Manatee: The stand for iPad using in bed and sofa. by Realize Inc.

Remind me

Manatee is a partner that enables maximum enjoyment of your iPad while in bed. you can remove both hands and relax while using it.

gizmag "Manatee stand allows you to use your iPad comfortably in bed"

---

About the Manatee Project

The impetus for the Manatee project was practical – we were using our iPad in bed and our arms got tired from holding it. It was hard to use, and that was the first step in developing Manatee.

First we made test products and then took them home and tested them to see how using them felt in real life. After doing that many times, we finally created a product that we felt was good enough to share with all of you.
That’s Manatee!

Manatee securely holds your iPad

Manatee makes it possibly to be truly comfortable while using your iPad in bed.Lie on your bed, set your iPad in Manatee and then let go.Manatee helps by securely holding your iPad in the desired position, almost as if it were floating.You can enjoy your iPad with a completely different ease of use than when you used to hold it by hand.Of course, Manatee is also a big help when using your iPad in other places like on sofa.

It’s a real treat to watch movies in bed. Your body is relaxed, allowing your consciousness to be fully directed towards the movie. Have fun watching your favorite action film, romance, science fiction or comedy.

Before sleeping is the best time to read a book. Search through countless electronic titles to find the book that you want to read and enjoy reading that book—all from the comfort of your bed!

Spend a relaxing time by browsing the web at your pleasure. Thoroughly search things that you have been interested in, use SNS to get in touch with your friends, or check what is happening in the world.

Manatee is also a big help when using your iPad in other places, like on a sofa.

Design and quality worthy of iPad

In order to create a superior product worthy of using with an iPad, Manatee was made through uncompromising dedication to ultimate materials, design, strength and comfort. Other iPad stands seek to reduce costs by using holders made from cheap, thin plastic or metal suited for mass production. This results in stiff, mechanical stands. In contrast, Manatee's holder is made from soft silicone which won't damage your iPad or cause injury when bumping into your face or body. The form of Manatee features a refined simplicity which matches the décor of your bedroom or living room. Manatee is a stable stand which offers unparalleled strength and comfort through free adjustment of direction and height.

Features

Manatee is made of large, soft silicone. It gently yet firmly holds your precious iPad without causing any damage.

Manatee is extremely flexible and supports all generations of iPad without the need for modification. The 4 arms of Manatee securely hold the 4 corners of your iPad. It’s no problem even if you plan to buy a new generation of iPad.

Manatee is also designed to hold iPads even with the case attached. Manatee supports almost all cases. Approximate dimensions of supported iPad cases: Height:250mm(10in), Width:200mm(8in), Thickness:30mm(1.2in)

The maple ball is the secret which makes it possible to freely rotate and change the direction of the iPad.The combination of this large ball and the silicone enables smooth rotation It is also possible to freely adjust the direction

Freely rotatable and adjustable in all directions

The combination of this large maple ball and the silicone enables smooth rotation. It is also possible to freely adjust the direction.Also the height of Manatee can be freely adjusted from 730mm to 1030mm(28.7 in 〜 40.5 in) in order to match various kinds of beds.

The position of face and body when using Manatee in bed

Many people have been asking us about how their face and body will be positioned when using Manatee, so we'd like to explain the details. As you can see in the picture below, to comfortably use Manatee, you can be lying competely flat on your back looking up, or you can angle your face slightly to the side. And of course, depending on how you position Manatee on the floor, you can adjust the screen to face many different directions.

The accompanying magnet hook securely fastens your iPad’s cable to the Manatee’s pole.

After testing a variety of rubber and foam, we decided on this low-resilience foam.The foam minimizes wobbling after you touch the screen, thus allowing you to use your iPad comfortably.

Setup in bed takes only 5 seconds!

To setup the Manatee in bed, simply insert the base under your mattress. If your bed has an attached mattress, Manatee can also be placed directly on the floor for use.

Color : Sky Blue

Concept Book

A 34-pages book which summarizes the features of Manatee.

SPEC

< Size and Weight >
Height : 28 in（Max 40 inch）, Width : 13.7 in, Depth : 15.3 in, Weight : 7.8 lb

< Approximate dimensions of supported iPad cases >
Height: 10 in , Width: 8 in , Thickness: 1.2 in

< Country of Origin >
Made in Japan

< Material >
Silicone, Steel, Stainless Steel, Maple wood

-- FAQ --

Q　What is the product named “Manatee?”

A　As shown in the picture above, the arms of our Manatee (stand) resemble the arms of the actual Manatee (animal).

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

Manatee is done being developed. While in development, we cleared the technological hurdle of how to get the stainless steel wire into the silicon casing. We also made the thick steel base with an organic and beautifully curved shape, working with a master craftsman in Osaka. We’ve now overcome the issues involved in designing Manatee.

The issue that we have left to deal with is the design and creation of the package. Manatee is rather heavy, and to send it to customers around the world, we need to develop a package that is tough and light, as well as aesthetically appealing. To get through this last issue and to truly complete Manatee, we need your support. We will do our best as a team to finish the Manatee project!

[ Manatee Production Schedule ]

- December 2012~January 2013

Make a sample Manatee and complete the package design, then confirm viability of the package design with the sample Manatee. We will update our Facebook page to show the package design.

- February 2013

Produce and assemble the first lot.

- March 2013

Deliver Manatee to all of you who have been waiting so patiently!

FAQ

Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.

Ask a question

Report this project to Kickstarter

Kickstarter