Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Flippy Tablet, Kindle, Phone, and Book Stand Lap Pillow Review

Today, I'm sharing my product review of the innovative Flippy lap pillow stand, which is one of my favorite recent purchases, With just a flip of the wrist, you can change from the viewing angle of this versatile, multi-function media holder that can alternate duties as a tablet stand, Kindle or other e-reader stand, mobile phone stand, and book stand.

Flippy Tablet Stand Lap Pillow With 3 Viewing Angles
My spiffy Flippy tablet stand pillow can hold my Fire HD 10 tablet, Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, iPhone, or printed books at three different viewing angles, in portrait or landscape orientation.

During this year's special two-day Amazon Prime Day event, my husband and scored some terrific products at significant discounts. Our two splurges were a 2020 model Toshiba 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV edition to replace the ancient, bulky, and very heavy cathode-ray-tube (CRT) set in our bedroom, and a new 10-inch Amazon Fire HD tablet to replace my entry-level 2013 Apple iPad Mini tablet (whose iOS operating system, browsers, and apps can't be updated with currently supported software versions). Even my husband, who got himself an 8-inch Fire HD tablet during last year's Prime Day event, was extremely impressed with how much better the picture quality was and how much larger the display area was compared to his Fire HD 8 tablet. 

Tip: Prime Day deals are just one of many valuable perks for Amazon Prime members only. If you haven't yet joined the program, you can sign up for the generous free 30-day Amazon Prime trial membership offer to experience the many exclusive, members-only contents, deals, and other benefits, so you can determine if they're worth more to you than the annual membership fee.

Meet Flippy, the Multi-Viewing-Angle Pillow Stand for Tablets, eReaders, Smartphone, Books and Magazines

As soon as I ordered my new 9th generation Fire HD 10 tablet, I started searching for an attractive and well-made tablet cover that was designed specifically for that model, and that had an auto sleep/wake feature and a built-in stand that offered multiple viewing angles and worked in both portrait and landscape orientations. I purchased one of the few that met all those criteria, the Grifobes Fire HD 10 tablet cover, even after reading reviews about the limited range of viewing angles. The only real downside was the lack of a 45- to 50-degree viewing angle option One of the reviewers recommended getting a pillow stand, which I had never heard of, as a workaround. That led me to do an Amazon search for pillow tablet stands. That's how I discovered the Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books, Magazines

The Flippy was unlike anything I had seen before. It appeared to be an elongated, triangular pillow whose sides met at three different angles, with each apex curving down over the adjacent side, like a cresting wave. Even after reading the product title twice and looking at the photo in the search results, I still had no idea how a "multi angle soft pillow lap stand" was used or how to change the viewing angle. 

Red triangular Flippy brand pillow lap stand for tablets e-readers, phones, books, and magazines
To change the viewing angle of your Flippy pillow stand,
just flip it so one of the other two long sides is facing you.

Still, I was intrigued by the unusual shape, soft materials and cushioned construction that made the Flippy so different from any of the other tablet or smartphone stand models I had seen. The impressive average 4.7-star customer rating from nearly 6,000 Amazon reviewers made me even more curious about the advantages of this lap pillow style, multi-angle tablet, Kindle, and smartphone stand over more traditional mobile device stands or tablet covers with built-in stands and multiple viewing angles. I also noticed that other companies were selling knock-offs of the original Flippy multi-angle tablet stand lap pillow, further strengthened my sense that there was something special about it that made it worthy of a closer look. 

Three Sides of Different Heights Provide Three Distinctly Different Viewing Angles

By flipping this triangular pillow lap stand on its horizontal axis to change which side of the Flippy is facing toward you allows you to move through the following three options, in order, and choose the one that best suits your position and viewing angle preference:

  • 8.5” tall, 49° viewing angle
  • 6.6” tall, 61° viewing angle 
  • 7.9” tall, 70° viewing angle

Comparison of Viewing Angle Choices

Side-by-side comparison diagram of Flippy tablet pillow stand's 70°, 61°, and 49° viewing angles
Each side of the Flippy lap pillow table stand provides a different choice of viewing angle


If you want your tablet, your ebook reader, or mobile phone screen to be at the 49° viewing angle, which I prefer when I have the stand sitting in my lap (or resting on my outstretched legs while I'm sitting up in bed), browsing my Amazon Prime Video watchlist in portrait orientation or watching a movie, TV show or YouTube video in landscape view. 

Flippy tablet pillow stand on a leather recliner, holding a Fire HD 10 in portrait orientation
Checking out my Amazon Prime Video watchlist in portrait orientation on my new 
Kindle Fire HD 10. You can tell that the tablet is set to 
a 49° viewing angle
because the embroidered Flippy logo is level and reads from left to right.

Flippy pillow stand on woman's lap, holding a Fire HD 10 tablet in landscape orientation
Watching a YouTube video on my Fire HD 10 tablet hands-free. The viewing angle
hasn't changed (the logo isn't visible in this reverse-angle shot, but this time 
the Flippy is sitting comfortably in my lap (or, in this case, closer to my knees).

