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Life is Easier With a 3rd Hand (or a stand)

How many times has this happened to you? You’re working at your desk. Suddenly, your cell phone rings with a Facetime, Zoom, Vonage, or some other virtual call alert where you’re expected to show your face and be nice on camera. No problem...
Feb 10, 2021

How many times has this happened to you?

You’re working at your desk. Suddenly, your cell phone rings with a Facetime, Zoom, Vonage, or some other virtual call alert where you’re expected to show your face and be nice on camera. No problem. You pick up, look at the camera, and start your conversation. But then – and this usually happens about 30 seconds into the call – you’re asked to either look at an email, go to a website, or complete some other request where you have to put your phone down so you can work with both hands. So what do you do? You either try to lean your phone against your laptop, use a business card holder because the phone kind-of-maybe-sort-of fits where the cards should go, or you lean your phone against something – anything – on your desk that will hopefully keep the phone upright to continue the video conversation. I’ve tried my pen and pencil holder, a paperweight, a lamp, a shoe – even my Yeti mug! Useless. It doesn’t matter what I try. In less than a minute, my phone slides onto its back, and the poor person I’m talking to ends up staring at the ceiling.

I got so fed up with this recurring aggravation that I was about to Google a solution to my problem when – just like that – a banner ad pops up of the WeatherTech DeskFone! Was this serendipity or Big Brother? I didn’t care! It was exactly what I was looking for. I was so excited that I quickly texted a hint to my daughter, Krista, about what a great Christmas gift this would be for dear old dad. Then – holy cow! – on Christmas morning, I received my very own DeskFone. I have to admit: this phone holder is really well made, very stable, and easily adjustable. In under 30 seconds, my phone was in its holder, ready to Zoom. The DeskFone fits pretty much any cell phone, comes in black or white, and depending on the vendor, the cost ranges from $24.95 to $38.90. There is also a DeskFone XL version that fits extra-large phones with thick cases for a few dollars more. You can also customize the DeskFone’s appearance with colored “billet knobs” for a “sleek and stylish appearance.” To me, that just seems wrong on so many levels, but more power to you if you’re into it! Of course, there are several other manufacturers of phone stands for your desk. I picked the DeskFone because of WeatherTech’s strong reputation, the phone is actually secured in its holder and not just resting, and they are made in the United States.

If you really want to appreciate the DeskFone, spend an extra $10 or so and go for the DeskFone Two View. The DeskFone Two View has all the same features as the regular DeskFone, plus it allows users to view their phone in either portrait or landscape modes. Think about it – I could watch March Madness, NASCAR, the Summer Olympics, or any other sporting event right from my desk! How cool is that?

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Author
Steve Lesnewich
Vice President, Member Services
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