Problem with 21" iMac size and desk space

[Apple fanboy]

I've been waiting for a new iMac for what seems like ages. I was just discussing it with my wife when I noticed the dimensions for the 21" are going to be bit tight. I currently own a desk that is just a bit too small. Dimensions on apple site quote 52.8 cm as the width. Any iMac owners out there could do a quick measure up. I know sometimes these dimensions are not exactly accurate. The gap on my current desk measures 52.3 cm. I really don't want to go down the new desk or Mac mini route. There is a chance the 2012 model could be a bit bigger or smaller (although I believe screen size and form will stay the same). Finally anybody have a good desk (UK) suggestion with lots of storage etc just in case.

 

[John T]

Mine is exactly 52.8cm wide.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Mine is exactly 52.8cm wide.

Thanks for the not so good news. Looks like its either hope the 2012 refresh is a bit smaller or a new desk. Forgive the untidy desk and poor picture quality. Has anybody got a desk which is smiler to this with storage but a wider gap?

 

[cw2k7]

Wirelessly posted

Don't forget to leave breathing room above the iMac so the heat doesn't build up.

 

[LYFK]

If you had to pick the lesser of two evils, I would spring for the Mac Mini (with video card) and a good 16GB of RAM. You won't need a new desk, or a new monitor, nor will you have heat/fan issues.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Wirelessly posted

Don't forget to leave breathing room above the iMac so the heat doesn't build up.

The heights not an issue as I can take out that small shelf (which looks worse in the photo because I'm looking down).

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If you had to pick the lesser of two evils, I would spring for the Mac Mini (with video card) and a good 16GB of RAM. You won't need a new desk, or a new monitor, nor will you have heat/fan issues.

This could be an option but I was really set on the iMac. I'll wait and see what size the 2012 model is and go from there. In the meantime I'll keep an eye out for desks. I've had a look at the ikea website and there are a few options there. Any other places to look in the UK? Ideally somewhere with physical stock so I can have a good look at them.

 

[Doc750]

I would go down the cheap new bigger desk route. All you need is a slate and 4 legs

 

[AcesHigh87]

If you have your heart set on an iMac, a mini just won’t cut it. I’d say just buy a new desk; you can get them relatively cheap. $50-$100 for something that looks decent. Hell, even a basic utility desk will work. They can be had for like $20. It doesn’t look pretty but it gets the job done.

Also, no offence to you (since it’s really the manufacturers fault) but that is a horrible desk design. Great for shelving but it leaves no room for an average size computer to fit.

 

[phonitron]

This one (Jonas Bureau from IKEA) can fit the 21.5" model with more than enough room for ventilation so long as you don't leave the iMac on and close the pull-down door. You can also put it (or the 27" model) on top of the bureau and use it as a standing desk which is much better for your health and posture - so long as you're not a short-arse. Standing will take a bit of getting used to but if you build up gradually you'll find the transition is easier. You also will get much more done because you don't want to be standing up all day, so as well as having a positive effect on your posture, your productivity levels will also increase.

The only down side is I cannot find the Jonas bureau on the IKEA site at the moment so hopefully it's still in production.

EDIT: You can also get the drawer dividers (black or cream) so you can organise the 3 drawers below the main pull-down door

 

[Kafka]

This one (Jonas Bureau from IKEA) can fit the 21.5" model with more than enough room for ventilation so long as you don't leave the iMac on and close the pull-down door. You can also put it (or the 27" model) on top of the bureau and use it as a standing desk which is much better for your health and posture - so long as you're not a short-arse. Standing will take a bit of getting used to but if you build up gradually you'll find the transition is easier. You also will get much more done because you don't want to be standing up all day, so as well as having a positive effect on your posture, your productivity levels will also increase.

The only down side is I cannot find the Jonas bureau on the IKEA site at the moment so hopefully it's still in production.

EDIT: You can also get the drawer dividers (black or cream) so you can organise the 3 drawers below the main pull-down door

Now that stand up idea is a really surprising one, and surprisingly interesting too...
How did you come up with it? Have you actually done something similar yourself?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Now that stand up idea is a really surprising one, and surprisingly interesting too...

I'm not sure standing is for me. The iMac will be used by the whole family and my daughter is ten and my wife is very short! I do stand when using my Xbox but that's not ideal. I was hoping to be able to hook it up to my iMac and pop it where the old tower went. I guess it's a visit to ikea over the weekend.

 

[Viking23]

Looks like you need to visit Ikea for a new desk. Sell the old one on ebay!

 

[phonitron]

Now that stand up idea is a really surprising one, and surprisingly interesting too...
How did you come up with it? Have you actually done something similar yourself?

