Use Tablets Hands-Free With Tablift
I’m one of those people who uses my iPad in bed or on the couch, and I typically fall asleep while I’m watching a movie or TV show. My usual method would be lying on my side, propping up the iPad with a pillow so it’s right in front of my face (probably not the greatest idea to preserve my eyesight), and if I fell asleep, I’d wake up with a crick in my neck. Or the other option (if I was on my back) would be propping it up on a pillow with my hand(s) holding it up. Then my wrists would get tired. Both of them aren’t anatomically correct ways to use a tablet while lying down.
Several months ago at the Consumer Electronics Show, I discovered Tablift. It’s a unique tablet stand that you can use in the comfort of your bed without having to hold up anything. Originally a Kickstarter project, Tablift does not look like any other tablet holder/stand I’ve seen. It almost looks like a spider.
My daughter already has claimed it and calls it her iPad spider (see photo).
I have a few tablet stands, but most of them are designed to use on a desk or flat surface. None of them really allow me to lay flat on my back and use it comfortably. Of course, since its legs are bendable, you can use it many other positions, such as sitting in a chair, reclined in your favorite rocker or, of course, on a table/desk. So, no more tired arms or being too close to the screen. An interesting fact from a 2013 Nielson poll indicates that more than half of all tablet use occurs in bed or in front of your TV. I admit this holds true for me most of the time.
Bottom line, however you’re sitting/lying down, you don’t have to worry about knocking over your Tablift since it’s designed to hold it steady on various surfaces. It’s constructed solidly, as the mounting base is made with a high-grade, high-impact ABS plastic with a matte finish, and the legs consist of a double-reinforced metal spring core with a matte polyolefin finish. Best of all, it’s made in the USA. You can find the Tablift at tablift.com or Amazon.com for $59.95.
Click Chick’s Mobile App of the Week: gFlash-Pro
Just in time for back-to-school, gFlashPro is a flash-card app that allows you to use your Google docs or Excel spreadsheets to create decks of cards that also can include sound clips or
YouTube videos. The app links to a directory that allows you to download premade decks or share yours with friends or the community.
You don’t need to be a student to use gFlashPro. Teachers, trivia junkies or aspiring Jeopardy contestants also will benefit from this. You can make flashcard assignments, quizzes, test inspirations or store images/audio for reference. If you’re a teacher, this will be especially beneficial to test your own proficiency in your subject, and help you realize your strengths/weaknesses.
There’s a free version available, but the ads are annoying, so paying $4.99 for the full version is worth it. It’s available for your iOS or Android devices.
clickchick@outlook.com
