14 DAY TRIAL // Typically, notebook stands are associated to the idea of desk or table, their main purpose being to support and sometimes cool a notebook, while in some cases also enhancing its connectivity, but the guys over at Standivarius have come up with a completely different concept, namely the Aero stand, that users can permanently attach to a notebook without affecting its portability in any way and actually increasing its level of versatility.
Right from the start, we'll have to tell you that when we received the Aero sample for testing, we couldn't believe our eyes, simply because it was shipped in an ordinary mail envelope (together with a second model, the Arte, which we'll detail in another review).
I mean, we've received plenty of samples over time, but in most cases, they came in some pretty big packages, meant to protect them against the occasional bumps occurring during transport.
However, the reason why the Aero required so little space is not only related to the very neat packaging, but also to the fact that this notebook stand is, in fact, super-thin, light and easy to carry around, making it the perfect "attach and never remove" companion for your notebook.
Aesthetics and design
Overall design features While its functionality and portability are, in fact, the main selling points the notebook stand has to offer, it's the Aero's inherent design features that make it so attractive for customers.
The overall form factor of the Aero is very innovative (in fact, it's already started racking up design-related awards, as the manufacturer informs us, the latest coming from British organization FIRA), since it introduces a whole new concept in this particular market segment.
So, instead of creating a notebook stand designed to be placed on one's desk and accommodate a notebook, Standivarius created a product meant to provide this function wherever the user might go, while in the same time taking up only a very small amount of space within the notebook bag, given the fact that, after all, it remains permanently attached to the portable computing system.
And, as far as we're concerned, ultra portability is really the name of the game here, since the first Aero notebook stand model we've mentioned before, namely the one targeting 12-13-inch notebooks, measures 264 x 197 x 2.5mm / 10.4 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches, and weighs just around 135 grams (5 ounces), while the second, larger one, measures 289 x 222.5 x 2.5mm / 11.4 x 8.7 x 0.1 inches and weighs around 165 grams.
In other words, you probably won't even feel the fact that this thing is attached to your notebook, while being able to fully enjoy the features and functions it provides at any given moment.
Materials and build quality
We've mentioned before that the Standivarius Aero does have a couple of minor problems in the design department, and those issues are related, as far as we're concerned, with the material this thing is built from, as well as the finishing in certain parts of the product.
Actually, the best description of this material would be somewhat of a combo between aluminum and a hard cardboard, the latter applying especially as far as the tactile feeling it gives out is concerned.
Of course, we've only been able to test it for a relative brief interval, so we can't really pass judgment on just how wear and tear proof this thing is on the long term, but by the looks of it, this thing can probably go for a fairly long period of time.
However, the truth of the matter is that most users will probably have somewhat of a hard time adjusting to it, and that's solely because they're used to those bulky, heavy stands, and this thing will probably feel a bit frail to everyone (although, from our experience with it, that's really not the case).
Of course, after placing it under a notebook, you won't be able to actually see this area, so the fact that it gets filled with fingerprints is more or less irrelevant. Tech facts This section of our review will be a pretty short one, this time around, since there are relatively few specs listed in the Standivarius Aero's technical sheet, as you'll be able to see for yourselves as follows. STANDIVARIUS aero for 12-13 inch laptop models Size - 264 x 197 x 2.5mm / 10.4 x 7.8 x 0.1 inches; Weight - 135gr / 5oz; Colour - Zodium black; Max Inclination - 48 degrees; Inclination adjustments – 3; STANDIVARIUS aero for 14-15 inch laptop models Size- 289 x 222.5 x 2.5mm / 11.4 x 8.7 x 0.1 in; Weight - 165gr / 5oz; Colour - Zodium black; Max Inclination - 44 degrees; Inclination adjustments – 3; Real-life performance The unboxing experience Before moving on to talking about the way in which the Aero gets attached to a notebook and just how it behaves in real-life usage conditions, we'll have to say a few words about the packaging, which has some pros, but also definitely some cons.
I mean, the envelope-like black case the Aero comes in is certainly extremely elegant (we foresee this thing as being the perfect corporate gift), and while it will occupy a very small space (told you earlier that our test samples came in a large envelope), it's will certainly provide users with a challenge in opening it, especially if they're in a hurry to see what's inside.
Attaching the Aero to a notebook
After completing the more or less difficult process of taking the Aero stand out of its box, you'll have to move to the next step, namely attaching this thing to you notebook.
In fact, the only flaw we were able to identify as far as the whole assembly process is concerned, is the lack of some visual cues regarding the whole attachment process placed on the stand itself, providing some info on what's to be done or at least pointing you to the manual.
However, if you do take the time to read the few pages describing the process from the manual, you'll find out that we're talking about a very fast, easy and user-friendly activity, that should have the aero firmly attached to your notebook in just a couple of seconds.
In theory, this shouldn't take you more than a couple of minutes, and then you'll be good to go. Using the Aero As we've mentioned several times up until now, the major innovation brought about by the notebook stand developed by Standivarius is the fact that it remains attached to your notebook at all times, the device providing not only a high level of portability, but also a solid support for the computing system it's mounted onto.
Furthermore, the Aero also packs Standivarius' Slide-Click-Lock mechanism, that enables a good level of stability in every situation, while in the same time being intuitive and easy to use enough in order to help users get the hang of this thing in no time.
Another very important topic we have to tackle when talking about the Standivarious Aero is that of ergonomics.
In this way, one might avoid not only eye-sight related problems, but also the appearance of back aches, for example.
To sum things up, the Aero notebook stand is quite a pleasure to use, especially since, after getting accustomed to it, you'll probably forget that there was a time when you actually couldn't carry your stand around, wherever you went, and had it ready to work in just a couple of seconds.
The Aero is super-slim, light and easy to carry around, since it will literally go wherever your notebook does, as it remains permanently attached to it.
Of course, it still has some problems, such as the somewhat difficult to get around mounting instructions, at least if you haven't read the user's manual before, or the fingerprint-friendly upper surface, but we'd dare to say that they're quite minor and don't take too much from the overall value of the Standivarius aero. Sales package - Aero notebook stand; - User's manual; - Spacers (available in three sizes); - Cardboard cutout model for spacer placement;
