Have you ever been frustrated by the lack of space on your desk or the fact that it is impossible to keep all your computer accessories organized? If so, a monitor stand or monitor arm is just what you need.
A monitor arm is installed when you have a single screen or monitor, but you need to change the positions of the screen and make it visible to multiple users. The best monitor arms are compatible with the monitor size, weight, and hardware.
A monitor stand is a supportive bracket or arm that holds various display screens like a computer screen, a notebook, etc. It allows you to free up valuable desk space by mounting your monitors above it. It is used when you need to showcase multiple screens at once to multiple users.
According to Grand View Research, the global monitor arm market volume was valued at $1.3 billion in 2019. It is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% from 2020 to 2027. The growth in this sector can be accredited to upcoming trends like using large-sized screens, setting up multi displays, and the growing popularity of PC games amongst youngsters.
When buying one of these handy accessories for personal use, ensure it is compatible with your computer first. This guide will walk through some important considerations when buying a monitor stand and what features are most important in making sure your purchase is a good one:
Availability of VESA Mount Compatible Holes
VESA mount compatible holes allow you to attach your monitor to a monitor stand. These holes are at the back of the monitor, and there will be different types depending on the model.
Some monitors come with pre-drilled VESA mount compatible holes, while others require you to drill them yourself. The advantage of having pre-drilled mounts is that it saves time and effort, but if you are looking for more flexibility with placing your screen on different stands, drilling your own is probably better for you.
The same applies to stands; they may or may not have VESA mount compatible holes depending on the stand type. A monitor stand with VESA mount compatible holes is always better. They already have them in place, then all that needs doing is securing them before attaching your screen.
Those monitor stands that do not have any available slots in them will need some drilling. Make sure these requirements are met before purchasing anything, so there is no problem with the final mounting.
Presence of USB Ports
If you want a monitor stand, you must consider the presence of USB ports. A USB port is a common way to connect external devices like a mouse and keyboard to a computer. In addition, you can also use them for charging phones and transferring data between two devices.
USB ports are often located on the side or back of the monitor stand, so make sure that they will be accessible when using your computer in its usual position, e.g., sitting at your desk.
Number of Monitors Supported
The first thing to consider when purchasing a monitor stand is how many monitors you need. If you are unsure how many monitors are supported by your computer, simply open the System Information section in Windows and look under the display tab.
Dell Support system can help you learn how to work on multiple screens with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Working on multiple screens can increase productivity.
Next, you can choose a stand that supports up to four or five screens. Finally, ensure your existing monitors are compatible with the new stand’s interfaces. VESA mounts and brackets will ensure that any monitor can be attached without issue.
Adjustable Tilt and Swivel Features
Two of the most important features you will want to look for in a monitor stand are tilt and swivel. Tilt allows you to adjust your monitor forward or backward, while swivel lets you turn it left or right. Adjustable tilt and swivel features allow you to set up your screen at a comfortable angle for your eyes so that you can be more productive over long work hours.
Adjustable Arm and Height
Adjustable arms and height are the most important features to look out for when shopping for a monitor stand. You should be able to adjust both settings to find the perfect position for your monitor, whether it is close or far away. Also, check the maximum weight supported by your monitor stand and its overall stability before purchase, especially if using an LCD/LED screen with an adjustable arm attachment.
Adjustable arm and height will help you to attain a comfortable posture while you work on your system for long hours. Improper posture is one of the main causes of back pain in the US. According to a survey by Statista, 26% of people believe that their back pain is due to physical work.
When you sit for longer than 4 hours with an improper posture, you are likely to develop back pain. Hence, it is very important to consider the right posture with the right position of your working arm.
Adjustable Rotating Joints
A rotating joint is a component that allows you to rotate the monitor to your preferred position. It is especially helpful if you frequently switch between landscape and portrait orientation or work in multiple areas of your workspace. In addition, a rotating joint will allow you to rotate the monitor around the stand base and adjust the screen angle.
As mentioned previously, it’s important to consider what type of tablet mount/monitor mount hardware you need before purchasing your stand. For example, a monitor stand with adjustable arms would be ideal for attaching an iPad Pro or other tablet with a magnetic smart cover attached at all times.
In addition, a monitor arm would offer more flexibility when working with laptops or desktop computers without bulky cases at any given time.
Durability
Look for a sturdy stand. The best monitor stands are made of quality materials and are built to last. Look for a stand made of steel or aluminum, not plastic. It will ensure that it can support your monitor safely and securely, even if you have an unusually heavy display.
Conclusion
Before buying a monitor stand, ensure it is compatible with your computer.
Also, consider ease of assembly, adjustability, size, and cable management. Check the monitor size and make sure it will fit on the stand. Double-check whether your computer can fit next to your monitor on the same stand. It might seem obvious, but there is nothing worse than investing in a new stand only to realize that it doesn’t fit.
Hopefully, after reading through this guide, you will better understand what to look for in a monitor stand and be able to make an informed decision when choosing one for yourself.