When comparing Henge Docks vs Rain Design mStand, the Slant community recommends Rain Design mStand for most people. In the question“What are the best laptop stands for Macbooks?” Rain Design mStand is ranked 1st while Henge Docks is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Rain Design mStand is:
Rain Design's mStand is a single piece of anodized aluminum that looks and feels very much like the design and weight of the Macbook Pro and the aluminium iMac and Apple displays.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Comes with pre-installed cables
Henge Docks comes with Mini DisplayPort, USB 3.0 and TRRS audio extension cables pre-installed. There's also space for a MagSafe connector.
Pro Reduces the space that the laptop takes up on the desk
Pro Solid build quality
The latest models are built using zinc alloy so they are quite sturdy, weigh 2.5 pounds and has wings on both sides to prevent it from tipping over.
Pro Matches Apple design aesthetic
Pro Built-in cable organizer
There's space for all cables in the back with grooves for each wire to help keep them organized.
Pro Holes in the stand line up with Macbook's vents
Pro Rubber pads prevent scratching
Rubber pads on the inside and on the bottom of the stand prevent it from scratching the laptop or the surface it's on.
Pro Matches Apple design aesthetic
Rain Design's mStand is a single piece of anodized aluminum that looks and feels very much like the design and weight of the Macbook Pro and the aluminium iMac and Apple displays.
Pro Solid construction
The stand is made of solid aluminum making it strong and sturdy. It weighs 3 pounds, and is .15 inches thick throughout. The stand's height is 5.9 inches in the back and 3 inches in the front.
Pro There are rubber pads and a lip that holds the laptop firmly in place
The mStand has rubber pads on the bottom that help the stand stay in place and prevent scratching of the surface it's on. Rubber pads on top along with a lip in front help to secure the laptop in place on the stand.
Pro Good passive cooling
Aluminum against aluminum contact allows transferring the heat from the laptop to the stand and, subsequently, getting much more surface area that dissipates the heat much quicker.
Pro Comes in different colours
The mStand is available in three different colours: gold, Space Gray, and silver.
Pro Emulates the comfort and safety of an all-in-one desktop
The Rain Design mStand is just like your typical all-in-one desktop, making it a perfect solution for remaining fixed on your desk. For one, it raises your laptop 3 inches in the front and 6 inches at the back, mirroring the viewing heights of a standard desktop. It also comprises a tilt design that allows you to bring the screen closer if needs be. These features reduce strain, promote posture, and maximize your comfort and safety when working. Finally, the mStand offers space for an external keyboard and mouse, as well as a cable organizer hole that takes care of any dangling, messy cables.
Pro Swivel version available
The company also makes a swivel version, called mStand360. It stable due to rubber padding on the bottom, turns easy and has no noticeable wobble.
Cons
Con Does not accommodate a hard case
Henge Dock does not work with a shell case.
Con Current power solution could be better
Macbooks can only be used in clamshell mode when connected to power. That requires either connecting a MagSafe connector each time the laptop is put in the stand or installing a separate MagSafe connector permanently.
Con Cannot be used with the laptop open
Con Not portable
The mStand is unsuitable for transportation, largely because of its weight (3 lbs). Rather, this stand is a stationery solution and has been made to stay put on the user's desk.
Con Requires an external keyboard
Without an external keyboard you either won't be able to be comfortable using this stand or you'll find yourself with elbows and wrists pain.
Con Non-adjustable height
As the mStand has been made from a single, solid piece of aluminium, this eliminates the user's ability to make height adjustments.