Bookcase from Astropad turns an iPhone into an e-book reader
Astropad already sells drawing accessories for the iPad. Now the Apple accessory specialist is addressing a new target group: Readers.
Bookcase from Astropad: A more comfortable reading position?
(Image: Astropad)
Many people also use their iPhone to consume electronic books –, turning the smartphone into an e-book reader. However, if you do this over a longer period of time, you realize that the form factor is actually not ideal for this, there is not enough surface area to hold the iPhone and you can easily get stiff neck. Apple accessory specialist Astropad, known for its secondary display solution Luna, the iPad drawing board Darkboard and the iPad surface coating Rock Paper Pencil, among other things, now has a solution: a special case with MagSafe.
"Leave your Kindle at home"
The product called Bookcase ("bookshelf" or "book cover") allows an iPhone or compatible Android device to be held much more ergonomically when reading longer content, as the surface area is increased. It has two holding areas on the left and right that are thick enough for larger hands, and you can also place your thumbs in grooves next to the smartphone if you wish. "Bookcase transforms the smartphone into an ergonomic e-reader by extending the area around the screen," writes Astropad. So you can "leave your Kindle at home".
The hardware does not manage entirely without electronics: It contains an integrated NFC chip that allows you to set "reading shortcuts" using a dedicated app. This means that when the iPhone is inserted, the desired reading application, such as the Kindle reader or Apple's Books app, starts immediately. In addition, Do Not Disturb or Reading mode can be activated automatically so that you are immediately in the "reading mood".
Colors, availability, Android
The bookcase is currently only available in one color – a dark purple – at a price of 36.99 euros ("Launch Discount", later 46.99 euros). Shipping costs and, if applicable, customs and import sales tax will be added, as the products are shipped directly from the USA. The first products are expected to reach customers in six weeks, with a delivery time of up to 21 days to Europe.
Bookcase is compatible with iPhone 12 or newer, as long as MagSafe is on board. For Android phones and older iPhones, a "MagSafe Conversion Kit" is also included, which apparently consists of a magnetic sticker to hold these devices as well.
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