I was looking to build something customised for me, but then stumbled across the Jonas thing completely by accident. I've got the oak veneer one and its a good match for the other stuff we have. The 21.5" iMac easily fits inside but I wanted to be able to leave it on to do stuff and i didnt want it to overheat, so I thought... What if? Standing takes a little adjustment and is obviously not for everyone. I've since learned its actually quite popular.

But for those with kids who want their kids to be able to use the mac, you could either build your own height adjustable desk or buy one. You can get electronic ones but they're pricey! The beauty of the Jonas is that when i have kids and they're old enough, I could put it back inside so we can all use it. I'm guessing I might have a different solution then though...!

 

[Apple fanboy]

I was looking to build something customised for me, but then stumbled across the Jonas thing completely by accident. I've got the oak veneer one and its a good match for the other stuff we have. The 21.5" iMac easily fits inside but I wanted to be able to leave it on to do stuff and i didnt want it to overheat, so I thought... What if? Standing takes a little adjustment and is obviously not for everyone. I've since learned its actually quite popular.

But for those with kids who want their kids to be able to use the mac, you could either build your own height adjustable desk or buy one. You can get electronic ones but they're pricey! The beauty of the Jonas is that when i have kids and they're old enough, I could put it back inside so we can all use it. I'm guessing I might have a different solution then though...!

I'm afraid my DIY skills would not run to custom build. Still haven't got to ikea but I had a look on there website at a few options.

 

[leman]

Uhm, that's not a desk, that's a weird-looking bookcase. Why would you want to put your computer onto a bookcase shelf?

 

[Medic278]

Uhm, that's not a desk, that's a weird-looking bookcase. Why would you want to put your computer onto a bookcase shelf?

I have to agree, if that is a desk that is a unusual one. I would get a nice new desk fro the iMac you ca get some nice ones threw IKEA pretty cheap or your local big box store usually has economical choice, but if you shove a iMac in that space I don't think it has enough room to breathe an may overheat on you they get a touch warm.

 

[jertronic]

By the looks of things your abode is roughly the size of a closet. Bite the bullet and redecorate your place with a new desk set up. Spending money on something that you devote so much of your time makes for solid thinking. It's like spending a lot on a mattress....totally worth it.

 

[Lankyman]

Thanks for the not so good news. Looks like its either hope the 2012 refresh is a bit smaller or a new desk. Forgive the untidy desk and poor picture quality. Has anybody got a desk which is smiler to this with storage but a wider gap?

You need a nice new shiny desk for your new purchase - what you have shown us there is less than ideal. I have what you might call a "doctors desk" i.e. one of those large desks inlaid with green leather. You want plenty of space with absolutely no clutter otherwise it detracts from the aesthetics.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Anybody using one of these?
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S19861339/

Looks like it should work for my set up. I have an older Ikea desk (pictured at the start of this thread) which has bad wear marks where the mouse moves. As I've used cheap dell mouses in the past will I have the same problem using a Magic Mouse? I've tried mouse mats but always had problems with the movement and reflecting the led. Again any good Mouse mat solutions that work well with the Magic mouse?

 

[Lankyman]

Anybody using one of these?
http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/S19861339/

Looks like it should work for my set up. I have an older Ikea desk (pictured at the start of this thread) which has bad wear marks where the mouse moves. As I've used cheap dell mouses in the past will I have the same problem using a Magic Mouse? I've tried mouse mats but always had problems with the movement and reflecting the led. Again any good Mouse mat solutions that work well with the Magic mouse?

Magic Mouse just eats batteries, I don't use mine. I use a Logitech Laser, one battery last me around 4 months of heavy use and it's ergonomically much better to use than MM.

 

[phonitron]

Uhm, that's not a desk, that's a weird-looking bookcase. Why would you want to put your computer onto a bookcase shelf?

It's a bureau... Not a bookcase.

I have to agree, if that is a desk that is a unusual one. I would get a nice new desk fro the iMac you ca get some nice ones threw IKEA pretty cheap or your local big box store usually has economical choice, but if you shove a iMac in that space I don't think it has enough room to breathe an may overheat on you they get a touch warm.

It's a bureau... Not a desk. Is there anyone here who knows the difference between bookcases, desks and bureaus?!

There's plenty of room for the iMac to breathe. My fans never whirred up once when it was in there and I'd be doing video conversion as well as a virtual machine running at the same time, plus other tasks. Just don't close the bureau lid when the computer is running and it's fine.

 

[Apple fanboy]

So after checking out my options at Ikea (finally) I went for the attached. Now all it needs is a nice shiny new iMac! Thanks for all the advice.