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Functional Apple iPhone Stand

Functional Apple iPhone Stand
Fellow Instructablers,

I'd like to have a discussion on building a functional iPhone stand. While, yes, all iPhone stands prop up your phone, nearly of them fail to consider "real world" usage of the device. So, before I built anything, I came up with a list of requirements that my iPhone stand had to have:

1) It must be able to hold iPhone vertically or horizontally, although I prefer a vertical-orientation at work.

2) It must be able to connect iPhone to computer using data/charge cable.

3) It must be able to pick up iPhone to answer a call without having to disconnect from cable.

4) It must not put unnecessary strain on data/charge cable (i.e., no sharp bends).

5) It must be able to accommodate any size case .

With those requirements in mind, I came up with an “easel” design that has a split back to accommodate picking up the iPhone without having to disconnect. For materials, I picked up a piece of thick wire from HomeDepot, which cost around $3.00. To make the bends, I just used a pliers and ‘guestamated’ the dimensions. You're looking at my second version because the first one was too short (thus bent the cable too much).

I really like the design as it meets all of my requirements. It is a little 'top heavy', so I may make a small base for it. But, it doesn't get knocked around, so that's not a top priority. Besides, I'm interested in seeing how others can improve upon this design.

If you think you can improve upon this while still adhering to the above requirements, please post your creation. Try to use the key word "Functional iPhone Stand", so it's easy to find.

Best!
8 comments
May 23, 2012. 8:19 PMThatKnottyguy says:
I used duct tape, doesn't scratch, and everyone has some!
Dec 12, 2011. 6:55 AMzwei2 says:
I'm searching for the same requirements and I found your post, the only improvement I can see is a plastic cover to the metal (so that the structure won't scratch or crack the device), I'll search for electrical wires to produce my own.

It would also be nice that you could give us measures and angles of that design, I will go by photografic aproach, measuring the picture considering the measures os the iphone shown in the picture. :)
Feb 10, 2012. 12:06 PMmcpguru says:
I've been using vinyl tape (electric tape) to cover rough ends in my experiments. I've also used 15A conduit, which is stiff and covered, then you tape the ends. Also, I've played around with foam earplugs.
Nov 20, 2011. 11:44 AMSharky44401 says:
this design will work perfect for my Android powerd VodaFone 845
Feb 19, 2011. 5:00 PMsolobuffalo says:
i really like the simplicity of your design.
Im trying to figure out exactly how you went about bending the wire to that shape, to no avail. Im hoping that after some trial and error i will get it right.

A little step by step would be nice, great stuff either way.
Jan 2, 2011. 5:44 AMgroovy says:
wheres the ible ?
Oct 28, 2010. 10:53 AMdanialothman says:
i think you can use a metal clothes hanger, then use a pair of pliers to bend to the desired shape.
Aug 21, 2010. 8:12 AMnubabuba says:
whats it made of? i tried making one from random stuff but i gues you would know how that turned out hehehe

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Author:dedub01