Update: GRID Studio is aware of the mislabeled 30-pin connector, a flaw in the limited number of frames from the first batch, and has since revised its design.
GRID Studio is known for offering wall art showcasing vintage devices that are an important part of Apple’s history. Each device is disassembled and the components are artistically displayed in a frame that can be hung on any Apple fan’s wall.
The fourth-generation iPod Classic and first-generation iPad mini are the newest additions to GRID’s lineup of devices, selling for $499 and $249, respectively. GRID’s pieces start at $40 for an A-series chip and go up to $400 for the original iPhone, but there are all sorts of options around the $200 mark.
GRID’s frames are well packaged for protection during transit and are wrapped in thick black paper, finished with a ribbon and a wax seal to make the device feel really special. While Grid’s products are impressively packaged, I would warn customers about cutting the paper from the packaging – something that happened repeatedly when opening multiple Grid frames.
The black wooden frame GRID contrasts well with the white card on which the device components are glued and goes relatively easily with most interior designs. Unfortunately, black frames seem to immediately attract a lot of fingerprints and dust, but they’re mostly easy enough to remove with a damp cloth.
The frame has a pane of transparent plastic instead of glass. I would have liked the glass, but it doesn’t negatively affect the display of the device at all. To remove the clear plastic protective film, you need to open the frame from the back. This enables you to remove excess fingerprints or dust from inside the frame or components.
The fourth-generation iPod is GRID’s first display of a “classic” iPod with a click wheel, making it a particularly iconic piece for Apple enthusiasts. Announced in 2004, the fourth-generation iPod replaced the touch wheel from the third-generation iPod with the click wheel from the iPod Mini, placed four buttons below a touch-sensitive scroll wheel, and introduced a thinner casing. The 20GB model of the Frame originally sold for $299.
As with GRID’s other displays, isolated iPod components are systematically placed inside the frame, with printed details to highlight different aspects, such as a printed image below the iPod’s display to give a 3D effect and show how it would have looked in use. The annotations explain what each component is, provide a bit of device history, and a quote from Steve Jobs.
The first generation iPad mini is GRID’s first iPad display. The first iPad mini was launched in 2012, with similar specifications to the iPad 2 with display resolution, starting at $329. iPad Mini: Takes up a lot of space inside the frame, but I’m pleased that all the frames in GRID are the same size for compatibility.
There is some wear and tear in some places due to the age of the devices and the way they have been used. Nevertheless, they are more than adequate for display and it is clear that GRID has chosen only devices with minimal wear For my frame, the iPod’s polished, mirror finish, its internal hard drive and the iPad mini’s pristine display look particularly good and emphasize the devices at their best.
All in all, the fourth-generation iPod and first-generation iPad mini are great additions to GRID’s product lineup. With attention to detail and plenty of nice touches to make the device feel special, Grid frames are the perfect item for any Apple fan looking to bring some of the company’s iconic designs into their home in a thoughtful way.
How to buy
GRID Studio products are available from its website, gridstudio.cc. GRID Studio iPod Classic and iPad mini – currently $100 off.
- Grid Studio iPod Classic (4th Generation) –
$499$399 - Grid Studio iPad Mini (1st Generation) –
$249$199
Note: Grid Studio provided MacRumors with a framed iPod Classic (4th-generation) and iPad mini (1st-generation) for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
