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Best Arm Options For New 27" iMac

DecTron Articulating Arm Systems is an American company out of Oregon that designs and manufactures three types of arms.

For the purposes of this thread, only their 70 Series Flex Arm has sufficient payload capacity to mount a 27" iMac. The maximum payload of this arm is 45 lbs, and it has a horizontal reach of 24" (though extensions are available), and vertical travel range of 28" (again extentable if you use their pole mount). Their arms are based on a modular system allowing a large degree of customization...

The heavy duty, counterbalanced articulating arm that delivers more than 40 pounds of muscle, moves at the touch of a fingertip and offers the flexibility and modularity you need to meet your own custom design requirements! Check out our standard solutions below, all precision machined out of steel, or contact us today with your unique project requirements and we'll work with you to design a solution specific to your project needs!
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Linkable online photos of their products are hard to come by, though Dectron's website has an extensive gallery of all their various components and configurations. This page has a particularly good illustration labelling the features of the 70-Series. However, here is one rather unflattering picture to give you an idea of the design of this arm:

560690.jpg
 
Certainly is ugly. And I'm still waiting for the long reach arms. Though I am very impressed by what bobob digs up... certainly more options than what I came across.

I'm going to give a report on my arm, but I'm awaiting some things, and the delays mean it's still a few weeks away :(.
 
New Arms for 27" iMac at MacWorld last week

There was a company with some very cool arms in the very back corner of MacWorld. Anyone else visit them? They had several iMacs and Apple displays floating on arms of various configurations. Everything is CNC milled in Canada from billet aluminum. Their arms look like they could have come straight from Apple. Stunning.

What got my attention was the 27" iMac floating on a fairly long gas-charged arm called the Mantis 30. Gorgeous. It moved very smoothly and seemed solid. One thing I really liked is that they don't use the Apple vesa adapter, or any other external brackets. They've cnc-milled a connector that slips into the back of the display and interlocks with Apple's factory connection. You can see a picture on their website. They showed us how it snap-locks in, and then disconnected it by simply slipping a business card into the slot, releasing the mechanism. Pretty slick.

We ended up ordering one for a sleek modern kitchen remodel which is going to include a 27" iMac. It was darn pricey at $700 but will look seamless with the Mac and the rest of the kitchen. If it wasn't going in such a public spot, I'd probably opt for the $99 deal on the 7500 and spend the rest on an iPad.

Only problem was timing (and the wallet ding). As everything is CNC milled from billet and they took a ton of orders at MacWorld, they are 90 days backordered on the Mantis 30. It's a new model- not yet on their website, but you can check out their other models, and the smaller version of the Mantis that supports a 21.5" iMac.

http://tvmonitorarms.com/mac.html

Here's the specs they gave me on the Mantis 30:
Allowable weight: set for 24-30 inch Imac weight specs with room to grow into even bigger models using our braking system
Height from Desk to centre of Imac: 26 inches
Reach from pole to Machead connection point: 24inches​

By the way, I don't work for them- I just found this thread, and thought if anyone could appreciate my geek-out on these arms, it would be you guys. I dug the fact that the CEO even offered to custom machine some mounting components for me to help with my install. Hope it helps someone else.

-Perma
 
Interesting. Only the Mantis model seems truly articulated along all points, and I guess with the 30 model, now can handle the weight of a 27" iMac. I note the horizontal reach - 24" - is still nothing to write home about, and does not qualify for as a truly long arm. But alternatives are always welcome, and I'm glad another company has thrown its hat into the ring, so thanks for this info. The other thing that for me disqualifies this arm is the cable management system... a coat hanger head? Really? It's not for no reason that they don't show pictures with the actual monitors and cables - that would immediately show the sad state of hanging cables. It's a good start, but I suggest it's still just a start, and they need to pick up their game significantly to compete against the Innovative products. One thing I do like is the suggestion that their attachment mechanism will accommodate the 21.5" iMacs - that's sorely needed. I'm curious about the tilter mechanism and performance... I'm dealing with it now, and it's quite an engineering challenge.

Thank you, perma, for the report and eyewitness testimony!
 
OldCorpse said:
The other thing that for me disqualifies this arm is the cable management system... a coat hanger head? Really? It's not for no reason that they don't show pictures with the actual monitors and cables - that would immediately show the sad state of hanging cables.
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Upon looking at the pictures of the Mantis, I can't quite make up my mind.

