Stuff We Want: Twelve South BookArc, the Stand That Parks Your MacBook Like a Book
"MacBook Pro" searches are climbing on Google Trends after Apple's new 14-inch announcement. Your desk wants a word.
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Searches for MacBook Pro are climbing on Google Trends this morning. Apple announced a new 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 today, with preorders opening tomorrow, October 28, and first deliveries starting November 6, per Apple's press release.
So a lot of people are about to have a shiny new laptop and the same old desk. The one where the laptop lies flat next to the monitor, eating half the space and staring at the ceiling.
The Twelve South BookArc fixes that. It's a low-profile aluminum stand that holds a closed MacBook upright, like a book on a shelf. Plug in an external monitor, a keyboard and a mouse, and your notebook runs as a desktop. Apple calls that closed-clamshell mode.
The listing says it's designed exclusively for MacBooks, and it comes with three interchangeable inserts so the slot fits different models. Twelve South's own compatibility chart puts the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M1 and M2) on Insert H. The new M6 model isn't out yet, so check Twelve South's chart before you count on a fit.
There's also a cable catch built into the back. When you unplug to leave, your cables stay put instead of sliding off the desk and hiding behind it forever.
The listing also says it lifts your MacBook away from spills and helps airflow. Translation: your morning coffee and your laptop no longer share a lane.
And it looks good. It's the kind of desk thing someone walks past and asks "wait, where's your laptop?"
Who it's for
- New MacBook owners who run it with an external monitor most of the day.
- Small desks that can't spare a laptop-sized rectangle.
- Gift shoppers shopping for the Apple person who already has everything.
Who should skip it
- You use the laptop screen. It's for closed-lid setups with a monitor.
- You're not on a Mac. It's designed for MacBooks only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds a MacBook upright and frees up desk space.
- Three interchangeable inserts in the box.
- Cable catch keeps cables in place when you unplug.
- Aluminum build that matches a MacBook.
Cons
- Only useful with an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.
- Fit depends on the insert, so check your model first.
Pros and cons are our read of the features on the listing and Twelve South's compatibility chart, not a hands-on test.
How it compares
Vs. the iPad mini comparison: another Apple upgrade question from this month. The BookArc is the easy desk add-on once you've bought the laptop.
Vs. the Anker 25,000mAh laptop power bank: the stand is for the desk days. The Anker is for the days the MacBook goes with you.
For the rest of the desk: the Rocketbook Core for quick notes and the WhisperHeat under-desk warmer for cold feet during long calls.
More from Twelve South: the AirFly Pro connects wireless headphones to seatback screens and gym gear.
Keep the screen clean: the WHOOSH! Screen Shine Duo is our pick for the fingerprints on the new touchscreen MacBook Pro (and every other glossy screen).
FAQ
Does the BookArc fit the 14-inch MacBook Pro?
Twelve South lists the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M1 and M2) for Insert H. The new M6 model isn't out yet, so check Twelve South's chart before you buy.
What is closed-clamshell mode?
Running your MacBook with the lid closed, connected to an external display, keyboard and mouse.
How many inserts come with it?
Three interchangeable inserts.
What's it made of?
Aluminum, with a silicone slot that holds the MacBook.
The verdict
The verdict: hand-picked for MacBook Pro week. New laptop, same desk, way more room.
#ad. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Hand-picked by The Deez List.
