Accessories are for Chumps

Yes, I have an iPhone 3G.  In my defense, I am a software engineering contractor, and it was actually one of the most economical ways to get effective phone, email, and internet on the road.  Also, I got an online refurb for about half the price (score!).

Unfortunately, the cost of an iPhone doesn’t stop with the phone.  Have you looked at mobile accessory prices lately?  Extra cables, car adapter, solar chargers (drool), cases, not to mention the myriad stands and bases.  A girl could spend 2 to 3 times the price of the phone before she’s done!  I started looking online for DIY iPhone stands, some made out of cardboard, one made out of an $100 (or clearly whatever denomination you so desire) bill.  They all seemed a little unstable, so I set out to make my own.  Here’s what I came up with:

iphonestand 002

I’ts basically just one big and one little binder clip.  The little clip is attached to one end of the big clip, folded down.  Note that you have to make sure both sides of the little clip are coming out of the top for this to work.  Leave one side of the little clip up against the big one, and fold the other side down.  Here’s a shot of it in action:

iphonestand 004

Fuzzy pic - didn't want you to see all the fingerprints O_o

It’s pretty stable, even with the phone is plugged into the charging cable.  If you wanted even more stability, I guess you could make two.  It makes a great bedside clock – I’ve been able to toss my old clock in the closet for a rainy day.  I estimate that this stand cost me about 25 cents, and that’s being generous.  So next time you need to accessorize your electronics, look around your house!  You may be suprised. 🙂

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1 Response to Accessories are for Chumps

  1. Gary says:

    I was fortunate enough to have 2 small and 2 large binder clips in various drawers in my office. A pair of these are excellent. I’m now looking for something to thread between them so the two stands are paired together. Maybe a couple of popsicle sticks or something…?

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