Hardware Review: Joby Gorillamobile tripod for the iPhone 3G/3GS
Monday, March 8, 2010 at 2:00PM | Glyn Evans 
Back in May 2009 I reviewed the Joby Gorillapod Go-Go (now known as the Gorillamobile), and gave it my recommended award. Then in October 2009, Joby released the Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS, which now includes a soft-touch case that clips to the flexible legs. Whilst at PMA this year I met with Jenny Barchas, Joby's Brand Manager, who gave me one of their Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS to test and review, along with a little extra something (keep reading to fine out what that little extra something was).
So, how does the Gorillapod Go-Go/Gorillamobile and Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS compare?
Well, first off both stands have the same following features:
- over two dozen leg joints bend and rotate 360°
- rubberized ring and foot grips provide enhanced stability on difficult terrain
- a lock ring provides extra security to ensure your mobile device is safely attached
- universal camera adapter (1/4” tripod screw)
- removable adhesive clips detach without leaving residue behind.
Now here is where the two stands differ, the Gorillapod Go-Go/Gorillamobile only has a custom suction cup to hold the iPhone in place, whilst the new Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS has a customised soft-touch iPhone case that you can quickly and easily clip on and off the Gorillamobile stand/tripod.
So, having already reviewed the original Gorillapod Go-Go/Gorillamobile, what do I think of the new Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS?
Well back in May 2009 when I reviewed the Gorillapod Go-Go, my only complaint was with the suction cup not being secure enough, and at the time I said "the only negative thing is its suction cup which at times looses its suction". Well the new Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS resolves this problem with its custom case that has a special clip that allows you to slot the cased iPhone on and off the stand/tripod with ease, and it is this case, and this case alone that has turned this great tripod in to a must have tripod/stand for any iPhoneographer.
Final thoughts
With its compact size and flexibility, this is the ideal tripod/stand for anyone wanting to take time-lapse photos, position their iPhone in an awkward place, or who just needs that extra stability when taking photos with their iPhone, and because the case is always on your iPhone, and the stand is so pocketable, then there is no excuse not to take the Gorillamobile everywhere with you.
Even the case is a nice case, that snugly fits your iPhone 3G/3GS, has a nice feel to it, and offers the same protection as many other iPhone cases.
There is however one very small niggle that I have with this package, and that is Joby do not supply a screen protector, which is something I think they should, but that's the only negative thing I can think of saying about the Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS.
What about that little extra something I hear you ask.
Well Joby were very kind, and in addition to giving me the Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS to test and review, they also gave me their new Gorillapod Magnetic, which has super strong magnetic feet that will attach to any magnetic surface, making this combination the ultimate iPhone tripod, and because all their stands/tripods have the same connectors you can attached the case supplied with the Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS to the Gorillapod Magnetic.
Oh, and in Steve Jobs fashion, there is just one last thing.
To complement the Gorillamobile range, Joby have a free self-timer app called Gorillacam (review to follow soon).
I want one, but where can I get one from?
If you like the look of the Gorillamobile for iPhone 3G/3GS, then in the UK you can get yours for £21.99 from Amazon, or in the US direct from Joby themselves for $39.95.
If you also want the Gorillapod Magnetic, then if you are in the UK, then it looks like you may have to buy this direct from Joby, as I can not find any UK resellers, which means you could create your own combo by buying the case and Gorillapod Magnetic, creating the perfect iPhone tripod.
