INTEGRATED STAND

Integrated stands are those features which allow a given case the possibility of hands-free display. An integrated tablet stand may be of a foldout design, folding cover or kickstand.

Almost considered a standard feature for the tablet case, integrated stands are commonly seen in many case styles including back protectors, sleeves, folios, portfolios, rugged cases and the like. The material makeup of the stand will depend on the tablet case itself, though the selection tends to favor leather, faux leather, polyurethane and hard plastic cases. Foldout stands often resemble the tri-fold design of the Apple Smart Cover for a simple-to-form pyramidal base for the tablet. A folding cover-type stand will typically be inserted into a rear-tab for stability, a kickstand is a frame-like stand embedded at the case’s back. Regardless of model, the kickstand should fold into the back cover seamlessly for carrying.

The possible downside to any tablet case with this feature – aside from its providing quality support in the long run – is the tendency particularly in kickstands to increase the weight of the case a bit. If a heavier material is chosen, this feature could make the case a bit less totable than the user might like.

This category is featured in our annual Tablet2Cases Golden Case Awards. Check out past winners and nominees for Best Stand in Folio Case in 2012 and 2013.