Lethal Protection’s Life-Phorm ($70) was first shown off at the 2012 CES, where it received a Best of Show Finalist Award for its original design. The plastic stand is universal in a number of ways; not only can its adjustable holder grasp any iPad, iPhone, or iPod, but the six legs are highly flexible, with three points of articulation each. Alien and insect-like, the stand can morph into any number of positions, and thanks to hooks at the end of the feet, can even hang from edges.
Our review unit of Life-Phorm arrived covered in white dust from its styrofoam packaging, although that quickly fell off.
It felt totally sturdy out of the box—although it’s surely an over-engineered accessory, it’s solid. A screw on the back of the back of the center component can be loosened by hand to adjust the size of the holder to whatever device you’re using, with the clamp flipping open to support iPads. It takes a bit of playing around to get it situated properly, but once that’s done, the grip is secure.
The same can be said for the infinite number of positions Life-Phorm can be twisted into, and it really can be used for anything. If you want to travel with it, the stand folds down into a relatively small size, about six inches square and two and a half thick.
Its high price and bug-like structure are sure to take away from the appeal of Life-Phorm for some, but if you’re willing to accept those factors—or really like them, as some users will—it’s a very useful accessory. The stand has an unlimited number of uses, and isn’t locked in to one device, with or without a case.
