iPad for viewing video or acting as a monitor, whether you type on-screen or use an attached keyboard. The design includes a notch and strip of rubberized coating that holds the iPad securely in portrait or landscape orientation, with the base of the Loop constructed from smooth plastic. A series of foam stands on the bottom of the Loop keep it secured on a counter or desk. There will eventually be lots of reasons you will want to prop up your iPad, so many protective cases already incorporate some kind of "kickstand" concept. The Loop from Griffin doesn't play well with cased iPads, as it is made to house a "naked" iPad. Not coincidentally, Griffin Technology sells a line of scaled-back cases and covers for iPad that make it simple to strip the device down without a great deal of fanfare. If you use the iPad "au naturale" or have a case that doesn't include some type of stand conversion kit, the Griffin Loop is a handy device to own. |
| Performance:The Loop comes in handy especially in those places where the iPad will frequently be used as a stand. The one room in my house where the iPad always goes nude is the kitchen. Propping up an encased iPad just doesn't work well, when my goal is to read recipes from the screen in a busy (read: "messy") kitchen. Field testing in this vein assured me that the Loop is impervious to cornstarch... The bulk of the Loop is impressive; when combined with the iPad's own weight, you can be sure this thing isn't going anywhere once settled on a smooth, level surface. The top of the Loop is notched in ways that let you place an iPad at one of two angles, not adjustable in itself, but able to accommodate different viewing preferences. The choice of materials also means that if your device slips out of its notch for any reason, it will generally just slide down to the second resting position, rather than fall off completely. There's very clean workmanship here, making the Loop something that you can pack easily into a bag for travel, without fear of it snagging or breaking. It's one of the least flimsy accessories we've ever handled, for any device, and this includes its no-nonsense black exterior finish. Loop is ultimately a simple, but well constructed device that fits into a very specific niche for iPad owners. If the video/viewing-screen concept is one of the key reasons you own an iPad, be sure to check out the Loop. |
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Features:
- View your iPad in Portrait or Landscape
- Upright Position for Viewing
- Inclined Position So You Can Type or Surf Comfortably
- Use with your Dock Cable (Available Separately) to charge and sync
- Secure Non-Slip Rubber Pads Prevent Slipping and Sliding
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Drawbacks & Problems::Having a stable rest for the device is what the Loop does best, but it really is a rest more than a clamp, meaning that it is possible to dislodge the device with a strong poke or stray elbow. If this sounds unlikely, you don't live as I do, in a house with two small children. Kids tend to use exaggerated swiping and tapping motions, making it inconvenient for them to use the Loop while interacting with the iPad. Adults that are accustomed to more gentle gestures won't have any real problem, but we suspect the best application for the Loop is as a passive stand, either to watch a video or type using an external keyboard. We're definitely impressed by the quality of the product, but all that focus on a dense, strong piece of hardware makes the Loop something that you may not want in your day-bag or purse. It's heavy, and a bit awkwardly shaped to be packed in a computer case. If you use a larger case for the iPad where there are more rubbery, strappy/snappy closures, you may find it tedious taking your device in and out to use the Loop. Otherwise, it's a fine addition to your accessory list, that performs entirely up to specifications. |
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-Fridtjof, GameVortex Communications AKA Matt Paddock |
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