Later this week I am pulling the trigger on the iPad. Since it was introduced I have been a hold out for a couple of reasons, but the more I play with it, the less I can find much fault. The goal is to replace an aging laptop that is used for surfing the internet and light computing chores like watching the occasional video or word processing stuff. I think in the end the iPad will be a solid replacement for the ancient (4 years old) Macbook Pro.

One thing I know I am going to need a case, for it, and I am going to want a stand so I can use my bluetooth keyboard with it. The case is going to require some thought, but the stand is pretty much a done deal after seeing Innopocket’s HexaPose iPad Stand today.

The stand is made of solid aluminum and tough polycarbonate plastic, and raises the iPad above your work surface and tilts to the optimal viewing angle. What I really like though is the rotating pivot that allows the iPad to turn 90 degrees to landscape mode which will come in handy for watching video and working with apps that function better horizontally. Another nice feature is that the satnd looks like an iMac satnd when the iPad is resting on in it. I’ll be the first to admit the brace structure, and hinge could stand some visual refinement, but for 49 bucks this isn’t bad. It looks functional, and I can upgrade the hinge hardware with something nicer for less than $5.00. I just hope they aren’t back ordered like so many iPad accessories are.