Questions to Ask When Selecting Monitor Arms for your Desk
The average person is typically overwhelmed by the huge variance in design options for monitor arm assembly systems. Here are a few things to check before you buy:
1. How will they attach to my desktops? Typically monitor arms connect to desktops via means of a clamp system, or a grommet hole may be drilled into the desktop so that the assembly can be attached with hardware underneath the desktop. Remember: if your desktop is part of a cubicle or benching system where all parts fit together closely (or are very close to a wall), the clamp system may not fit or may infringe upon the space needed by other components. On the other hand, monitor arms mounted through a grommet hole will often take up a little more room towards the center of your desk; however, they are often easier to adjust or install since you can access them from directly under your desktop.
2. How will my monitors connect? Be aware of the mounting hole pattern on your monitor as we cannot guarantee universal fitting of every monitor to every monitor arm system, though special hardware can be provided. One thing we definitely recommend: the best systems offer hardware that attaches directly to the monitors first so that they can be clicked or slid into place on the monitor arm assembly (in other words, you won’t need to hold them in mid-air and turn screws one-at-a-time to connect them to the arm assembly—this is much safer and much easier). Another key features of these connectors is whether they allow you to rotate the monitors (great for users who alternate vertical/horizontal orientation) or constrain their angle of movement to keep them out of harm’s way.
3. How flexible is the arm motion? Many people with desk depths exceeding 30” deep make the mistake of mounting their monitor arms too far back on the desk which defeats the purpose of installing them in the first place since users will crane their neck to view them. Make sure to choose a monitor arm with ample length and angle adjustment that will allow easy viewing from your most comfortable sitting position (and even a little extra to move your monitor to share your view with collaborators in front of or behind you). It is critical that sit-stand desk users install monitor arm assemblies which offer a wide range of vertical motion!
4. How much weight will they support? Be aware of the weights of your monitors and make sure your new monitor arm assembly is rated to hold at least the weight of the monitors you plan to attach (now or in the future).
5.Are they scalable/modular? If you lock yourself into a monitor arm system with little flexibility, that’s exactly what you’re doing. Choose a system which allows you to add additional components and monitors as your business grows.
6.What colors are available? There are likely more aesthetic options for monitor arm systems than you’d think! Make sure to match the monitor arms you’ve already installed to make sure everything looks professional and carefully put together.
7.Are there useful accessories offered? Many monitor arm systems offer accessories or other features such as built-in USB ports. Always be on the lookout for useful accessories that add to your office productivity.
So, there is indeed no one-size-fits-all solution here! Thankfully, the Applied Ergonomics Team is expert at recommending Monitor Arm Solutions for any office. Save money and time by calling us first!
You should definitely add a monitor arm assembly to your desk
Amplify the benefits of your work space by:
• placing your monitors in positions that minimize strain and discomfort
• increasing the amount of usable work area on your desk that’s close to you
• making it easier to share your monitor view with others
