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jmac049

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 21, 2011
43
0
Georgia
I was wondering what options others have used to secure their iMac to a desk so it does not topple over. The iMac I am about to buy will be in our kitchen and our two little girls like to climb on the desk. Looking for an inexpensive solution to prevent them from pulling the Mac over. Any suggestions? I saw the iAnchor but that is way too expensive.
 
The tape might work, you might check into mounting it to the wall or desk with an arm. There is a great thread here in the forum with various solutions.

I'm not one to ever give parenting advice on MR, but i can say that in no way would it be acceptable for my children to climb up on a desk where expensive items reside. I don't know how old they are, but for me it would be a combo solution - adhere it somehow AND get them to stop the behavior.

(and yes I had/have monkeys and a special needs child, I'm totally sympathetic to the issue)

Hopefully you find something that works!
 
The tape might work

Not might, definitely!
It's not like the tape is gonna come off easily, the stand or screen is gonna break before the tape, unless he got a cheap thin and fake wood coat glued onto the table.
But he's not concerned about the table since he's willing to drill and fix a none invisible ugly stand.

But as TraceyS/FL pointed out, I'd be more concerned about the children getting hurt by pulling the screen to get up, then we all know what happens when the screen itself tip forwards and the kids lose the grip falling backwards.
 
Oh yes, we have disciplined the girls (4 and 2) about climbing on the desk and they listen, most of the time. For those with children, especially young children, I'm sure you know how well they listen. :)

Anyway, securing the iMac is a "just in case" scenario. I'm sure they will stay off the desk but as soon as we get a large, brand new, shiny, reflective object, I just want to make sure that if their curiosity peaks that a $2500 computer does not get pulled over and broken.
 
i saw a thing on amazon a while ago that u slide the foot of the imac into...it attaches to the desk and swivels....tried to find the link for you but i could not find it, i assure you it does exist though
 
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I saw the one you are thinking of too, but this is the one I found with the lowest price. Do a search on amazon for "imac plate lock" and you will see the other one.
 
If you are willing to work with the desk you might think about creating some kind of slot for the beavertail base to fit into. Then lock it into said slot. That would prevent any kind of tipping over, assuming it was mounted to the desk securely enough. Albeit, a number of rows of duct tape would create the tape version of this solution.

Another, more intense way to prevent movement (or theft) would be to bolt a cable tightly through the back hole where the power cable passes through the stand. That would also be a permanent solution.
 
It's easy to overthink this problem.

Why not just drill 2 bolts/screws on either side of the iMac stand, and attach a small metal plate/bar between the 2. Slide the iMac stand under the bar, and tighten it down.

You could even strategically place the screws so they "pinch" the sides of the base, and only allow you to slide the iMac out towards you. The metal plate would then effectively lock the stand.

Unless your kids are good with power tools, I don't see why this wouldn't work. Plus it's a <$5 solution.

Basically, bolt this sucker down: http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqns/R-202033933/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
 
Oh yes, we have disciplined the girls (4 and 2) about climbing on the desk and they listen, most of the time. For those with children, especially young children, I'm sure you know how well they listen. :)

Anyway, securing the iMac is a "just in case" scenario. I'm sure they will stay off the desk but as soon as we get a large, brand new, shiny, reflective object, I just want to make sure that if their curiosity peaks that a $2500 computer does not get pulled over and broken.
They will listen eventually.... Like after spending 4 hours in the ER the other night, my DD won't be riding her bike without a helmet again.... Same for the 5 staples in her head doing a backflip into her dad's pool. But then when they turn into teens... They quit again. Sigh.

Good luck! :D

yep thats it! i saw it on there before with pic of an actual iMac attached to it..but i am pretty sure that is it.

I had discovered another item like this, but it doesn't bolt. It's aimed at the educational market. I haven't used nor seen one in person, so I can't testify to aythig about it, other than it isn't overly ugly!

http://www.raindesigninc.com/i360.html

I see they offer a special order version with security bolts.
 
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