One moment I find the exposed cable management an inspired funky style choice - - one that celebrates the iMac's glorious single cord. (Honestly, I'm still not tired of looking at my bare desk surface yet... not even close. I migrated from an deskbound old school G5 with a thousand cords forming it's own personal world wide web out the back.) So when I see an arm like this, I can easily see it as an elegant extension of the simplicity of the new 27" iMac.

On the other hand, I can also see the Mantis from OldCorpse's POV - - it can look quite the gimcrackery if I stare at it too long. (What is that white material covering those beautiful milled billets? Compare that to the ravishing bare aluminum in their other models, especially as shown in these better photos here in their pdf catalog.)

In the right workspace (the minimalist loft of a quirky architect?), I can see it making quite the statement. On the other hand, if you're just looking for a good 'ol functional arm to float your Mac, you might just as well save the six hundred bucks and go with a 7500.





OldCorpse said:
I'm curious about the tilter mechanism and performance...
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Me too! I hope you can drop by this thread again when you receive your arm and get it all set up. If you've read back through the thread, you will note the many concerns regarding the tilt mechanism in the wrist joint of arms in general, so hearing about other (hopefully better) designs is most welcome.

We're praying your Mantis soars!
 
Sure- when I eventually finish, I'll post a picture. I'm constructing everything myself so it's taken 15 months fit in around work & family. I'm installing walnut floors tonight. Everyone's tired of plywood splinters in their feet :eek:

bobob said:
Woooo... that really is sleek!


(Will you be offering tours of this Kitchen of the Future™ of yours? ;) )
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Ergotron MX

Just installed the Ergotron MX on my 27 iMac and it is great. Specs stated max 30lbs at max extension but it holds the imac up with no problems. Very easy install and looks quite nice if you ever decide to stare at the back of your computer.
Picked it up from buy.com for $107 shipped 2 day mail.
http://www.buy.com/prod/ergotron-mx-desk-mount-lcd-arm-30-lb-aluminum/q/loc/111/209871968.html
MX-Desk-Mount-LCD-Arm-45-214-026.jpg


and look around the net and you'll easily find a $5.00 off $100 from buy.com.

pics to come once I get everything back to normal.
 
I'm so glad your little one is ok. Sadly this reminds me of long ago when I worked at Circuit City and we had to stay late and secure all the TV's with straps in the entire store.

We found out the next day it was because a store in Utah had a tragedy and a little kid climbed the shelves and yanked a TV down on top of him (or her) and the child was killed :(
 
chrono1081 said:
I'm so glad your little one is ok. Sadly this reminds me of long ago when I worked at Circuit City and we had to stay late and secure all the TV's with straps in the entire store.

We found out the next day it was because a store in Utah had a tragedy and a little kid climbed the shelves and yanked a TV down on top of him (or her) and the child was killed :(
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I believe you may have intended to post this comment in the So my 1 year old son drop my 24'' iMac on the floor today thread - - though a securely mounted articulating arm is certainly one way to prevent this sort of accident from happening (unless they try using the arm as a makeshift playground ride ;) ).
 
Hi all-- First, a very big "thank you":) to everyone who provided so much useful information in this thread. I thought I might find something kinda-sorta of helpful when I started my search, but not the level of detail and effort that I found here. Again, thank you all!

Based on the comments here, I bought the Innovative 7500-1500 from Amazon. Installing it wasn't bad, and I was prepared for the problem with the tilt mechanism. However, the pivot where the longer piece of the arm (with the gas spring) connects to the shorter piece is also quite stiff when bearing the weight of my iMac (27"), though it turns freely without a load. For example, when I try to move the Mac closer to me while keeping it perpendicular to my line of sight, the whole arm simply swivels at the base unless I make a real effort to turn the upper pivot as well.

I tried scribbling a little graphite into the joint, and also a drop of 3-in-1, but they only made a slight difference. Before trying anything else, I thought I'd see if anyone else had a similar problem and maybe a solution. From what I've read here I'm guessing Innovative's product support won't be too much help since I didn't buy the arm directly from them, though it's too late to try calling today anyway.

Thanks yet again for your help!
 
Isn't there a tension screw you can loosen? That's the way it works on Innovative's largest arm (which I have). In fact, on my arm I have the opposite problem. I have to keep tightening that joint with an allen wrench because otherwise if I push it, the momentum takes over and it just keeps going... it's quite a problem as I'm afraid to strip the screw - I've already tightened it real hard :(. On the other hand, (arm, hand!), the joint that's mounted to the wall track is very stiff, and Ergomart (from whom I purchased the arm) advised I put some lubricant in... which I'll do when I take it off in a couple of weeks (I'll probably use some teflon based lubricant). My advice would be to try and work some lubricant in.
 
