7 things to consider when choosing a Monitor Arm.
- VESA Mount holes: These are four holes in a square pattern on the back of your monitor that allow for a VESA bracket to be screwed on. They are spaced either 75 mm or 100 mm apart. Some newer model monitors do not have VESA holes. Without these the screens cannot be mounted to most monitor arms.
- Number of monitors used: single, dual, triple etc. determines the options and styles available.
- Size of the monitors: Will the monitors fit neatly together in a good ergonomic position. Can you actually fit the screens into the space available?
- Weight of the monitors: can the monitor arm hold the weight safely? Really heavy setups may require a heavy duty option.
- How often do the screens need to be adjusted? – Different monitor arms have different adjustability.
- Horizontally – Left & Right. Do you need to swing your screens around to show others?
- Forward/back – Can be important for comfort in situations of very wide or very narrow desks.
- Screen Tilt - slight tilt adjustments can reduce glare and improve user comfort.
- Vertically. Many types require the user get behind the screens to physically adjust the height. Not a problem for some but a hassle for others. A neutral buoyancy option may be the solution.
- Mounting options: How the monitor arm attaches to the desk is critical. If the arm is not stable it will cause movement in the screens and even worse – damage to your desk or monitors. Standard mounting options are:
- Desk Clamp – a simple G-clamp style that goes over the edge of the desk and secures from below.
- Grommet Mount – Secures to the desk through a hole in the desk top and secured from below.
- Wall Mount – as the name suggests attaches to the wall and not the desk.
- Accessories – Attachments such as laptop or tablet holders that attach to the monitor arm are now becoming popular. Make sure your choice is available to match the monitor arm.