Provides: Small footprint placement of your MacBook or MacBook Pro
Developer: Twelve South
Minimum Requirements: MacBook (black, white, aluminum and many previous models), MacBook Air or MacBook Pro (13, 15 or 17-inch)
Price: $49.99
Availability: Now

I like the BookArc; let’s start with that. This device from Twelve South is a simple but solid heavy gauge steel arc in which your MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air can rest in its closed position. Why would you need that? You wouldn’t be asking if you use an external monitor and keyboard with your MacBook. Small is good when you’re considering portability. But when doing work at your desk, it’s better for your eyes and your posture to hook your laptop up to a larger monitor.

The trouble with this is that you’re suddenly dividing desktop space between the monitor, your keyboard and mouse, and your laptop. Also factor in speakers, perhaps a scanner, etc., and…well, something’s got to go. Twelve South thinks it should be the computer. No need to have it open if you’re not using its keyboard or monitor. No need to have it lying off to the side where your papers or iPhone or coffee should go. So, close the MacBook up and rest it on its side.

Doing so with the BookArc, you’re now only taking up around 10 x 4-1/2 inches. Your cables are higher off the desk and behind your second monitor, or wherever you decide to place the BookArc. Plus, your MacBook is safe. The BookArc comes with rubber inserts for each model in Apple’s current lineup, so you’re guaranteed a secure fit. The inserts are easy to apply and remove, don’t budge when in place, and will prevent scratches. The steel frame is exceptionally strong and looks great holding your aluminum laptop or sitting next to a current Apple LED Cinema Display. Rubber pads hug each corner of the BookArc, but they’re simply glued on. I’m a bit nervous these could pop off after prolonged use.

This is all very easy to set up and start using, providing instant relief from desktop clutter. But the BookArc has another benefit, as well. You’re forced to keep your laptop shut when it’s in the BookArc, allowing all the video power to be transfered to the external monitor. This means a decent speed increase in your graphics-intensive applications and games. You’d get the same increase by simply closing your MacBook on your desk, but again, you’d be losing that retail space.

The BookArc isn’t so great that it creates a need for itself. If you don’t use your MacBook with an external monitor, there’s absolutely no need for this. If you’ve got plenty of desk space, you can save yourself $50 by just leaving your MacBook sitting there. But if you’re running out of room when hooking your laptop up to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse, the BookArc is a solid, elegant and safe device for reclaiming a good portion of that.