This blog post is sponsored by Benks
I love a good iPad accessory – particularly when it can either raise the usefulness of Apple’s tablet or offer a significant saving over an official Apple accessory.
Today, I’m going to finally review two pieces of kit from Benks that achieve those feats. The first is an amazing alternative to the second-generation Apple Pencil, and the second is something that will turn your iPad into an even more dependable device than it already is.
There’s a reason these two accessories are firm favourites in my studio and why they appear on my YouTube channel so often. Now, it’s time to write about them!
Let’s get into it.
Benks Magnetic Pen
Compatible with: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd – 6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st – 4th gen), iPad Air (4th and 5th gen), iPad mini (6th gen)
The Apple Pencil is a must-have accessory for a huge number of iPad users. Whether you’re using it to write, illustrate, mark up, or as an alternative to your finger for navigation, it transforms Apple’s tablet.
However, it also costs £139. That’s a lot of money for what is effectively a posh stylus.
What if I told you there was an alternative available for a fraction of the price? Well, there is, and it’s called the Magnetic Wireless Charging Pen. Made by Benks, it is practically indistinguishable from the Apple version and, at the time of writing, costs just £36.99.
The Benks Pen is the same size as the second-generation Apple Pencil, it clips to the iPad for charging in the exact same way and is just as satisfying to hold and use. Even the pen tips can be replaced in the same way (and feel identical to Apple’s).
It’s just as responsive, too, and glides across the iPad’s display with as much ease and satisfaction as Apple’s expensive accessory. A full charge of the Benks pen will give you nine hours of use, and the Bluetooth connection needs setting up just once (I’ve never had an issue with it disconnecting after that).
The Benks Pen also has a rather interesting advantage over the Apple Pencil. On the opposite end of the tip, you’ll find a power and function button. This glows blue when paired via Bluetooth and red when charging, but it can also be tapped to take you back to the iPadOS Home Screen. Neat.
This really is one of those accessories that makes you step back and question why you’d ever pay full price for the official version. It’s ideal for a vast number of would-be Apple Pencil users and offers a massive saving while still retaining pretty much every feature, benefit, and nuance of the second-generation Apple Pencil.
The only downside to the Benks Pen is the fact that it doesn’t have pressure sensitivity, therefore if illustration is your main use case, Apple’s more expensive offering might be the best route forward. For everyone else, I can’t think why you’d spend any more than Benks is asking for this brilliant alternative to the official Apple Pencil.
Benks Infinity Pro Stand
Compatible with: iPad Pro 11-inch (2018 – 2022), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018 – 2022)
I first became aware of magnetic iPad stands about eighteen months ago. Before this discovery, my iPads have always undertaken fairly traditional roles – content consumption, note-taking, and productivity (when connected to some form of keyboard case).
For some reason, I’d never considered the benefits of having an iPad raised and attached to a stand. The fact you can do so magnetically with the iPad Pro suddenly opens a whole world of possibilities.
The Infinity Pro Stand from Benks is one of the best examples of how to benefit from this application for the iPad. Featuring a mount which offers 360-degree rotation and full tilt-ability, the Infinity Pro Stand immediately transforms the way you use your iPad.
What’s more, it can be folded flat and conveniently dropped into any rucksack, which is ideal for anyone who wants to mount their iPad as an external monitor while travelling, or for those who regularly use their iPads to demonstrate stuff during meetings.
The Infinity Pro Stand also features a swivelling base with a confident, satisfying mechanical clicking sound which enables you to easily adjust the direction of the iPad without moving the entire stand. Once again, this is ideal for anyone who uses their iPad to show their work to others.
Like all Benks accessories I’ve sampled, the Infinity Pro Stand is extremely well made. Featuring premium materials and a confident, strong magnetic connection for the iPad, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it’s an official Apple accessory.
My use case for this stand has always been simple but highly effective. If I want to use my iPad Pro as a second display for my Mac, I just place the Infinity Pro Stand next to the computer. Once the iPad is safely in place on the stand, I have a monitor that can be viewed in landscape or portrait orientation and swivelled in any direction. I’ve even taken it with me out on the road, thanks to that folding design, which has proved immensely useful while working in coffee shops.
Although the cost might seem slightly prohibitive for anyone who is yet to experience the benefit of a magnetic iPad stand, I think the Infinity Pro Stand offers a great deal of value for £68.99 – particularly when you consider its utility and portability. Trust me – I’ve tried the cheaper alternatives and weak hinges and poor magnets are a common trait. This effort from Benks is absolutely fantastic.
Buy the Benks Infinity Pro Stand on Amazon:
Wrapping up
I get to try and use a lot of iPad accessories because of what I do for a living, but very few of them actually ‘stick’.
The Benks Pen and Infinity Pro Stand have stuck, though. And that’s because they are genuinely useful and reveal how quickly you can raise the utility of Apple’s tablet with relatively little investment.
Both are highly recommended.
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