7. Ambir Technology Xbrand 360° Laptop Stand

Ambir Technology also offers a universal notebook docking station: its Xbrand 360° Laptop Stand. For the test, the company sent us the XB1002-00 model with integrated USB2.0 hub. Its $120 price tag is a lot steeper than that of the Kensington product. Ambir also offers the cheaper XB-1001-00 model without the USB2.0 hub ($70). Both models are currently available exclusively in the US but should soon be on sale in Europe, too.

Like the Kensington contender, the XB1002-00 is universal, so it should work with notebooks from any manufacturer. Installing the notebook is as simple as clicking it onto the stand.

The display height is easily adjusted with the main one-touch control button located at the front center of the base. You use your other hand to simultaneously press the handle on the adjustable cradle in which the laptop lies. It sounds complicated, but in fact it's a breeze.

The height position is released with this button on the front

Releasing the actuator button again locks the platform into one of three height positions. The maximum height is almost as high as the accessory from Kensington, but the Ambir has fewer setting options, so it has a smaller number of positions. On the plus side, the Xbrand 360° Laptop Stand has the advantage of being equally easy to operate for both right-handers and southpaws.