OldCorpse said:
Isn't there a tension screw you can loosen? That's the way it works on Innovative's largest arm (which I have). In fact, on my arm I have the opposite problem. I have to keep tightening that joint with an allen wrench because otherwise if I push it, the momentum takes over and it just keeps going... it's quite a problem as I'm afraid to strip the screw - I've already tightened it real hard :(. On the other hand, (arm, hand!), the joint that's mounted to the wall track is very stiff, and Ergomart (from whom I purchased the arm) advised I put some lubricant in... which I'll do when I take it off in a couple of weeks (I'll probably use some teflon based lubricant). My advice would be to try and work some lubricant in.
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Thanks, OldCorpse. There is indeed a tension screw, but as far as I can tell I have it fully loosened, and the arm does swing freely without the iMac attached. It does seem a little bit looser today, so maybe the little bit of oil I used needed some time to work its way into the joint, and using a proper amount of lube:eek: is the way to go. You mention teflon-based -- can you recommend a particular brand and/or type (liquid /spray/etc.)? Thanks!

Follow up 50 minutes later: I just spoke (via live chat) with Innovative customer service, who recommended good ol' 3-in-1 oil. The rep said she was "being advised" to suggest that, meaning that she asked someone else, but I didn't get a sense of the knowledge level of the person she asked. I should add that she remained helpful even after learning I'd bought the arm from Amazon (though I wan't looking for warranty service) and even gave me her e-mail address in case I had follow-up questions. FWIW, she also mentioned that their iLift (Model 7517), which is essentially the same configuration arm but targeted at Macs, has a better lubricant in that pivot.
 
logocop, I don't have any brand name in mind, as I have not as yet purchased any lubricant (I'm still waiting for a specially manufactured tilt-head).

However, here's what you've got to keep in mind. You should select a lubricant that is plastic safe - at least in my arm there is a plastic washer (I don't know about yours) - because using any old lubricant that is not plastic safe will eventually destroy the joint, if there are any plastic elements in the joint (though it may take a while). Basically, look for an explicit claim of "plastic safe" on the lubricant packaging. Teflon based lubricants are plastic safe, which is why I thought of getting some - the downside is that they may be somewhat expensive (but you use it in such small quantities it doesn't really matter). There are more exotic lubricants such as barium ones which are used in air cylinders, but these are harder to obtain (mostly because they have strictly industrial uses). And make sure that if you get a spray, there are no plastic unsafe ingredients in the spray expellant (even if the main lubricating agent is plastic safe).

The other thing you may want to keep in mind is the mess factor - for example graphite based lubricants get all over stuff and you may want to be careful in using it at home, or you'll smudge everything around. I avoid them for this reason (plus my arm is white, so that would show up lickety split). Some lubricants work their way out of the joint, and you'll have unpredictable "shedding" or dripping from the joint onto your work area - which can be a nuisance.

Now you've probably read more about lubricants than you've ever cared to :)
 
FWIW, the "elbow" joint is rather stiff on my 7500 arm as well. I haven't lubricated it because just by chance the two primary positions in which I use the arm use the exact same elbow angle, so I consider it a feature rather than a bug. For other positions, I've just become used to the firm hand the 7500 arm seems to require.

And to add to OldCorpse's suggestions regarding lubricants above, I'd also suggest referring back to nrubenstein's earlier comments on the subject in this post...

I used some of my precious (and no longer available) Mobile 1 Synthetic Spray Lubricant for this. Given the odds that no one else is going to have any of this lying around, I'll suggest Amsoil Metal Protector as an alternative. An alternative that your local True Value hardware store is likely to stock is Tri-Flow. Note that WD-40 is NOT a lubricant and should NOT be used - while it has some lubricating properties, "WD" stands for "Water Displacement" and that is what it should be used for. PB Blaster and other similar pure penetrating oils are not optimal because they are not really designed to stick around. If you have a gun oil that you like, it should also work well.
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my new imac 27" wall mounted

i7 with intel ssd and 8gb of ram. it looks sick hanging on the wall! :)

mg7309.jpg


mg7308version2.jpg


mg7311.jpg
 
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