When I'm making a recipe from a digital cookbook, I prefer to view it at the more vertical, 70° angle, so the Flippy sits on my kitchen counter with the embroidered logo on the right and perpendicular to the work surface.

Flippy pillow stand on a kitchen counter, holding a 10-inch tablet displaying a recipe in a vertical orientation
When the logo is at right angles to the surface it's resting on,
the tablet, Kindle, or phone screen will be at the 71° viewing angle.

When you want to view your screen at 60° angle, just turn your pillow stand so that the embroidered Flippy logo is upside-down and on the diagonal, with the "F" toward the bottom.

Samsung Galaxy smartphone at a 60-degree viewing angle on a Flippy pillow stand
When he's sitting up in bed and playing a game or checking email
on his Samsung Galaxy phone, 
my husband prefers the 60° viewing angle. 

The Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand Would Make a Great Gift for Anyone (Including Yourself!)

  • It works with a wide range of mobile devices from nearly every technology brand. 
  • It can help reduce (or, with luck, prevent) painful "text neck," an increasingly common health challenge as people spend more and more time looking down at their screens. Unlike the vast majority of other phone, Kindle, or tablet stands, the Flippy pillow was specifically designs to balance it easily and comfortably on a person's lap or thighs, when they're sitting up, reclining, or stretched out on a coach or in bed. 
  • It can support their smartphone, Kindle or tablet while keeping the screen at their choice of three viewing angles (49°, 60°, or 71°), and switch between viewing angles in less than a second, just by flipping triangular pillow stand to one of the two sides. 
  • This durable foam pillow lap stand is covered in a yummy, soft, faux suede fabric that won't scratch your favorite geek's beloved tech toys valuable mobile devices.
  • Even low-tech family member, friends, and colleagues might enjoy using this lap pillow stand when they're reading a paperback book, magazine, or letter, reviewing (and, perhaps, grading) homework assignments, or perusing a mail-order catalog (especially during the holiday shopping season). 
  • At the time this review was published, the Original Flippy pillow stand was being offered on Amazon.com in 18 color and pattern choices to appeal to a wide variety of styles. So, finding at least one of them that will suit someone's individual preferences and taste shouldn't be a problem. 
  • This well designed, attractive, high quality multi-angle mobile device stand is a gift that will quickly earn a valued place in recipients will likely use and appreciate every day, throughout the day, This is the type of product that the people you give it to might not even have known about, or is something that interests them but they wouldn't have bought for themselves, but one they receive it as a gift turns out to be one of their constant companions.
  • The Original Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for iPads, Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books and Magazines one of the best affordable gifts under $30. As of this writing, you can buy it on Amazon.com for $29.98, with free shipping!.
  • There are also a model with a slightly higher price tag that has a hidden storage compartment, as well as a smaller model designed for kids called the Flippy Jr.

Comparing the Three Flippy Pillow Stand Styles 

The Flippy Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books, Magazines is the model I purchased for myself last month, primarily to use with my new Kindle Fire HD 10 tablet. This original Flippy pillow stand design, which has been the primary focus of this review, is also the foundation of the brand's entire product line, which now includes two other variations. 

the focus of this product review. It's also the original Flippy design, and the one on which the two other variations are based. I decided to order mine in a bright, true red shade called Super Red. 

A word to the wise: There can sometimes be a disconnect between the color name and the actual color. The color names can sometimes be misleading, so make sure to click the thumbnail for For some reason, a few of the color names seem to bear little resemblance to the colors displayed in the corresponding product photos. As an example, I recently clicked on one of thumbnail images to see the full-size photo of the product to I recently clicked the thumbnail I clicked on the thumbnail of one of the color choices to view the product phot at full size , when I clicked on a thumbnail of one of the colors I liked a lot to view the photo of that color choice product photo in that shade. the color of cover fabric shown in the to view image to view the product photo full size in a color I liked, even though the color in the photo was a cross between Emerald Green and Bright Jade Green. (As always, of course, the color of any digital image will always appear slightly different on different devices with differently calibrated displays.

The Flippy with New Storage Cubby Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for iPads, Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books, Magazines has the same dimensions, viewing angles, and soft, plush fabric exterior as the original version. The main difference is that it offers buyers the option to spend $5 more for a Flippy lap stand with a hollow section inside the center of the foam pillow, that has been lined with mesh fabric and opens and closes with a drawstring, secured with a cord lock toggle closure. The company calls this interior storage compartment its "New Storage Cubby," and says it's a place where you can "Keep your reading glasses, tissues, ear phones, snacks and anything else you like handy."

