- A workstation designed for travel still seems risky for expensive laptops
- Open source customization adds freedom, not necessarily trust, to mobile creators
- Smart features aside, it’s still awkward to lift a workstation by a handle
Tether Tools has introduced the AeroTrac workstation system, a foldable setup designed for creators who want to take their gear anywhere, even a $10,000 Apple MacBook Pro.
The company presents it as a professional-level modular workstation that seeks to combine portability and resistance.
However, despite its careful engineering, it’s hard to ignore the question of whether carrying such an expensive business laptop on a folding desk is actually a good idea.
A workstation designed for portability
Weighing just 3.3 pounds, the AeroTrac folds down to a slim 8.5-by-11-inch size and opens into a 17-by-11-inch aluminum surface capable of holding up to 30 pounds of gear.
The compact design makes it ideal for travel, but balancing high-value laptops or peripherals on a small platform may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Its standout feature is an integrated rail system that allows accessories to be connected through precision-milled channels using standard threads.
This keeps everything securely in place, even while on the move.
Tether Tools includes magnetic tabs for easy folding, a detachable handle for carrying, and a built-in tool for quick adjustments.
The system can be mounted on tripods, C-stands, or rolling carts, and optional legs make it a free-standing workstation.
It’s flexible enough for photographers, filmmakers, and digital artists who frequently switch between shots.
However, the idea of placing a fragile laptop like a MacBook Pro in a compact frame outdoors or on set may not be reassuring.
Even with its solid construction, the configuration still exposes the equipment to vibrations, dust or impacts, risks that could outweigh convenience.
At $299, the AeroTrac falls between basic folding tables and full-fledged studio workstations, aimed at creators who need a lightweight but reliable surface.
It even supports customization via open source 3D print files, allowing users to create their own attachments.
These details show careful thought on the part of Tether Tools, but also highlight the fine line between innovation and over-engineering.
Via Yanko Design
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