Adjustable LCD stand

[zagood]

Just bought a LG L227WTG, and I love the panel, but there are a few issues that may end up driving me insane.

1) My desk basically has a "shelf" that the monitor sits on, raised about 4". My previous monitor (LG L1970HR) was one of the ultra-slims that had a height adjustment, so I just lowered it to basically shelf level. This new monitor doesn't have that and is maybe 3" too high.

2) When I type I rest my hands on the keyboard. 'Cause I'm lazy. The keyboard is on a pullout shelf. The included monitor stand isn't the most sturdy in the world. The three together translate to some monitor shake when I'm typing.

So, I'm looking at monitor stands. With the amazing price range ($30 - $200) for height adjustable stands, I have no idea where to start. All I know is that I want it to be height adjustable and fairly sturdy.

Thanks for any input.

Damn this monitor is bright. Where the hell are the settings...

-z

edit: I keep coming back to this one...it's about the right price...anyone have one?
http://www.buy.com/prod/Ergotr...loc/111/202785777.html

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well if the monitor has a bracket on the back for mounting you should be able to find a stand that will suit your needs. If not your stuck with what you have. Here is my solution. If you desk is anything like mine then mod the desk.
http://www.themodnation-forums...wtopic.php?f=25&t=3514

Now you don't have to replace the boards like i did but i think making a cut out in the shelf so that the monitor is still siting back and away from you would be a nice solution.

 

[zagood]

interesting concept...I'll think about it, since the area underneath the "monitor shelf" pretty much just collects junk. I bought this desk to contain the weight of my old 19" CRT but since then, looking at it, now there's a ton of wasted space.

Still, $35 (if anyone can give input on that stand) vs. cutting plywood with a jigsaw (only wood-based power tool I own other than a drill) and dealing with the wife saying "WHY ARE YOU CHOPPING UP YOUR PERFECTLY GOOD DESK" is a pretty easy choice...

-z

p.s. the mounting is VESA compatible. Still looking.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Then any VESA compatible stand will work. So its up to you. $35 for a stand or a few minutes with the jigsaw?

 

[zagood]

Man, there really aren't very many choices for stands. Pretty much the only ones in the retail channel (for under $100) are the Ergotron series, and the 3M branded version.

Picked up the 3M one today from Staples, I'm considering going for a desk-mounted arm instead, figured I'd try this out and I can return in B&M if it doesn't work out.

P.S. can't cut the desk - the "monitor shelf" has a brace at the back connecting up from the base - looks like it maintains the stability of the desk. Which sold me on it in the first place - it reduced sagging from big CRT's.

-z

 

[dawza]

A tip when purchasing desk-mountable arms for >20" panels- don't ever go cheap. There is nothing more frustrating than an arm with a loose pivot that causes the screen to slowly drift in some odd direction, thus necessitating constant adjustment. If you are willing to spend more than $100, give brands such as Chief and Bretford some serious consideration. Chief in particular makes heavy-duty commercial-grade arms, and does not charge a premium for snazzy design options. A quality arm is, IMO, a worthwhile purchase, as it can enhance productivity and enjoyment, as well as last for many, many years.

Note that the weight rating for many arms cannot always be trusted. The arm itself may support the specified weight, but you may still find issues with droop due to differences in weight distribution. In general, the manufacturers that cater to business/industry can be trusted with respect to weight specs.

Mountsandmore.com is a good place to find basic information and some reviews. Find a model you like, and search for a lower price. thenerds.net is often >30% cheaper than most specialty retailers for mounts/arms.

 

[lupi]

I was actually thinking about getting a replacement for my 22" westy. The bottom stand they provide has no tilt which isn't very good for viewing a TN panel.

i have a mounting bracket location on the back so I can attack an auxiliary base, anyone have experience with any. The one linked in the OP looks great for what I want, but I have no experience with secondary ones.

 

[NitroTurtle]

I used the older version of the Ergotron Neo-Flex on a 22" Acer I used to have, and I loved it. The movement was so very smooth, much better than any stock lcd stand I've ever messed with. I kinda regret selling it with the monitor as I'm sure I could have found a use for it on another lcd.

 

[zagood]

Ok, so I got the 3M branded one from Staples (as far as I can tell exactly the same as the Neo-Flex, but with a black base and $15 more expensive) and it fit all my requirements. Like Nitro said, very smooth action, and a really good range of motion.

Of course now I have a new requirement.

With the weight distribution of the new stand, the main base part sticks out farther in front than your standard LCD mounts. To put the screen where I want it, I have about a quarter of the stand sticking off the edge of the shelf. Looking at it, doesn't look very stable, but the weight is mostly on the back end so it's fine. However it looks like crap.

If you don't have a shelf or specific front/back space requirements, it's a good way to go. Also putting the screen in portrait mode is really easy (if that's your style).

I'll probably end up returning the mount and getting a desk or wall mount arm so I can put the screen exactly where I want it. I'll let ya know.

-z

 

[IEC]

I don't use a stand for my monitor. That way my eye level is exactly in the middle of the monitor. Also, I have the monitor about 42" from me.

People often ask me how I can have the monitor so far away. I shrug and ask them how they can stand to look at a lightbulb-like screen from 12" away.

 

[lupi]

I finally went and bought the one linked from buy a couple days ago. Nice living near the distro center, took only about 36 hours from order till at my door.


About the only thing I can complain about is that the main arm attached to the base from the side vice the top giving it a couple inches bigger footprint (on a regular desk might not have even noticed, but this display is on a rather small stand). Other than that all the adjustments work good and feel secure.