[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7zBH6pgwGk]

Twelve South just announced a new adjustable stand geared for the iMac and Apple Display, dubbed the “HiRise for iMac,” and we recently had a brief hands-on with the desktop accessory that also doubles as a storage compartment.

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Unboxing

The packaging is heavy and sturdy, so a quality feeling is present for first impressions, which is a definite positive since this platform touts a $79.99 price tag. Unboxers will find a clean, visual instruction manual upon opening the packaging. The brushed metal HiRise looks very Apple-esque, so it is a perfect match to any recent model iMac. It even features two Teflon rails beneath the stand to protect the surface from scratches.

Assembly

The “extruded aluminum and stamped steel” stand sits underneath a red cover within the box—unassembled. While this may seem annoying at first, the video above clearly shows how “1-2-3-4” the process is for putting it together. The most pleasant aspect of assembly is the notable absence of screws. The frame slides together, while the front and back plates are magnetic, so everything literally snaps in place within 30 seconds.

Highlights

The stand elevates an iMac or an Apple Display to a more comfortable eye level, as it boasts an internal metal support shelf that allows the desktop to rest in one of six internal positions, and it acts as a stealthy storage area for workspaces. Simply remove the magnetic front plate to place wallets, devices, cables, etc., inside. Moreover, both plates feature perforation for ventilation.

This review is pretty basic. Then again, so is the HiRise: It is a simple, easy-to-use desktop accessory perfect for neat freaks or anyone looking to increase the height of their display.

Check it out: Twelve South’s HiRise for iMac — $79.99

The full press release is below. [Press video and images here.]

Twelve South intros HiRise for iMac: The first ever adjustable iMac Stand and Desk Storage System.

Charleston, SC, September 25, 2012 – Twelve South is proud to introduce HiRise, a height-adjustable stand designed exclusively for iMac and Apple Displays. Crafted from extruded aluminum and stamped steel, this sturdy stand elevates an iMac or Apple Display, allowing the user to adjust the height of his screen to create a more comfortable, ergonomic workspace. Along with raising the height of Macs, HiRise creates a stealthy desktop storage bay for connected gear or personal items. HiRise is compatible with all current iMac and Apple Displays and is available now at TwelveSouth.com for $79.99. More info and images can be found here.

HiRise radically transforms the look of your iMac or Apple Display by integrating the base into the HiRise itself, creating a bold, ultra-modern look. At first glance, people may think they are looking at an entirely new Mac. The surprises will continue when you flip down the magnetically secured faceplate to reveal hard drives, cables and keys hidden inside.The eye-catching stand is over-engineered to support all iMac and Apple Displays with the L-shaped base, including the 27-inch iMac and Apple Thunderbolt Display. The adjustable, brushed metal HiRise stand elevates the height of an iMac or an Apple Display to a more comfortable eye level, eliminating the need to prop up your Mac with a phone book or stacks of paper to find a better viewing angle. HiRise has an internal metal support shelf that lets you adjust the height of your Mac in one of six internal positions. The HiRise shelf can also align the screen height of an Apple Display, side-by-side with your iMac, for the perfect horizontal screen alignment and dual-display setup.

Another highlight of HiRise is the hidden storage it adds to your workspace. Remove the magnetically-held front faceplate to reveal a nice nesting spot for a backup hard drive, cables, your wallet and keys…even a Mac mini. Both front and back metal faceplates are perforated to provide pass-through ventilation. Depending on your internal shelf position, there are up to two levels of storage available, each accessible from front or back. Both HiRise faceplates can also be attached with the included screws for more permanent and secure storage.

“It’s time to do better than a phone book!” said Andrew Green, Creative Director of Twelve South. “We see Mac users prop their beautiful hardware up on reams of copy paper and cringe. Many agree that just a few extra inches of height makes their Mac tremendously more comfortable to use. Enter HiRise for iMac. It raises your Mac to six different positions. It hides connected hard drives and keys inside. But coolest of all, its design integrates with your Mac to look like nothing else you’ve ever seen.”

HiRise is constructed with all metal parts and has two teflon rails on the bottom to protect the surface beneath the stand from scratches. HiRise users will quickly notice how much better they feel when working with their screens at a more back- and neck-friendly height. Order your HiRise today to see what a difference an elevated Mac makes.