Gorillapod

The Gorillapod is a tripod made to work with iPhones. More specifically, it's made to work with the 3G, which caused a bit of an issue for the team. The tripod came with a case that acts as a mount. However, the case definitely does not fit the 4G. The solution to this problem comes in the form of an adhesive clip that can be attached to the back of the case. We were hesitant to use this because, well, we don't know how easily that clip will come off, an sense we only have a limited supply of these clips, it seems a waste to use it on a case before we know the best way to use the actual tripod. That being said, the packaged case for the 3G slipped on the phone without hassle, and clipped on quite securely to the actual tripod.

From there, this thing really started shining. The problem with any tripod is its limited versatility. They are more stable, but lack the ability to fit into tight spaces, balance on small surfaces, or be completely portable in any way. Jennifer used a different tripod for the same outing, and was unable to get it to work in the same places that I emplyed the Gorillapod.

It's probably safe to say I loved the thing. I hung it on hand rails, balanced it on top of trash cans, ran the legs through holes to secure it to walls. I pretty much tried to run it through the gambit of possible locations to which I could affix the thing. And to a degree, it worked every time. The only shortcoming is that, while the legs have to be necessarilly flexible, sometimes this can cause some slippage if you don't get the legs curled just right. This was minor, though, and easily avoidable when I figured the problem out. You just have to think in terms of applying the most amount of resistance to whatever surface you're putting it on.

Another negative, and one that could be classified to all the tripods I've yet seen for the iPhone, is that it's just not tall. It stands about 4-6 inches off the ground, depending on the tilt of the camera and the surface you're putting it on. Because of the shortness of the hardware, it forces you to keep it some distance from your subject, meaning interviews are a no go unless you've got the right equipment to compensate for that.

In all, I was impressed with this stout little tool. It let me get my phone stablaized in some really interesting places, and I was continually having fun with it. Plus, it just looks cool. Once it's on your phone, it's reminiscent of Doc Ock from Spider Man. If you're going out in the field, this thing is light, it's portable, it's versatile, and it makes sense to carry it with you at all times.

Stability - 8
Portability - 10
Height - 3
Appearance - 9
Compatability - 5

[Image via Gorrilapod 5]