PropUp: Ergonomic iPad holder and stand

Just days after receiving his original iPad last April, designer and creative director Todd Andrews realized he needed a better way to hold his iPad for long periods of time. The result was an ergonomic iPad holder and stand that he calls PropUp.

Andrews started his design process by carving Nerf footballs and testing shapes for his idea. He switched to lovely green floral foam and eventually to a hand-carved version for his own personal use, all the while shaping the concept for PropUp.

After researching the manufacturing process, building a business plan for his product, and creating marketing collateral, Andrews is seeking funding help on Kickstarter to make PropUp a reality:

The money raised from Kickstarter supporters will be used to create final tooling, do a full production run of product and maybe fund a small amount of marketing.

Andrews sent me one of his test models to play with and I must say, it's a keeper. Since it arrived a few days ago, I haven't taken it off my iPad 2, even though PropUp was originally designed for the first iPad. The foam construction makes it lightweight and comfortable to rest on your lap for long periods of time and gives it enough flex to easily pop your iPad (original or 2) in and out.

The angle seems to be perfect for propping the iPad on the table and typing out those quick tweets or Facebook updates while I work on my MacBook Pro and take calls on my iPhone. Its simplicity seems to be key, with its only real flaw being that its ability to stand up is restricted to landscape orientation.

All in all, this is one of the better accessories I've seen running around for the iPad. And the best part about PropUp is that you can help be a part of its success. Head on over to Kickstarter and check out Andrews' video preview of PropUp and donate to help out (and get one).

Do you have a favorite accessory for the iPad or iPad2? Let me know in the comments!