27-Inch 5K iMac Height: Stand v. VESA

[Neil J. Squillante]

Jony Ive isn't going to give us a height adjustable iMac stand anytime soon. The 5K iMac is about an inch too high for my monitor height preference. Can the built-in VESA option and a third party stand or arm get the iMac lower than the default stand? Also, which stand or arm do you use?

 

[CWallace]

Depending on the arm, it should get you all the way down to your desk. 🙂

If you don't want to commit to the VESA model for resale ability reasons, there are third-party adapters that will allow you to mount an iMac with the stand to a VESA arm.

 

[hfg]

Depending on the arm, it should get you all the way down to your desk. 🙂

If you don't want to commit to the VESA model for resale ability reasons, there are third-party adapters that will allow you to mount an iMac with the stand to a VESA arm.

Although, that won't allow the iMac to sit any lower than the normal stand ...

 

[CWallace]

Although, that won't allow the iMac to sit any lower than the normal stand ...

True, so buy the VESA model. Just note that you'll find it harder to resell since it will only appeal to someone who wants a VESA mount iMac.

 

[hfg]

Another thread here pointed out a Ergotron desk stand which could mount a VESA model. I can't tell if it would actually allow a lower viewpoint, but it does extend +/- 5" and allows tilt, pan, and swivel, possibly even portrait (although that would really look strange with the iMac "chin").

http://www.ergotron.com/en-us/products/product-details/33-329#/

I would prefer a VESA mount since I already have a dual VESA arm system at my desk which holds a 4K display next to the iMac. Having a useful desk stand available might reduce the resell agony of the VESA iMac.

 

[Neil J. Squillante]

Thank you for the replies. I'm considering these three solutions:

1. Skipping the iMac and using a MacBook Pro and the height adjustable LG UlktraFine 5K Display. My colleague uses this combination and has no complaints. Downsides — I run virtual machines so I'd like to have more than 16 GB of memory. Also, I'd have to disconnect the MBP every night and lock it up or risk having it stolen.

2. Workrite Conform HD. We use Workrite Sierra HX desks. The company makes high quality gear. Downsides — Do people who use these arms not have equipment plugged into their displays? I'll have an Ethernet connection, external SSD, etc. Moving the iMac would take these items with it.

3. Ergotron NeoFlex Widescreen Monitor Stand. I only care about height so I don't need an arm. Downsides — It's ugly.

I'll report back.

 

[angrytoothbrush]

I have read your solutions and also looked at the prices, not sure why you'd want the VESA Mac just to put it on another stand when all you really need is a higher chair 😀 but i thought id toss my plan in too and see if it helps. I just bought a VESA iMac with the Bretford MobilePro Adjustable wall mount. My desk is in my room and I wanted to hang the the Mac on the wall to work as one would expect and also pull it out to put on a flick in bed or something. I had the same thought about the height because I don't want a stiff neck staring up at a screen, but technically I choose where I hang it so if its too high it would be my fault- it tilts but it doesn't move up and down Ill have to factor that in when I see where it will lie on my desk, but i intend to hang it low where it probably would have sat if it were on a stand.