The Portastand will go just a little lower then my old friend Manhasset by about 1/4 of an inch. This lets you breathe easy about blocking the sound or sight of your hands when reading. Without the tripod it will sit nicely on a table.

It also has a longer tray for three sheets comfortably placed. The edge page doesn't fall off when you sneeze.

The back is also taller by about an inch. Large sheets of music will be accommodated better.

The tripod covers a wider area with a better center of gravity. It is more stable on the floor although the Manhasset is more of a "tank."

The Portastand's back is enclosed in waterproof nylon cordura and the Manhasset is covered less than a soup can. I hate sharp metal objects around guitars unless the guitars are being built you can avoid a deadly stand.

Ever walked from your car to the venue of music with your guitar in case, a stand, a bag with sheet music and your footstool in it while talking on a cell phone? Maybe you've had to park far away and by the time you get there your hands are tired. In the pouring rain?

The Portastand will carry your music and your footstool will fit in there. The legs fold down and fit in elastic holders on the back. It then serves as a handle or you can use a strap with and go over the shoulder.

You're down to two items and if you have the proper guitar case, you're pretty water resistant.

What I like most of all about the Portastand, besides being a low and stable guitar stand is it is surface friendly. There are fewer surfaces on it to damage a guitar.

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