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Monitor Arm for iMac
- Thread starter levmc
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I have a 2017 27” iMac. I special ordered the version with the built in VESA mount.
I went with this arm from Amazon. Apparently it is similar to one by Ergoton. I bought the wall mount version. Works well.
https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Premium-Single-Monitor-Stand/dp/B010QZCT5W?th=1
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It used to be that you could detach the stand and add a vesa mount adapter, then you would get whatever VESA compatible arm you like.
This post describes the process
Not sure where to get that mount adapter. I don’t believe Apple sells it any more (they do sell one for iMac Pro). I also don’t know if the 2017 iMac had the user-detachable stand like older models.
This post describes the process
Not sure where to get that mount adapter. I don’t believe Apple sells it any more (they do sell one for iMac Pro). I also don’t know if the 2017 iMac had the user-detachable stand like older models.
Yes. Built to order option.
I believe you would have to disassemble the machine to convert a 2017 model. Earlier models used an adapter. But search more to confirm that.
I have seen an adapter that works with the stock stand, but it’s not as elegant: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/NewerTech/NUMNTIMVS/
After looking into this before buying my Imac, I decided to special order the one with the built in VESA mount.
I recently went down this route myself so can speak with some authority on the subject. I initially bought an arm from Amazon. I don't remember the model, but it was cheap, though sturdily built. It was also well reviewed. Long story short, it wasn't strong enough to support a 27" iMac. They're heavy bits of kit! Even with everything tightened to the max, the iMac would sink down onto the table as the weight was exceeding the loading.
In the end, I decided to get serious and bought a Humanscale M8. This is a serious bit of kit and super strong. Very well made from a company that makes wonderful equipment. I also have the M2 which is for lighter weight monitors and I use this with a 4K LG monitor and a second machine. The M series arms are worlds away from the cheaper arm I bought previously from Amazon. I got my Humanscale arms second hand on eBay and they've been great. They move much more more smoothly and once setup, they just stay put. The rotational axis isn't perfect, but it's fine once adjusted.
Another thing to consider - the VESA mount/mounting option. I originally intended to use a iMac VESA mount and it was only after attempting to remove the iMac foot (stand) that I discovered that not all iMac's can have the stand removed. On my iMac (the iMac 5K late 2014) this wasn't possible. I could have sent it to Apple but I occasionally use it on location so that would have been difficult as sometimes I need that foot. In the end I settled for one of these Humancentric Mounts. (Note not the same high end brand as HumanSCALE). It's a bit ugly and pernickety but it works fine and I have limited complaints now it's setup.
A few other things to consider, say:
In the end, I decided to get serious and bought a Humanscale M8. This is a serious bit of kit and super strong. Very well made from a company that makes wonderful equipment. I also have the M2 which is for lighter weight monitors and I use this with a 4K LG monitor and a second machine. The M series arms are worlds away from the cheaper arm I bought previously from Amazon. I got my Humanscale arms second hand on eBay and they've been great. They move much more more smoothly and once setup, they just stay put. The rotational axis isn't perfect, but it's fine once adjusted.
Another thing to consider - the VESA mount/mounting option. I originally intended to use a iMac VESA mount and it was only after attempting to remove the iMac foot (stand) that I discovered that not all iMac's can have the stand removed. On my iMac (the iMac 5K late 2014) this wasn't possible. I could have sent it to Apple but I occasionally use it on location so that would have been difficult as sometimes I need that foot. In the end I settled for one of these Humancentric Mounts. (Note not the same high end brand as HumanSCALE). It's a bit ugly and pernickety but it works fine and I have limited complaints now it's setup.
A few other things to consider, say:
- I have now moved to an iMac Pro and the same setup is working admirably.
- Since I bought my Humanscale arms it appears they have upgraded them to new '.1' versions.
- They have also added an ultra heavy duty M10 model.
- The iMac Pro was at the centre of a number of reports criticising the robustness of Apple's OEM VESA mount kit. Be wary of Apple VESA mounts at the moment.
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"In the end I settled for one of these Humancentric Mounts."
Is the black round thing in Humancentric Mounts adhesive? Will it be removable if I decide to not use a monitor arm for a time?
Is the black round thing in Humancentric Mounts adhesive? Will it be removable if I decide to not use a monitor arm for a time?
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It is not adhesive. It simply presses against the iMac and is an adjustment for fixing the display angle. The whole adapter removes easily if not desired by removing the split ring at the end of the pivot bolt and then pulling the bolt out, releasing the mount from the stand.
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The link doesn't seem to be working anymore.
Would this one that you send me over private chat be the one that you were talking about here?
M8.1: Adjustable Dual Monitor Arm | Humanscale
This adjustable dual monitor arm is perfect for either dual monitors or single monitors weighing up to 28lbs with the safest and sleekest design!
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Theres also the Jarvis monitor arm, which is well liked at a cheaper price: https://www.fully.com/jarvis-monitor-arm.html
I have this brand : https://ebs.criteo.com/r/5632cec5d1...0cHM6Ly9jYS5odW1hbnNjYWxlLmNvbS9pbmRleC5jZm0=
Really nice.
Not on an iMac, but on Dell monitors.
Would fit with iMac.
I have M2.1. The M8.1 would fit perfectly with the Apple VESA adapter
Really nice.
Not on an iMac, but on Dell monitors.
Would fit with iMac.
I have M2.1. The M8.1 would fit perfectly with the Apple VESA adapter
You don’t want to get that close to the limit. If the arm loses any strength over time you will be up a creek.
I’ve heard reports from people I know that the Vivo Single LCD mount (https://www.amazon.com/VIVO-Monitor...TLQU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1) is enough to hold an iMac Pro but it’s too close to the weight limit for me to trust it.
Instead, I'm looking at the Ergotron LX or the Amazon Basics (which by all accounts is the LX but with a 1-year warranty instead of 5), which holds up to 25 lbs and has good response to holding the iMac. I’ll get whichever one I can get cheaper.
The Ergotron HX looks great but I’m not exactly thrilled to spend $300 on an arm. I’ve got a week or so before my desk will be here but the LX/Amazon Basics is the plan for now.
Instead, I'm looking at the Ergotron LX or the Amazon Basics (which by all accounts is the LX but with a 1-year warranty instead of 5), which holds up to 25 lbs and has good response to holding the iMac. I’ll get whichever one I can get cheaper.
The Ergotron HX looks great but I’m not exactly thrilled to spend $300 on an arm. I’ve got a week or so before my desk will be here but the LX/Amazon Basics is the plan for now.
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