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That control and stability comes from the design of the frame and the rigidity of the deck. There is no flex when it comes to the Plane Cloud. It’s incredibly hefty, and since it sits on the floor, that makes sense, but you’ll be surprised by the weight behind the board when it arrives. Each Plane Cloud balance board is shipped in a legit canvas carry bag. That says a lot about the reverence allowed to a product that is designed to live on the floor and be stood on—that it would have a protective carry bag. It speaks to the quality bar that Fluidstance is targeting here. Transformative is a strong, emotional word, but mounting the Plane Cloud balance board at your desk will truly transform the way you work. Fluidstance will eagerly cite the science behind the benefits of these micro-motions, but my guess is that the improvement will be obvious to you from the get go. If you’re not, Fluidstance offers a 30-day risk-free guarantee. To accompany my new working experience, I also tried the Fillup personal water station and the Slope personal desktop whiteboard. The Fillup is a product that I’ve always wanted—I just didn’t know I wanted it. It’s essentially a 70-ounce thermos designed to sit on your desktop, nightstand, or patio table, and provide a full day’s supply of drinking water at arm’s reach. Seems simple, and it is, but Fluidstance has a really nice execution of this idea on their hands. Like their balance boards, the Fillup is incredibly sturdy. I expected it to weigh a lot when it’s filled with water (thus the thick vegan leather strap of a handle), but even without water in it, this thing will not budge from your desk. Seriously, it could double as a blunt weapon if an intruder enters your office. A cutout area is designed for the included ceramic mug (but feel free to use your own cup), so that you’re not drinking out of a giant bottle, but rather refilling more frequently from the Fillup. Stick your cup in there, and enjoy the smooth, brazenly mechanical feel of the valve switch on the front of the Fillup. No technology needed here, just a good, clean switch with very pleasing motion. The double-walled, 100% steel construction is easy to clean and will keep your water at whatever temperature you put it in there for a full day and then some. It’s a good looking, minimalist idea that encourages you to drink more water and stay focused on your work. Brilliant. The Slope, on the other hand, is a notebook alternative. A personal whiteboard in front of your keyboard, perfectly angled for quick scrawls and would-be sticky notes. The steel board is sturdy (noticing a pattern here?) and powder coated for durability, with felt bumpers to protect your desk. A channel along the back of the board holds any markers, erasers, or other desktop detritus, while your keyboard and mouse will easily slide under the slope at the end of the day to clean up your workspace. Save a tree, take a note, scribble a doodle; the Slope will accommodate your day’s thoughts and to-do’s in a convenient and stylish form factor. Fluidstance has just what you need to upgrade your office and turn it into a comfortable environment that lets you focus on work and creativity, without worrying about the little stuff. From the fluid and comfortable Plane Cloud balance board to the sturdy yet simple Fillup, their products are welcome in any office, home or away. For more information, visit: www.fluidstance.com