It does look like it's about 36 inches from the floor to the top of the desk's surface (where the iMac sits).
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Any solutions beyond returning iMac?
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It does look like it's about 36 inches from the floor to the top of the desk's surface (where the iMac sits).
OP wrote:
"I'm struggling to find a good solution here."
I have "the solution" for you.
If the iMac display is too high, and the MBP 16" is too small, do this:
Return the iMac, and get a 2018/20 Mini.
Get it equipped with:
- i7 CPU
- 16gb of RAM (more if you wish)
- 512gb SSD (larger if you wish)
Then, get a display that suits you.
A list that may be of some help:
www.pchardwarehelp.com
I use a Viewsonic 27" 1080p display.
The bottom edge of the viewable portion of the display is 4.5 inches above my desktop.
The top edge of the viewable portion of the display is 18 inches above my desktop.
How does that compare to the iMac?
"I'm struggling to find a good solution here."
I have "the solution" for you.
If the iMac display is too high, and the MBP 16" is too small, do this:
Return the iMac, and get a 2018/20 Mini.
Get it equipped with:
- i7 CPU
- 16gb of RAM (more if you wish)
- 512gb SSD (larger if you wish)
Then, get a display that suits you.
A list that may be of some help:
IPS Monitors: List of the Best LCD Panels
Updated list of IPS monitors (also AHVA, PLS and other In-Plane Switching based tech) that offer the best color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
www.pchardwarehelp.com
I use a Viewsonic 27" 1080p display.
The bottom edge of the viewable portion of the display is 4.5 inches above my desktop.
The top edge of the viewable portion of the display is 18 inches above my desktop.
How does that compare to the iMac?
Do you still have the 16" MacBook Pro or was that the trade-in you referred to in your initial post?
Absolutely no other computer have a better display than the iMac. He would have to buy a 27 inch LG 5K and even then it would be inferior to the iMac and the Mac mini will struggle to drive it.
It's like changing a Ferrari for a Honda Civic.
I do. The trade in kit is supposed to come today. I'm not sure what to do. The iMac is great, certainly better to work on than a smaller MBP, but my furniture situation isn't great. If the iMac's screen could be lowered down to the base, I suspect this issue would be resolved or at least better.
Have you considered simply purchasing an external height-adjustable display with USB-C connectivity to connect your MacBook Pro to? That way you should be able to keep the MacBook Pro, should you ever need the portability, and get a 21-24" display to work on when you don't.
Keep in mind that from an ergonomic perspective your eyes should be level with the top of the display when you're sitting upright with your elbows and knees at or above 90°. Thus, if you decide to purchase an external display for your MacBook Pro you should probably look at 21-24" displays instead of the larger 27" units. Looking at my iMac and your statement regarding current eye level I doubt a 27" display can be lowered sufficiently enough to get there as based on my estimate there's only around 3 inches from the bottom of the bottom bezel to the desk, and you would need at least 6-7 inches.
What I'm trying to say: there is no way you will be able to lower the 27" iMac far enough to get where you need it to be. If you don't want the clutter of an external display plus MacBook Pro on your desk another option might be the 21.5" 4K iMac. Before you order you should check the specs to determine whether you need the VESA mount option or the regular stand.
Keep in mind that from an ergonomic perspective your eyes should be level with the top of the display when you're sitting upright with your elbows and knees at or above 90°. Thus, if you decide to purchase an external display for your MacBook Pro you should probably look at 21-24" displays instead of the larger 27" units. Looking at my iMac and your statement regarding current eye level I doubt a 27" display can be lowered sufficiently enough to get there as based on my estimate there's only around 3 inches from the bottom of the bottom bezel to the desk, and you would need at least 6-7 inches.
What I'm trying to say: there is no way you will be able to lower the 27" iMac far enough to get where you need it to be. If you don't want the clutter of an external display plus MacBook Pro on your desk another option might be the 21.5" 4K iMac. Before you order you should check the specs to determine whether you need the VESA mount option or the regular stand.
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This is exactly what I do, and for me the system works out very well. A few years ago when Apple released the 21.5" iMac with its first retina screen, I had been eagerly awaiting that machine, since a 27" iMac is just too darned big for me in so many ways, but the specs were disappointing, so I looked at alternatives, and realized that the 15" MBP had the specs I wanted and that it would be a simple matter of then simply getting an external monitor when I was ready. I happily used that machine on a stand with Apple's BT devices, a "desktop replacement," and never got around to getting an external monitor as I found I really didn't need it. I wasn't doing much in the way of photography at that time.
Fast-forward to 2018, when I replaced the 2015 machine with a 15" 2018 machine, and this time I didn't even think twice about doing so -- my days of using an iMac are over. I really appreciate the convenience and flexibility of my current setup. I finally did buy an external monitor, the LG Thunderbolt 3 4K one, which works beautifully with my MBP and the 24" size is the "sweet spot" as far as I'm concerned. It is great for editing photographic images and for everyday situations such as participating on forums, writing and reading emails, etc. I am quite happy with this arrangement.
That desk height is typical of a lab desk you stand in front of, not seated. You would need one of those lab seats that are 10” higher then what you are using that have up and down adjustments. As mentioned a regular office desk is never that high. The iMac is not tall. It just you ergonomically have a bad situation. See if you can locate a lab chair that can be made close to your tables height with a nice seat padding and back support. Maybe there is local commercial office furniture supplier has a used one you can rent or buy. These are the companies that furnish entire office setups for companies and usually carry everything for a company that wants to furnish a building.
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