The Crabble stand for your phone

Sometimes something comes along that is so simple yet so very useful that you can’t believe you didn’t think of it first. The Crabble is one such object.

Once upon a time smartphones came with docking stands which held them up at an angle on the desk so you could easily see the screen. Those days are almost entirely gone, but the need to see the screen remains.

I like to glance at my phone to see a text as it comes in or any other alert that is issued. Sometimes I simply use it as a digital clock. There are also people who like to use their phone as a digital photo frame. And those who like to watch a bit of video while they are travelling.

I suggest all such people take a look at the Crabble.

It is a plastic stand, small enough to carry in a wallet that can hold any phone at angles between 45 and 90 degrees. It has a pair of silicone bands on its feet which help stop it slipping around – especially useful if you want to use it on a moving train.

I’m currently using the Crabble with my HTC Hero, but have tested it with a few other devices since it has arrived and it works with them all.

The only caveat is that ground clearance is just 7mm – not enough to provide space for power cable connectors and barely enough for an angled headset adapter. I can’t use it with the HTC Hero in tall format, for example, as its power port is on the bottom edge.

The Crabble feels well built and robust – I doubt it’ll break easily. You can choose between a variety of colour schemes, and it’ll set you back £4.99. More information here.