Twelve South BookArc: Review

INTRODUCTION

Twelve South, a company that designs accessories exclusively for Apple products, boasts that its BookArc, a simple desktop stand, can boost the performance of any MacBook. Yes, you read that correctly—a stand that enhances your laptop’s functionality!

“How?” you ask? Well, the company, who designs accessories exclusively for Apple products, asserts that by using the BookArc to take advantage of your MacBook’s ability to work as a “silent computer,” you’ll not only save desktop space but processing power too.

Basically, the BookArc, which will cost you just a penny under fifty dollars, employs the MacBook’s ability to work as a desktop machine when the screen is closed; Apple affectionately refers to this feature as “Closed Clamshell Mode.” For more info, check out this link at Apple’s Support Website.

So, could this outlandish allegation be true? Keep reading to find out in this TechTrackr.com Review.

THOUGHTS

From start to finish, Twelve South managed to impress me with its BookArc—here’s why:

First off, the packaging’s pretty impressive. The outer-most box is covered in an attractive stitched cloth material—I’m definitely keeping the box that the BookArc came in (in fact, Twelve South gave me twelve suggestions on what I could do with it!)

Sleek packaging

After you open the box, the first thing you’ll see is the aluminum BookArc. The ‘number one’ silicone insert comes pre-installed. Inside the box are two more silicone inserts.

The BookArc with various silicone inserts

These inserts essentially grip and cushion your MacBook so it’s definitely important to use the right one; to find out which insert is right for your specific model (i.e. Pro, Air, etc.) check out the handy users’ guide; it’s a mere two pages and gives you a complete run down on the BookArc.

The User Guide: short and sweet

In my eyes, the BookArc serves two main functions: eliminating clutter and increasing function—I’m so fond of this accessory because it does both of these things extremely well.

The BookArc

Let’s talk about the BookArc’s “space-saving” abilities first: it’s blatantly obvious that the BookArc frees up a nice chunk of space on your desk in the most elegant way possible. And while it’s true that you could just lay your MacBook flat on your desk, who really wants to give us that much valuable real estate? It’s also incredibly easy to detach your MacBook in case you need to grab it and go—straps and cables need not apply.

The BookArc in action

And, believe it or not, the BookArc actually increases function. One of the biggest disadvantages of having a laptop (MacBooks especially) is that they overheat. In case you weren’t aware, the entire line of MacBooks actually slows down the processor when the temperature exceeds a certain temperature. The BookArc poses a solution by keeping your notebook cooler.  We found that our early MacBook Pro model ran faster; although the speed increase wasn’t enormous, it was definitely noticeable.

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning the build quality of this thing: the BookArc itself is made from some pretty high-quality aluminum. It has an impressive, sleek design that is truly “Apple-esque.” At just over a pound, the BookArc is pretty hefty so unless you’re unusually strong, I doubt the BookArc’s going anywhere (meaning if you accidentally nudge it, I don’t anticipate any consequences).

THE GOOD

• Simple, yet elegant design
• Compatible with almost every MacBook ever made
• Awesome build quality
• Practical for both home and office use

THE AVERAGE/ “SO-SO”

• The silicone feet came off a bit too easily

THE BAD

• 50 bucks for a desktop stand is kind-of expensive

TECH SPECS from TwelveSouth.com

• Height: 3 inches
• Width: 4.5 inches
• Depth: 10.12 inches
• Weight: 1.2 pounds

COMPATIBILITY

The BookArc is compatible with the following Apple laptops:

• MacBook Pro (13, 15 or 17-inch)
• MacBook (black, white or aluminum)
• MacBook Air
• PowerBook G4 (15 or 17-inch)

THE VERDICT

Rating:

If you’re looking to use your MacBook as a desktop, then the BookArc is the perfect product for you.

Not only will it free up space on your desk (in the most chic way possible I might add), but it will also boost the performance of your laptop.

Again, 50 dollars is a little pricy but as they say, “quality doesn’t come cheap.”

YOUR THOUGHTS

MacBook users, are you going to drop half a Benjamin on the Book Arc? Please share your thoughts with us– we’d love to hear from you.