> Im leaning towards the mStand but the space issue is real... Just caught this thread and wanted to chime in because I lived in a tiny studio for years. If space is tight, be careful with the mStand. It is a total tank, but that solid base is a space hog and you cant really tuck your keyboard under it when you are done working. Since youre on a 60 buck budget, I would suggest looking at the Soundance Laptop Stand for Desk LS1 Aluminum. It is super sturdy like the mStand but has a much more open design for better cooling, which is a huge plus if your MacBook is running hot. Tbh, it is usually only like 30 bucks too. Make sure to check out camelcamelcamel or Honey to track the prices before you buy so you dont get ripped off. I also recommend browsing the desksetup subreddit for some small-space inspiration... people there have some genius hacks for tiny Chicago apartments. Good luck with the new gig!

Re: "Ive been super happy with the Twelve South..." - actually, maybe be careful with fixed-height stands like the Curve. My old roommate had one and honestly, the lack of adjustment was a nightmare for her neck because she couldnt tweak the height to match her chair perfectly. Plus, spending 60 bucks on a static stand feels like a lot when youre on a budget for a new job. Choosing something adjustable might be safer for that tiny Chicago desk situation. Some things to consider:

• Fixed stands like the mStand have a huge metal base that eats up space where your mouse or notepad should go.
• The Boyata N19 Adjustable Laptop Stand Aluminum lets you lift the screen higher and tuck your external keyboard underneath when youre done.
• Make sure the hinges are stiff enough so it doesnt dip during a long shift. tbh, the Nulaxy C3 Laptop Stand Aluminum is sturdier than people think and saves you like 30 bucks. Just check that the rubber pads are aligned so the Macbook doesnt slide.

Regarding what #3 said about "> Im leaning towards the mStand but the space issue is real..." - i totally get that. I have spent years testing hardware and honestly, the mStand is a beast but its footprint is just too much for a Chicago studio setup. If you want reliability without the premium price tag, you should focus on the gauge of the aluminum rather than the brand name. In my experience, these are way better for tight spaces and staying on budget:

• Besign LS10 Laptop Stand Aluminum
• It has a high-quality alloy build that keeps things rock solid. The open design is great for thermal dissipation because it lets the fans actually breathe.
• LORYERGO Laptop Stand for Desk
• Super simple and stable. It uses a very minimal frame that doesnt eat up your desk space but still gives you enough height to fix that neck strain. Tbh, you can find solid options for under 30 bucks that are just as sturdy as the 60 dollar ones. Just make sure they have thick silicone pads on the hooks so your mac doesnt slide. These budget ones are usually just as reliable if the specs are right. Let me know if you need help looking at the specific dimensions before you pull the trigger!

Ive been super happy with the Twelve South Curve Laptop Stand Matte Black for my small setup. It works well because the open design is way better for cooling than a solid plate. Honestly, it takes up way less visual space on a desk too. No complaints about stability either, it stays rock solid even when Im typing fast. Definitely worth the price for a studio apartment.