"Pairing the latest in Apple iPhone hardware with a 1980s style telephone handset, iCooly certainly demands attention even if its form sometimes overwhelms its function."

The iCooly PhoneStand is an iPhone dock/cradle with a twist -- a retro-future look like something out of the 1980s... or a 60s world's fair. Instead of a rotary dialer or touchtone keypad, it has a tacky surface on which you can place your iPhone, and the handset plugs right into your 3.5mm audio jack. And that's only the beginning.

You don't need leg-warmers or big hair to rock the iCooly PhoneStand, though they certainly wouldn't hurt. This is one sleek plastic and shiny white and silver finished 80s flashback phone. But it works; once the spiral corded handset is plugged in you can answer calls with the tap of a button. (You can also activate Siri on an iPhone 4S or Voice Control on an iPhone 4 or iPhone 3GS with a longer press.)

The nice thing about the old school handset design is that it was an absolute breeze to tuck between the side of your head and your shoulder, so you could keep your hands free to keep working, cooking, gaming... whatever you want to keep doing. The cord isn't incredibly long, mind you, but it's long enough to go from your desk, counter, or comfy chair. iCooly even maintains the distance allows for a 96% reduction in cellphone radiation.

The build quality is great. The iCooly PhoneStand aluminum so it feels strong but not heavy. The sticky surface that holds your iPhone in place can be a bit annoying the first few times you use it, but since it doesn't obstruct the touch screen or buttons, your iPhone remains fully usable even while docked. Likewise, the 30-pin connector is completely exposed so you can charge your iPhone while it's in the cradle as well. The iCooly PhoneStand even includes a place to keep a pen (or capacitive stylus!)

Now, I'm not going to lie. The iCooly PhoneStand isn't for everyone. It's a conversation piece. It's something to have fun with, especially if you enjoy that retro vibe. It's probably not going to be the go-to cradle solution for everyone, and that's okay. Those who do want it, however, will want it a lot.

iCooly PhoneStand for iPhoneReviewed by iMore

iCooly PhoneStand for iPhone

$21.99

Buy now

The Good

  • Striking retro design
  • Strongly built
  • Keeps iPhone, buttons, and ports accessible

The Bad

  • Button requires a strong push to answer calls
  • Cradle starts out excessively sticky

The Conclusion

Pairing the latest in Apple iPhone hardware with a 1980s style telephone handset, iCooly certainly demands attention even if its form sometimes overwhelms its function.

Source: iMore store

The giveaway

Leave a comment below and you'll be entered to win an iCooly PhoneStand for iPhone of you very own! Giveaway starts now and ends Sunday, January 29 at midnight, PT. Enter now!