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Any solutions beyond returning iMac?

H

hky740

macrumors member
Original poster
Dec 20, 2019
64
6
I had a 27 inch iMac delivered yesterday as part of a trade-in. I had bought a 16 inch MBP last year when I moved for a job and it's a great laptop but too small for a primary workstation for me.

Now I feel I have another problem. The 27 inch iMac is just too big. I'm constantly looking up at the screen, a literal pain in the neck. My computer chair is up as high as it can go.

My eyes are centered with the middle of the screen or just below with how my set up is.

If I could lower the iMac screen, that might help. But I can't. I've tried tilting the screen but that doesn't help.

Are there any solutions here beyond returning it?
 
I suspect your desktop height is a factor. From a standpoint of ergonomics, the desktop should be around 27" inches/70 CM for good keyboarding. If your desktop is higher than that, a lower desktop may deliver several benefits.
 
ApfelKuchen said:
I suspect your desktop height is a factor. From a standpoint of ergonomics, the desktop should be around 27" inches/70 CM for good keyboarding. If your desktop is higher than that, a lower desktop may deliver several benefits.
Click to expand...

Do you mean desktop or actual desk?
 
jazzer15 said:
Can this be easily done on the newer iMacs? I'm asking because I may want to do this myself, but I would prefer to buy an iMac with a stand.
Click to expand...
To use Apple’s VESA mount, it has to be ordered that way from Apple, and the order screen will alarm you that this model does not include a stand.

There is a third party company that makes a VESA mount that attaches to the iMac’s stand, but the results look a little crappy.


VIVO Adapter VESA Mount Kit, Bracket Set for Apple 21.5 inch and 27 inch iMac, Late 2009 to 2020 Models, LED Display Computer, Stand-MACB

International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
buy.geni.us
 
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PBG4 Dude said:
To use Apple’s VESA mount, it has to be ordered that way from Apple, and the order screen will alarm you that this model does not include a stand.

There is a third party company that makes a VESA mount that attaches to the iMac’s stand, but the results look a little crappy.


VIVO Adapter VESA Mount Kit, Bracket Set for Apple 21.5 inch and 27 inch iMac, Late 2009 to 2020 Models, LED Display Computer, Stand-MACB

International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.
buy.geni.us
Click to expand...
Ewww... ugly.
 
I'm struggling to find a good solution here. If the screen could just be lowered so it was sitting just off the base, I may not have any issues. My local Apple store has been closed for months with no opening in sight which makes this process more complicated.
 
Looks like your desk height is a problem as suggested before. Could also be your chair or yourself. What's the desks height measured from the floor?
 
GrumpyCoder said:
Looks like your desk height is a problem as suggested before. Could also be your chair or yourself. What's the desks height measured from the floor?
Click to expand...

Desk looks to be 36-1/4 in. in height

Chair - 22 in. - 24 in. (floor to seat)

And I'm about 5'7.

Does that indicate anything?
 
Your desk height seems to be too high. You’d either want to lower your desk height or raise your chair height.
 
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PBG4 Dude said:
Your desk height seems to be too high. You’d either want to lower your desk height or raise your chair height.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, neither of those options are possibilities. The desk doesn't go up and down at all. The chair does but not any higher than I have it now.
 
hky740 said:
Desk looks to be 36-1/4 in. in height

Chair - 22 in. - 24 in. (floor to seat)

And I'm about 5'7.

Does that indicate anything?
Click to expand...

That sounds high. For comparison my desk top is about 31 inches and my chair is around 22 inches at its highest. I feel like my computer could come down a bit and yours is 5 inches higher.
 
jazzer15 said:
That sounds high. For comparison my desk top is about 31 inches and my chair is around 22 inches at its highest. I feel like my computer could come down a bit and yours is 5 inches higher.
Click to expand...

What do you think my best options are?
 
I agree, that's a very high desk. I'm the same height and can only comfortably work at a 29-30" height desk.
[automerge]1598383839[/automerge]
hky740 said:
What do you think my best options are?
Click to expand...
I think you should look for a new desk that's more ergonomic for your height.
 
Gmouse said:
If you can't lower the desk, can you raise the chair, or get a higher chair?
Click to expand...

The chair does go up and down, but not any higher than it is right now.

I'm not sure Office Max/Depot hauls away old furniture so even if I get a new desk, I have no idea how I'd get this one out here. It weighs a ton and I never could do it by myself. Nobody to help either.
 
hky740 said:
The chair does go up and down, but not any higher than it is right now.

I'm not sure Office Max/Depot hauls away old furniture so even if I get a new desk, I have no idea how I'd get this one out here. It weighs a ton and I never could do it by myself. Nobody to help either.
Click to expand...
Where I live there's a Habitat for Humanity Restore that will come pick up any furniture. Also in some locations Goodwill and Salvation Army will do it too.

Depending on the desk itself, perhaps shortening the legs might work. That's tricky business though getting it exactly right so it doesn't wobble.
 
Namara said:
Where I live there's a Habitat for Humanity Restore that will come pick up any furniture. Also in some locations Goodwill and Salvation Army will do it too.

Depending on the desk itself, perhaps shortening the legs might work. That's tricky business though getting it exactly right so it doesn't wobble.
Click to expand...

The Salvation Army's quickest pick-up date is mid-October. I live in an apartment and don't have any of those kind of tools available (not that I know how to use them anyway). The legs are kind of part of this steel/metal frame.
 
hky740 said:
This is the exact desk: https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/6773832/Elle-D-cor-Alliel-Live-Edge/

I got when I moved here in January but I guess I didn't consider height as much I did. It was less of an issue with the MBP but obviously that's much smaller.
Click to expand...

Looks nice, but not too ergonomic. Even with a MBP I wouldn't imagine that would be too comfortable to type?

Anyway, it sounds like some options are to (1) return the computer and buy one with a VESA mount and then buy an arm to adjust the height (although it will probably wind up being cheaper to buy a new desk and I'm not even sure how easy an arm would be to attach to that desk; (2) Buy a new desk (removal of old one noted); (3) Buy a bar stool type chair that is higher (may be too high and perhaps not comfortable); (4) Return the computer and buy another computer that you can match with a monitor that adjusts (Mac mini?); (5) Pile some books on your chair (comfort issue).

None of these are ideal, I suppose, but unfortunately Apple does include a height adjustment on their stands (form over function).

I assume tilting the screen down toward eye level doesn't help?
 
I have the same iMac and have been using it from a desk that's 30" high. I also use an office chair that can be raised or lowered. As others have stated, your desk appears to be too high for someone of your height.

The type of desk you purchased doesn't look to be one that the legs can be removed and replaced with shorter ones. It appears your choices are limited. Is there any way you can return the desk to Office Depot or trade it in for a different one? Either that or consider selling that desk and buying another that's more suitable.

Sending the iMac back to Apple may be more trouble than it's worth with most Apple Stores still closed.
 
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