Finding a good iPad Mini stand sounds simple until you actually start using one every day. A stand can look nice on a desk, but if it wobbles, tips over, or only gives you one awkward viewing angle, it quickly ends up in a drawer.
I had been interested in Jadu’s larger Skadoosh stand for the full-size iPad, but after moving to the iPad Mini, that version no longer made as much sense for me. The Skadoosh Mini HD is the smaller version, so I wanted to see whether it could earn a permanent spot on my desk.
Quick Answer
The Skadoosh Mini HD is a very solid aluminum stand for the iPad Mini and other small tablets. It is machined from CNC aluminum, has a ratcheting rear support bar for multiple viewing angles, includes rubber padding where the device rests, and has a cutout for routing a charging cable.
The main drawback I found is specific to the iPad Mini’s rounded corners. On squarer tablets, you can usually push the tablet itself forward and let the rear bar click into the next angle. With the iPad Mini, that does not work as cleanly, so you need to adjust the rear bar by hand. For me, that was not a deal breaker.
What It Is
The Skadoosh Mini HD is a compact tablet stand made by Jadu Industries. It is designed for smaller tablets like the iPad Mini, but it is not limited to Apple’s tablet. Any small tablet with a similar size should fit, especially if it has a more squared-off edge.
The stand itself is simple. In the box, there is the stand and a small set of instructions. There is not much setup involved, which is exactly what I want from a desk stand.
Build Quality
The first thing I noticed is how solid it feels. The stand is machined from a solid piece of CNC aluminum, and it does not feel flimsy or light in a bad way. It has enough weight and structure to feel planted, but it is not so heavy that I would avoid putting it in a bag.
I was a little concerned about the footprint before using it. Smaller stands can sometimes feel top-heavy once a tablet is placed in them. In my testing around the house and on my desk, this one felt stable. I could press on the iPad Mini while it was in the stand and it did not feel like it was about to fall over.
Angle Adjustment
The rear support bar uses a ratchet-style mechanism. You can pull the bar forward through a series of clicks, and each click gives you a different viewing angle. To move it backward again, you press the small release button and push the bar back down.
That design gives you a lot of angle options. For desk use, that matters more than it may sound. A stand that works for watching a video may not be at the right angle for typing, reading, or using the iPad as a second screen nearby.
With this stand, the adjustment range is one of the strongest parts. It is quick, physical, and easy to understand.
The iPad Mini Catch
There is one issue worth knowing before buying it specifically for the iPad Mini. Because the iPad Mini has rounded corners, it does not interact with the stand in quite the same way a more squared-off tablet would.
On other tablet designs, you can push the device itself forward and let the back bar click into the next angle. With the iPad Mini, the shape means that does not work as smoothly. Instead, you grab the support bar directly and click it into position.
Since the iPad Mini is small, reaching around and adjusting the bar is not a big inconvenience. I would not call it a deal breaker, but it is the kind of small practical detail that matters if you are expecting the adjustment to work exactly like the larger Skadoosh stand.
Padding And Cable Access
The stand has rubber backing on the support bar and rubber padding where the tablet sits. That helps keep the device protected and keeps it from sliding around while it is in place.
There is also a cutout in the bottom area of the stand for a power cable. That lets you run a charging cable through the stand and into the bottom of the iPad Mini while it is docked. For a desk setup, that is a useful detail because it keeps the cable path cleaner.
Device Fit
One nice touch is the adjustable front support. There is a small screw that lets you rotate the bar, which is shaped more like an oval than a perfect circle. That gives you some control over the fit depending on how thick your tablet or device is.
You loosen the screw, rotate the support until the fit feels right, and then tighten it back down. That makes the stand more flexible than a fixed-width design.
I also tried placing an iPhone in it, and while that is not really what the stand is made for, it can physically hold one. The adjustment system is clearly better suited to small tablets.
Price And Use
At the time of this first look, the stand was around $49. For a basic stand, that is not nothing, but the build quality makes it easier to justify if you actually use your iPad Mini at a desk or around the house every day.
This has become my favorite stand at the moment. It feels stable, it gives me useful viewing angles, and it is compact enough that I could toss it in a bag if I wanted to move it around.
Key Takeaways
- The Skadoosh Mini HD is a solid CNC aluminum stand for the iPad Mini and other small tablets.
- The ratcheting rear support bar gives you many viewing angles and feels stable in use.
- The iPad Mini’s rounded corners mean you need to adjust the support bar by hand instead of pushing the tablet forward.
- Rubber padding helps protect the device and keeps it from sliding.
- A built-in cable cutout makes it easier to charge the tablet while it is sitting in the stand.
- At about $49, it makes the most sense for someone who wants a sturdy daily-use desk or home stand.
Watch the Video
The video above above for the full first look, including the unboxing, angle adjustment, iPad Mini fit, and a closer look at the stand’s build and cable cutout.
