Just Mobile is a company I first spotted on KickStarter, I was impressed by the company’s design ethos and strong use of minimal shapes. We reviewed and gave away one of the firm’s AluPen styluses, which we loved. So, when I spotted the UpStand for iPad, I couldn’t resist it. The stand – designed to work with all three generations of iPad – costs $49.95 and is worth every cent.

Upon first inspection you’ll notice a well put together piece of Aluminum. The base has some really light brushed concentric circles which add a really nice look and feel. From the base, there are two metal cylinders screed tightly to the triangular iPad rest. Just in case you’re worried about scratching your precious tablet, you’ll be glad to know that the feet and the inside of the rest are lined with a supportive rubber that will keep your iPad away from the metal, and provide adequate cushioning. The same material lines the underside of the base. It’s a fantastic, symmetrical design. On a desk loaded with Apple’s Aluminum goodness, it looks right at home.

In terms of practicality, it’s hardly the most portable of stands. It can’t be folded away neatly, or taken apart, but it’s clearly not meant to be. It’s a stand designed to take permanent residence on your desk. I’ve been using it to hold my iPad for the past couple of weeks to watch the EURO 2012 games while working, and I’m delighted with it. It’s a pretty sturdy piece of kit. At no point did I feel like my iPad was in any danger of toppling. Comfortable with landscape or portrait modes, it makes a decent easel if you’re a budding iArtist.

As with all accessories I test, I try to put them through the mill a bit. The only flaw – and it’s a small one – is that if you apply too much pressure, or twist the stand, it does give a little. I’m not sure if it’s that the screws aren’t tight enough, or if the materials used require it to be a little loose. That said, it doesn’t make it a poor stand by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a top class accessory, made by a fantastic company. I love it. You can purchase it for $49.95 at Just Mobile’s online store.