This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan.
Quick take
The Aoviho folding laptop stand is extremely rigid. With a 14-inch MacBook Pro on it, I could type directly on the laptop keyboard at a raised height and the stand did not sink or wobble. The hinges are so stiff that folding it takes real effort, so treat it as a desk stand rather than a travel stand. If you use an external keyboard and mouse, I still prefer my cheap 360° rotating stand.
What I tested
- Aoviho folding aluminum laptop stand (about ¥2,600 at the time of recording)
- My daily 360° rotating laptop stand (about ¥1,900, used for around two years)
- A low fixed aluminum stand from LOE, almost the same shape as the discontinued 12 South stand I own
- A 14-inch MacBook Pro, typing directly on the stand at a raised height
What I found
- Hinges: very stiff out of the box. A hex key is included to adjust them, but even loosened they need a lot of force. Spare rubber feet are also included.
- Stability: the base plate is much larger than it looked in the product photos, with rubber grips. Resting my hands on the laptop did not make it sink.
- Ergonomics: raising the laptop brings the screen to eye level, but the keyboard ends up slightly high for typing. Acceptable for me.
- Weight: surprisingly light for how solid it feels.
- Compared with the rotating stand: the rotating base lets me turn the laptop toward my monitor, which I love, but it wobbles when typing, so I use an external keyboard with it.
- Compared with the low stand: rock solid and heavy for its size, but it cannot raise the laptop.
| Aoviho | 360° rotating | LOE (low) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Folding, adjustable height | Rotating base | Low, fixed |
| Rotation | No | Yes | No |
| When typing | Does not sink | Slight wobble | Rock solid |
| Best for | Typing on the laptop | External keyboard setup | Stability without height |
Who it is for
- People who want a raised laptop without buying an external keyboard and mouse
- Anyone who wants a stand that stays put while typing
- Not for people who fold and carry a stand every day
The video is in Japanese. The MacBook Pro typing test starts around 2:27 and the comparison around 4:42.
Limitations
I tested the stand at my desk for a short period and did not measure load or angle ranges. I cannot speak to long-term durability of the hinges with repeated folding.
Products
Aoviho laptop stand: on Amazon Japan
360° rotating laptop stand: on Amazon Japan
LOE laptop stand: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
All Camera & Desk Setup (42) →Browse all English reviews →
This review is also available in Japanese.