Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone4 Review

Features
Performance
Verdict
Specification

Daniel Bell reviews the Joby Gorillamobile for the iPhone4.

In November, Joby announced the availability of the Gorillamobile for the iPhone4 after the success of the preceding model for the iPhone 3G/3GS. With the improved 5Mp camera and HD video capabilities combined with a large number of photography apps, the iPhone4 is potentially a serious photographers tool and a rival to the compact camera. One of the first accessories purchased for a camera is commonly a tripod and here we test a support solution for the iPhone4.

Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone4: Features

• Durable, always-on bumper case
• Flexible, wrappable legs with rubber grip rings and feet
• Adaptable rail design for portrait or landscape orientation
• Bonus camera adapter clip – stand doubles as a tripod for point-and-shoot cameras

Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone4: Click on the thumbnails for larger images.
It is best to take care when snapping open the iPhone4 case.		The Gorillamobile for iPhone4 comes with a an adapter clip so you can attach a compact camera.
You can also change the orientation to portrait as well as landscape.		The rubber grips held this metal pole brilliantly.

Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone4: Performance
The first thing to do after opening the box is to attach the supplied case which goes around the edge of the iPhone and acts as a connector between the phone and the tripod as well offering protection. This is worth taking care with because if you pull too hard there is a chance it'll snap. With the case attached you have access to all the buttons on the iPhone as well as the USB and headphone sockets. The design of the case certainly fits in with the design of the iPhone. Personally, although it feels strong, I wouldn't keep the case on all the time, because if this breaks you can no longer attach your iPhone4 to the Gorillamobile tripod.

With the case on you can attached the tripod. The attachment on the tripod connects at the bottom left-hand corner of the iPhone. You can slide it along the bottom or the left-hand side, depending on whether you want a landscape or portrait orientation. Attaching the tripod to the case is easy but can be a bit stiff when removing. I would recommend you have your iPhone4 keypad locked when fitting and removing the tripod so you don't accidentally press any buttons.

It can be tricky to set-up the tripod so your pictures are straight, so when taking photos I recommend the use of the free Gorillacam app as this has a bubble level. Unfortunately this doesn't work with videos although I'm sure they'll be a video app with a bubble level available.

As with any of the Gorillapod tripods the best feature is being able to wrap the legs round poles, branches etc. giving you the opportunity to take pictures and videos from many creative angles. The Gorillapod mobile grips brilliantly although I did feel a bit nervous when my iPhone was hanging off the leg on my desk.

There are other advantages offered by the Gorillamobile such as being able to use it to watch videos, make video calls and take a perfect self-portrait. The tripod also comes with a camera adapter clip meaning you can use the Gorillamobile on any compact camera under the weight of 350g.

Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone4: Verdict
Overall I would recommend the Gorillamobile to any iPhone4 user who wants to utilise the phone's camera and video facility. It is easy to use and has many more uses thanks to the wide range of functions within the iPhone as well as the camera adapter. With an RRP of £44.99 this Gorillamobile seems expensive especially when compared with the Gorillapod compact flexible camera tripod, priced at £15.99 on Warehouse Express. But as a case is required to connect the iPhone the Gorillamobile is inevitably more expensive but is available for under £30 when searching on Google.

Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone4: Pros
Case design is perfect for the iPhone4
Strong, flexible legs
Adapter for use with a compact

Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone4: Cons
Expensive

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL

Joby Gorillamobile for iPhone4: Specification

Price	£44.99 RRP
Contact	www.intro2020.co.uk
Max weight load	350g
Dimensions	Case = 123 x 65 x 12mm Stand = 35 x 170mm
Weight	Case = 12g Stand and clip = 47g