Wiplabs Lift review

The Wiplabs Lift makes it easier to type on your MacBook by tilting the keyboard up. At the same time, it raises the display closer to eye level. And if offers these benefits anywhere you go because the rugged, aluminum stand folds so you can stow it away.

I put the portable stand to the test… and it really stood up.

MacBooks are generally brilliant, but they do have limitations. One of these is that you’re always looking down at the screen, and there’s no way to tilt up the keyboard.

These are inherent is the basic design of any laptop, but the Wiplabs Lift can help. You can tilt the keyboard up at a variety of angles. And that also raises the screen.

When you’re finished, fold it away.

Hardware and design

Right out of the box, the Wiplabs Lift looks a bit like a ski.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

The stand starts out looking like a small aluminum ski. When folded, it measures 9.5 inches long by 1.75 inches wide. For most of its length, it’s just 0.5 inches thick, but the curved tips are 1 inch thick. The unit weighs in at just 8.6 ounces (0.54 pounds). It fits well in a backpack, briefcase or other fairly large bag.

The various components are 1/8th-inch thick. And because these are solid metal, the accessory tough. Especially when folded.

The aluminum is padded in several places with silicone cushions to keep your expensive laptop from getting scratched.

Its look involves lots of shiny anodized aluminum. It reminds me of a bridge. That said, Wiplabs Lift is designed to go under your MacBook where people won‘t see it.

The stand comes with a flannel carrying case that prevents the device from getting scratched, or scratching your other gear, while in transit.

Unfolding the stand

Setting up the stand starts with sliding the two laptop supports apart. That makes the Wiplabs Lift as much as 6.5 inches wide. It’s designed for computers with screens between 10 inches and 15.6 inches.

Next, lift up the two supports, freeing the braces underneath. Place the braces in any of six holes to set the typing angle. That gives you a choice between 15 degrees and 50 degrees … a very broad range.

In use

I found the lowest setting n the Wiplabs Lift most comfortable for typing on a laptop, and appreciated the higher screen. For me, going up to 50 degrees turns the MacBook into a desktop for use with an external keyboard and mouse.

For iPad users, the stand can also prop up your tablet when you’re drawing, sketching or even taking handwritten notes.

In my testing, Wiplabs stand is almost completely stable. There’s no danger of the braces slipping out, and there’s no wobble when typing on it. If you experience wobble, expand the two supports to their maximum and carefully twist them to get the supports lined up perfectly. Works like a charm.

Wiplabs Lift final thoughts

The Wiplabs Lift is portable, but expands to become a solid support for your computer.
Photo: Adel Neal/Cult of Mac

Wiplabs’ portable stand has two jobs: tilt up your MacBooks’s keyboard while also raising the laptops display, it does both of them very well.

And the all-aluminum construction (except for padding) makes it tough enough to go on the road.

Pricing

The Wiplabs Lift is available now for $39.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac store

Wiplabs Lift review