I rarely use my iPad while sitting at a desk or table; its primarily a lap product for meon a patio chair, easy chair, the bed, the car, or even my recumbent bike. I also cook a lot, including on my YouTube channel (but Ill resist the urge to plug the channel here), and frequently use it on the kitchen counters. In 2014 I conducted exhaustive research on stands that might accommodate how I work. The Rain Design iRest Lap Stand appeared to fill the bill. After three and a half years of extensive real-world usage in all sorts of conditions, I am buying a second iRest. It has proven to be a solid, well-designed product that, quite simply, worksbetter than anything else I have seen. Thats not to say the iRest cant be improved. After about two years, the hinge loosened a bit. It still works, but if left open too wide near the edge of a countertop or night table, it slides open all the way and sometime tumbles to the floor. And there appears to be no way to tighten it. (Note to Ran Design: using Phillips or Allen heads on the hinge screws might solve this problem.) The second issue Ive had is with the silicon pads on the face of the unit. One dislodged and wouldnt stay attached no matter what adhesive I tried. But that doesnt affect usage much, other than an occasional rattle. These are not meant as complaints. My iRest has been used daily, several hours each day, for nearly three years. So, Id expect some failures. And even after all this time, I wouldnt need to replace if I could tighten the hinge. Overall, the iRest is a super product, and has been a great investment. And thats not just talk: Im buying another one.

I have had my I Rest for many years...at least 6. I love it soooo much! I keep my Ipad on the I Rest on my bedside table for every day use, and take it with me whenever I travel. Works equally well on lap or tabletop. Great for charging at night at the hotel. Folds up almost flat for packing away. It's much safer than holding it in my hands because it stays put. I typically turn my Ipad to landscape but for those few apps that do not rotate, I feel it is secure either way. I have not had any loosening of hinges. Occasionally my right rear bumper will unscrew, and I just screw it back on. I think it's more due to the way I take it from my lap and put it on the night table with one hand than any design flaw. I have recommended it to anyone who will listen! One of the best gizmos I have ever purchased, and I have all the gizmos.

It elevates my iPad Air 3", which avoids neck strain from looking down (the main reason I bought it). In landscape, the screen on a naked iPad Air starts right at the top of the ledge, so my fingers hit the ledge when using the bottom line of the keyboard. That's not a problem with the Apple Smart Case I normally use, which raises the screen a little more. But only the back of the Smart Case fits into the stand, so the cover has to hang loose. It won't fit my Kindle Paperwhite in its Home Essentials Direct case, as even the back of that case is too thick. It's very stable on a desk or table (how I mostly use it). The wide rear legs are pretty steady on my lap and the foam is comfortable, but sometimes the front roller starts to slip off. Also, only the ends of the front roller rest on my thighs (and I'm slim), so occasionally it slips at the front when I move. It's easy to adjust the angle, as there are no notches to engage, and it holds the position. It's pretty large for travel (the stand alone is 10.5 oz and about 6.5x8x1.25" folded, and the legs add 4.2 oz).

I have reviewed the IRest before. Have been using one for years. It’s the best lap stand to date for an iPad.
I did not think the hinge could be tightened. Has not stopped me from using it, just struggled with it a bit.
After all these years I found a phone number for Rain Design and someone picked up!
All you need is a 3mm ALLEN WRENCH! It worked perfectly!