Choosing the Right Computer Monitor Arm – Factors to Consider
A computer monitor arm can improve the ergonomics of your workstation. It gives the flexibility to change the height and angle of a monitor, which can increase productivity, improve posture and result in enhanced workplace wellbeing.
Understanding Computer Monitor Arms
The importance of ergonomics in a workstation setup is often overlooked. Given that many of us spend 38+ hours a week at a desk, it’s important to get the setup right, both for your productivity and your health.
A computer monitor arm gives you the option to support and elevate a computer screen, tablet or laptop, depending on whether you sit or stand at your desk. Rather than the screen being static on your desk, a monitor arm makes it easy to adjust its height in one simple motion, enhancing your desk ergonomics.
There are several types of monitor arms available, including single, dual and even multiple screen arms, depending on how many screens you want to adjust. Therefore, considering different factors and features is important before purchasing one for your desk.
In the following article, we’ll explore these factors so that you can make the best choice for your work setup.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Monitor Arm
Compatibility
From a practical perspective, you need to ensure the compatibility of the monitor arm that you choose. Can it bear the size and weight of your monitor? Or are you looking to mount a laptop or tablet?
Each of our monitor arms are compatible with different screen types and setups. For instance, you can opt for a dual monitor arm for your desktop screens, a notebook arm or even a heavy-duty arm for gaming screens. Knowing what you’re looking for and understanding the arm’s compatibility ensures you order the right option for your workstation.
Adjustability
Monitor arms are flexible allowing you to set up your screen how you wish. Consider things like its arm reach, all possible height adjustments and the angle settings of the arm since they all influence the ergonomics of your workspace.
How you want to view your monitor is unique to you, so considering all the adjustability aspects of an arm will direct you to the best fit.
Mounting Options
Next, think about how, and to what, the arm will be attached in front of you - the mounting options.
Clamp mounts are popular, as they attach directly to the desk and are easy to fix in place, by either screwing on or clamping in place. Another option is grommet mounts, which serve as anchor points through specific holes added to your desk. These are popular as they offer a streamlined and secure attachment and are a great choice if you want to keep your workspace neat and tidy.
You can also opt for a wall mounted monitor arm, which frees up space on your desk and fixes your monitor, laptop or tablet directly to the wall.
Cable Management
Many of our arm monitor arms come with integrated cable management to hide cables from view. This is particularly important if you have more than one screen because it’s unsightly to have a messy spaghetti of cables at the back of your desk. It could also be unsafe.
Ergonomics and Health Benefits
Choosing the right computer monitor arm can enhance the ergonomics of your desk, offering numerous health benefits.
A CDC study found that reducing sitting time by just over one hour every day can significantly reduce back and neck pain.
What’s more, a study entitled Stand Up to Work, found that people who stood at their desks saw an increase in productivity, a reduction in work-related stress and fatigue and an improvement in their health outside of the workplace.
More generally, adjusting your screen via a computer arm can reduce or even eliminate eye strain, resulting in fewer headaches and protecting your eyesight. We also know that people who use adjustable computer arms see an improvement in their posture because the arm, if correctly placed, encourages them to sit up straight.
Here are some handy, simple tips to follow to get the most out of a computer arm:
Adjust your monitor so your eye level is just below the top of the screen.
When testing the height of the monitor, sit with a straight back and make sure your arms can reach the keyboard comfortably when bent at a right angle.
You should sit approximately one arm’s length away from your computer monitor for optimal viewing.
Remember the 20-20-20 rule when working at your desk:- every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for approximately 20 seconds. This will help to reduce eye strain when working at your desk.
Making an Informed Decision
Everyone is different, so choosing the right arm monitor boils down to your personal preferences. As a starting point however, ensure your chosen monitor is VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) compliant. Most PC/screen producers choose to comply with VESA mounting standards by manufacturing their PC monitors and flat screen televisions with a standard hole pattern thus giving you a greater choice range.
Then, be sure to read reviews and get a feel for how reliable the computer arm supplier is. Our reviews speak for themselves and we’re so confident in the quality of our products that we offer a 10–15-year guarantee on many of our computer arms.
Value for money is always a priority, so note those arms within your budget, weigh up the numerous factors introduced above and then make your fully informed decision.
Conclusion: Improve Ergonomics with a Monitor Arm
Investing in a monitor arm is the ideal way to improve the ergonomics of your workspace. The flexibility a computer arm offers means you can effortlessly adjust the height and angle of your screen, enabling you to sit and stand interchangeably throughout the day.
Looking for the right computer monitor arm? Look no further and view our range of monitor arms here. For any queries, visit our showroom, contact Ergolink at (08) 9240 7066 or contact us online.