Product
Review: inStand CR-1 Laptop Tripod
By
Mitchell Levine
Over
the last year, the technology marketplace has been bombarded with
just about every conceivable variation on the notion of a “mobile
workstation.” The dedicated Education Update reader will
most likely recall profiles of several in the last few months
alone. Well, guess what? I have yet another to recommend. I use
it myself, and I suggest that serious laptop users and education
tech buyers give it strong consideration.
Originally
developed for use by court stenographers, the CR-1 is a folding
tripod, much like a heavy-duty version of a music stand, made
from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum, with an adjustable, ergonomically-designed
no-slip tray. Folded, the CR-1 easily fits into a backpack or
computer case- in fact, it even fits into mine fully loaded- and
weighs in at only 26 ozs. Unfolded, the tripod stand can accommodate
users whose seated height ranges from about 19” to 41”- appropriate
for all but the youngest students. Although slightly more expensive
than some of its competitors at approximately $100, prior to any
applicable volume discounts made available to institutional buyers
by the manufacturers, the convenience of this item cannot be overstated.
It can be carried around practically unnoticeably, and unfolded
for use as a portable computer support center in less than a minute.
My laptop is at the high end of the scale at about ten pounds,
and the CR-1 holds it and my power supply with nary a shake nor
wobble. For those who might have occasion to use it for highly
extended periods of time, or require additional supplementary
materials or peripherals, an industrial-strength version, the
CR-5, is available, as well as one intended for standing use,
the CR-3. Other helpful accessories are also sold directly by
the company.
I’ve said it repeatedly throughout my reviews, and I will once
again: spending money on technology is worthless, if that technology
cannot be used and used effectively to enhance literacy, technological
or otherwise. The laptops currently being purchased for in-class
use must be able to be effectively deployed, if they are to make
any difference in our students’ educations. It’s a sad irony that
the districts in New York that most need the hardware also have
the least space to use it in. The inStand CR-1 can help compensate.
Teachers, administrators, superintendents, principals, parents,
BOCES coordinators, Board of Education and Technology Task Force
members, and Mr. Chancellor, please log onto www.instand.com
or contact 1-877-467-8263, and explore the possibilities
this product has to offer.#
Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel:
(212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of
the publisher. © 2001.
|