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Everything You Need to Know About Monitor Arms

15 May 2023

If you're looking for a way to optimize your workspace, monitor arms are an excellent solution. Monitor arms allow you to adjust the height and angle of your monitors, creating a comfortable environment that helps reduce neck and eye strain. They also free up desk space, allowing for easier organization of cables and other peripherals. In this article, we'll discuss everything you need to know about monitor arms so you can decide if they're right for your setup.

Overview of Monitor Arms

Monitor arms are adjustable mounting systems designed to hold one or more monitors in place while allowing for easy viewing angle and height adjustment. They are relatively simple devices that attach to the edge of your desk or wall mount, giving you a range of motion and flexibility to get the perfect viewing angle for each monitor you have in your workspace. The term "monitor arm" is often used interchangeably with "monitor mount," however they are slightly different products; while monitor arms can hold multiple screens, monitor mounts typically only accommodate one display per mount.



Benefits of Monitor Arms

Monitor arms offer many benefits over traditional desk solutions, such as:

Comfort

By allowing you to adjust the height and angle of your monitors, monitor arms help reduce neck and eye strain from prolonged exposure to a single viewing angle. This is especially beneficial for people suffering from pre-existing conditions such as chronic neck pain or spending a long time typing at their computers. The ability to adjust the viewing angle also allows for greater ergonomic comfort, allowing users to keep their heads and shoulders in a neutral position when sitting in front of their desks.

Cost Savings

Investing in quality equipment is an important part of creating an effective workspace; however, it doesn't have to break the bank. Monitor arms are relatively inexpensive when compared to other mounting solutions, and they can help you save money in the long run by reducing the need for costly upgrades. By allowing for greater adjustability, monitor arms also make it easier to use multiple monitors without needing additional hardware or components.

Better Heat Dissipation

Mounting monitors off-desk with monitor arms provide improved airflow around them, which helps dissipate heat more efficiently than storing them directly on surfaces like wood or plastic desks. Heat build-up can cause problems with the performance and longevity of your monitors and other devices connected to them. By allowing for better heat dissipation, monitor arms can help prevent this from occurring and keep your equipment in top condition for longer.

Space Savings

Desk space can be limited, especially in smaller offices or workspaces. Monitor arms free up space on your desk by elevating the monitors off the surface, allowing you to utilize the newly freed area for other peripherals and items. This is especially useful for those who need additional room for their keyboards, mice, or other accessories.

Stylish Looks

Monitor arms bring a professional and stylish look to any workstation or office setting. Depending on the type of monitor arm you choose, you can find models that come in various colors and materials to match your existing décor. They also give off an organized vibe that exudes productivity and efficiency — two very important qualities for any workspace!

Versatility

Many modern monitor arms are designed with various features that offer greater flexibility. Adjustable gas springs allow users to change the tension on the arm, giving them full control over how much weight their monitors can support; articulating brackets allow users to adjust the horizontal positioning on two axes. Whereas wall-mounted versions give users even greater range by allowing them to fully extend their screens away from their workspaces if needed – all without having to buy additional hardware or make permanent changes to their setups!



Considerations When Purchasing a Monitor Arm

When selecting a monitor arm for your workspace, there are several things you should consider before making your purchase:

Weight Capacity

Every arm has its own weight limit, so you must know how much each display will weigh (including any accessories attached) before investing in an arm that won't be able to support it properly - this could cause serious damage not just to the display but also yourself if it falls unexpectedly!

Additionally, if you plan on using multiple displays side by side, then make sure they'll fit too - some models may not be able to accommodate two large monitors due to size restrictions imposed by the manufacturer, so double-check beforehand!

Lastly, look out for larger capacity models that allow for heavier loads, such as those designed specifically for CAD/CAM workstations - these will provide superior stability when dealing with bigger loads over longer periods!

VESA Compatibility

VESA standards are industry guidelines used when designing mounts for LCDs & TVs; most manufacturers adhere closely, so make sure whatever model you choose supports your screen's specific VESA pattern (100x100mm / 200x200mm / 400x400mm, etc.). If unsure what type your display requires, look up its specifications online or contact the vendor directly - they should have all the information concerning compatible mounting systems listed in detail!

Length Of Your Cables

Before deciding on a particular arm, consider the length of cable you need to connect your displays. Some models may offer more flexibility in this regard but if you're dealing with multiple screens, then make sure the arms are long enough to reach from your PC or laptop all the way to each display independently - having extra slack cables can be unsightly and potentially dangerous so measure twice before making that purchase!

Durability & Warranty

No matter how much you spend on a monitor arm, always ensure it is constructed from quality materials and comes with a decent warranty. A good quality monitor arm should be able to last for years and can handle the weight of multiple monitors or accessories. When shopping for a monitor arm, look for one that is made from thick steel, which will offer greater strength and durability over other materials such as plastic. Also, ensure that the arm is fitted with adjustable gas springs so you can increase or decrease the tension depending on your needs.

As for warranties, most credible brands usually provide some form of coverage against defects and malfunctioning parts. Look out for those that offer lifetime warranties, as they are more likely to stand behind their products in case of any issues.

Types of Monitor Arms Available

There is a wide variety of different types available depending on where & how they're being used; here are some popular options worth considering if looking into purchasing one yourself:



Single Arm Models

These types typically consist of just one jointed arm attached either directly onto your desk surface or via wall mount bracketing systems (allowing further customization potential!). They're ideal if you only need one screen as they don't take up much space & still provide plenty of flexibility with regard to movement & orientation - perfect for both home use & office environments alike!



Dual Arm Models

If two displays side by side is more suitable, then dual arm models might be worth looking into; these feature two independent articulated arms connected at either end, which offer independently adjustable motion along both the x & y axis simultaneously, making it easy to find best viewing angles between both screens no matter what orientation they're at (some even come pre-packaged with special brackets enabling rotational adjustments too!).



Triple Arm Models

This type is a great solution for anyone using three separate displays from the same source device, such as a laptop/desktop PC gaming console, etc.; triple arm models feature three independently articulated arms allowing for almost limitless viewing angle adjustments paired up with a full range of motion across all x & y coordinates.



Our Recommendation: MD01 Intelligent Monitor Arm with Docking Station from Flexispot

If you're looking for a high-quality, sturdy, and reliable monitor arm with plenty of features, then we recommend the MD01 Intelligent Monitor Arm with Docking Station from Flexispot. This arm combines a conventional monitor base with an integrated USB docking station, providing a single unit that is extremely flexible and easy to use. The sturdy steel construction provides superior durability and strength, allowing it to support up to 18.7 lbs of monitors and accessories.

The HDMI and VGA ports provide easy connectivity to almost any device, while the fully adjustable gas spring arms offer seamless transitioning between different viewing angles and heights. Plus, you can set up your monitor arm with the included clamp or grommet mount, allowing you to customize it to fit any desk surface. And with a 3-year warranty offered by Flexispot, you can be sure that your purchase is backed up by quality assurance and customer service.

Overall, the MD01 Intelligent Monitor Arm from Flexispot offers an excellent solution for anyone needing reliable and adjustable monitor arms without breaking the bank. From its sturdy construction to its impressive features and docking station capabilities - this one is hard to beat!

Wrapping Up

We hope this has been a helpful guide on everything you need to know about monitor arms. From the types available and their features to our top pick - we have covered it all! No matter what your requirements are, investing in a good quality monitor arm can help make your workspace more comfortable, efficient, and ergonomic. So why not give one a try? We're sure you won't regret it!

Happy Shopping!