The Flippy Jr, Multi-Angle Soft Pillow Lap Stand for Mini iPads, Tablets, eReaders, Smartphones, Books, as it name suggests, is narrower that either of the two previous models. It's also geared more toward kids, teens, and college students (which is why this version includes small stash pocket for headphones and a built-in carabiner for clipping the Flippy Jr. onto a backpack or suitcase). The other differences between the Flippy Jr. and its older siblings are much more noteworthy.
  • The smaller Flippy Jr. cannot be purchased individually; it is sold only in sets of two.
  • The choice of colors and patterns is extremely limited, compared to the range of options for the Original Flippy and Flippy with the New Storage Cubby. And as far as I know, they don't offer the option to choose your own color or pattern combos in each set of two Flippy Jr. pillow lap stands. 
  • Many adults find that the Flippy Jr. works fine for their needs, and it's a much better value.
  • You can buy a set of two Flippy Jr. mini-tablet stands for the same price as a single Original Flippy.   

Give Yourself or Someone Else You Love the Gift of Self-Care

I'll bet there are several people on your birthday and holiday gift list who would love to receive a Flippy.

If you spent more than 30 minutes a day total on your mobile devices, I also encourage you to order yourself to one of these high quality, practical, and extremely affordable Original Flippy multi-angle pillow stands, in your favorite color or pattern. This versatile, low-tech, high-touch, $30 pillow stand can help reduce the daily, repetitive strain on your eyes, wrists, and hands by holding your device at the most comfortable viewing angle, leaving your hands free to knit, crochet, or simply relax in your lap. It's a small price to pay for the gift of daily self-care!

Another option to consider is to spend that $30 on a set of two Flippy Jr., stands, so you can keep one for yourself and share the other with a family member, friend, or colleague.
 

Flippy Tablet, Kindle, Phone, and Book Stand Lap Pillow Review by Margaret Schindel

Looking for even more great gift ideas and inspiration? Check out our extensive collection of helpful reviews at ReviewThisGifts.com.

You'll also find many other unbiased product reviews from our Contributors at ReviewThisProductReviews.com.








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14 comments:

  1. What a handy lap pillow for hands-free and comfortable angles for viewing one's electronic devices, or even just reading a book on your lap or in bed. A most unique gift idea that would suit just about anyone. Thanks for this interesting review, Margaret.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Elf! It really is the most comfortable way I've found to read or view my phone or tablet screen, other than when I'm standing or walking. I agree, it would make a great gift for just about anyone (and I'll be gifting more than one this holiday)! :)

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  2. Oh Margaret, I missed this review yesterday, but am so glad I saw it today. This is a great idea and I know that my family (hubby and grandkids) would enjoy this neat stand. I love it and it comes in so many colors and patterns. What a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks very much, Olivia! It's one of those products I never knew I needed until I saw it, read all the great reviews, and tried it out for myself. That's also what makes it such a wonderful gift - most people would enjoy having one and probably don't own one already (if they even know it exists)! :)

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  3. Margaret, what a fantastic product to have on hand. Again, another great idea for a gift - like you mentioned it can be used for so many items as well. Safe for kids too. Have to say, loving the pink!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Barbara! I agree - it's a great gift for people of any age. Super useful, and something most people probably don't already have. The smaller Flippy Jr. is also a great option for younger kids (and so affordable - you get a set of two for the price of one larger Flippy!). Mine is actually red, but I didn't have great lighting, so it looks kinda pinkish in the photos, lol.

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  4. I know I would love this gift (especially for use while reading in bed with my Kindle). Thanks for sharing such a great resource. I had no idea this was even an option.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Diana! I only discovered this type of device/book stand by accident, while searching Amazon for a multi-viewing-angle phone and laptop stand. It's so nice to have such a soft, lightweight, cushiony pillow stand on your lap instead of a traditional metal or hard plastic stand, like most of the others. Delighted that you like it!

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  5. Wow! This seems like an absolutely fabulous invention. I frequently need support for my Kindle Fire. I used a foldable cover, but having the pillow would be better. Even more than that, I need the pillow when I read in bed at night for my Kindle Paperwhite. Right now, I use my bedspread to help prop up my Kindle. What a great pillow! Thanks for the review and recommendation of an awesome gift!

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    Replies
    1. So glad you found this review helpful, Mouse! I used to fold/scrunch up my bedspread to prop up my phone and Kindle Paperwhite while reading in bed, too. When I bought my new 10" Fire HD tablet, I knew it was time to find a better solution, lol! It really does make a terrific, useful, and affordable gift for just about anyone.

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  6. Oh I really do like this Flippy lap pillow stand!! It looks great and is very practical. I think this would make a wonderful and very useful gift for so many people!Thank you for a very informative review!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Jasmine! My husband and I have ordered several more of these as holiday gifts for hard-to-buy-for friends and family members, with very different tastes and of very different ages (which tells you something about how much we like ours!). I don't know anyone who doesn't read in one format or another, and most own one or more devices that would be more enjoyable and comfortable to view while sitting, reclining, or lying in bed if they were held at the ideal viewing angle with a Flippy lap pillow device stand. :)

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  7. Brilliant review, Margaret. I've seen similar items and wondered about how practical they are.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Brenda! My husband (unlike me, lol) doesn’t like “stuff” around the house, so the fact that he tried mine and decided he wanted one, too, is a testament to how useful this pillow lap stand is.

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