Octa Vacuum Dock + WhaleTail

Holding a tablet, especially a larger-screen model, can be an uncomfortable and sometimes precarious affair?you have to hold it with one hand, freeing the other for touch input. Octa wants to give you something more substantial to grab with its Vacuum Dock + WhaleTail ($49.95 direct), a whimsically designed, multi-function tablet grip and stand. The result is a surprisingly comfortable, yet somewhat bulky add-on that works with iPads and many other tablets.

Two pieces, the Vacuum Dock is a small plastic dome that's 3.95 inches in diameter and 5.9 inches tall. At first glance, it seems too large and cumbersome, but the size makes sense, as the dome fits comfortably into the palm of your hand, providing a far more natural grip than holding the tablet at its edge with the tips of your fingers. That said, it could stand to be a bit lighter, at almost 6 ounces. The dock attaches via suction cup, with a rubber pump button affixed to one side. A small rubber cap sits on top of the dock, which you remove to add the WhaleTail. The WhaleTail is a quirky black rubber attachment that resembles?you guessed it?a whale's tail. It's moldable, down to the fins, which makes it a simple solution for propping your tablet up at a variety of angles. It's also strong enough to hold that position without flexing too much under normal pressure.

Setup is straightforward: Press the Vacuum Dock onto the back of any smooth backed tablet, give it five or six pumps, remove the cap, and twist the WhaleTail into place. The suction cup requires a smooth back, so any textured device, like the Asus Transformer Prime, won't work. Once installed, the fit felt secure, though I'd give it a few pumps whenever you can just to be safe. It's also easy to remove by simply pulling at two tabs on the suction cup. While it's definitely not the most streamlined option and is a bit pricey at $50, its endearing design, comfortable grip, and useful stand function make it an interesting companion for your iPad or other tablet. At the very least, you'll have a conversation starter.

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