How keep top-heavy iMacs from tipping over?

[Roquefort]

We have a set of 24" iMacs used by kids. The computers are heavy compared to their lightweight aluminum bases, so they can tip over too easily.

What are good ways to anchor them or weight them down without sticking them down permanently or turning a great-looking computer into something ugly?

 

[Mr.Blacky]

They don't tip over just be looking at them or touching them. So tell your kids, not to tip them over intentionally.

 

[TechRunner]

There's not much you can do that won't impact the clean aesthetic of these devices. Velcro on the base, maybe? And that's not a great solution.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Double sided tape, or put something heavy on the back of the base.

 

[Wando64]

?

 

[Roquefort]

Thanks for the ideas.

I'm wondering if this would work: I could get a long strap and run it in a loop across the table, fastening it underneath. If it's tight enough, the iMacs shouldn't move.

Here's a top-view mockup of the idea. I'm just not sure if it's the best solution, or if it will actually work.

 

[Moonjumper]

If you have the iMac close to the back of the table, you should be able to use a G-clamp on the back of the stand. It will be hidden from view by the leg for users.

 

[JayKay514]

The strap might be a good short-term solution, but you might want to look at creating a top desk surface that has cutouts so the bases slot into them (so the base just sticks up from the slot, the foot being held down underneath) and can be blocked in place from the rear (with removable blocks or locking plates, etc), and the whole thing clamped or screwed to your existing desktop. This means you can't turn the computers left or right, but they will tilt up and down without falling over.

The best solution is a VESA mount arm that can be permanently grommet-mounted or clamped, but the new M1 iMacs have to be ordered from the factory with the VESA mount option - there's no adapter plate like there used to be for Intel iMacs.

 

[sublunar]

It does make you worry a bit for the 27" ARM iMac - especially if it's for Pros - if Apple follow through with this design onto the bigger SKU. I'm wondering if a VESA version of that will sell better.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

Thanks for the ideas.

I'm wondering if this would work: I could get a long strap and run it in a loop across the table, fastening it underneath. If it's tight enough, the iMacs shouldn't move.

Here's a top-view mockup of the idea. I'm just not sure if it's the best solution, or if it will actually work.

View attachment 1943604

Another idea is similar to this strap, but using 2 pieces of V shape iron, bolted to the table, or under it, to fix the base of the iMac to the surface of the table.

 

[JustMartin]

you could try this stuff - https://shop.thegigrig.com/1m-pedal-board-tape/ designed for keeping guitar pedals on boards. The only thing is that it's going to raise your base slightly off the table. And there's the danger that if you use too much you won't be able to peel the iMac off when you need to

 

[Roquefort]

We ended up using tape across each base. It's not elegant, but it's functional. Thanks for the suggestions.