Review: Vaio UX180P stand options
You are already well aware that unlike its Japanese counterparts, the UX180P’s accessory bundle does not include the carrying stand. Apparently, it seems that Sony wants U.S. consumers to scrounge around for their own alternatives.
So far, UX owners have pleaded with Sony to sell the carrying stands, fashioned homemade stands made of sheet metal and acrylic, modified existing iPod accessories, and/or just purchased docks designed for other gadgets. Take a look at the pages throughout this thread for pictures of a few users’ inventions.
Other folks, like me, have simply accepted the supplied port replicator as the best (albeit bulkiest) option. However, after booking a flight to New York last night and glancing at the size of my carry-on luggage, I began to have second thoughts. So today I took a quick scan around the house to find something better suited for traveling.
I didn’t come up with much, but anything more compact than the port replicator deserves a little photo shoot. None of these "stands" are ideal while using the UX keyboard, but they may not be too bad for watching a video or connecting a few peripherals for some light away-from-the-office work.
Think Outside keyboard
The Stowaway Universal Bluetooth Keyboard is equipped with a removable stand that works really well with the UX. Even better, it folds down flat and attaches to the keyboard (which would already be a necessary travel companion).
The stand can be locked into two positions: one designed for devices in portrait mode, and one for landscape mode. Here are some comparison shots of both positions (portrait on left).
Business card holder
I can’t remember where I first read about this, but I didn’t come up with the idea myself. I bought this metal mesh business card holder from Office Max about two years ago; I think it’s in the bargain bin for less than $3 now.
Anyway, it’s an okay stand alternative, but I wouldn’t trust it through a bout of turbulence. Just moving it around to take the pictures activated the UX’s built-in HDD shock protection a few times, so who knows what would happen on a plane.
You may recall my tendency to place stands upside down.
Fortunately, in this case, turning the card holder upside down isn’t an embarrassing mistake!
Wooden plate stand
Okay, this is a ridiculous option, but I thought it was worth considering since it folds in half for very easy storage.
Obviously, this isn’t very reasonable (or attractive), but it’s at least better than leaving the UX flat on its back.
Well, that’s all I found at my house. What’s at yours? If you’ve found a great travel-friendly alternative, please head over to the comments section.