24" iMac Lowering Question

[EricRhinehart]

Dear Group,

I am getting close to ordering my 24” iMac but before I do, I need some last minute help. I really love the screen size the of 24” iMac, however I will need to lower it about 5 inches so that the top of the display area is close to my eye level when I am looking straight. The last thing I want to do it look up while using it…

I was thinking about modifying the aluminum bracket so the entire iMac sits lower, but I am concerned about air flow. I know the air flows from the bottom up through the iMac and out the horizontal slot located on the back.

My question is; Does anybody know the fan and speaker layout on the bottom of the iMac? More importantly, what is located on the bottom of the iMac, just above the aluminum stand.

To maintain airflow, I was thinking about cutting slots in my cheap computer desk after I lower the iMac.

Any thoughts?

Eric

P.S. I have already considered standing up while using my iMac, lowering my entire desk and taking growth hormones.

 

[Eidorian]

Moving in toward the center...

Left - Speaker


Center- RAM door

Ambient Light Sensor

Right - Speaker

No word on lowering the thing short of getting a VESA mount for it. The vent on the back is where you want to really keep it clear. Don't part it to close to a wall or desk back.

 

[EricRhinehart]

So, there is no fan(s) on the bottom... How about air intakes? How does the air flow through?

Thank you,

Eric

 

[Eidorian]

So, there is no fan(s) on the bottom... How about air intakes? How does the air flow through?

Thank you,

Eric

I know on my 20" iMac the intake is over the RAM slots and under the left speaker.

big picture

And more pics from a take apart! I hope my 20" is as easy to open up. Yes, it's a huge image.

http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=28012

 

[menziep]

I know on my 20" iMac the intake is over the RAM slots and under the left speaker.

big picture

And more pics from a take apart! I hope my 20" is as easy to open up. Yes, it's a huge image.

http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=28012

Nice!

 

[Eidorian]

I just need the service manual for my beloved 20" iMac. I have the 17" one.

 

[fishit]

Solution

Get a taller chair.

 

[nightelf]

The air flows from the bottom grid to the upper back.

I would not modify the aluminum stand... try getting a Vesa mount that works with the iMac 24.

 

[skunk]

Wall-mounting looks like the only sensible option, really, if it's 5" too high, but there are only 3" between the chin and the desk to start with...
Do you plan to cut a slot and recess it into your desk?

 

[EricRhinehart]

Follow up...

hahaha, while getting a taller chair will move my body higher, I imagine it would be a little uncomfortable bending over while I am reaching down for my mouse and keyboard

Eidorian, Thank you for the awesome images!

VESA MOUNT – My first thought was to get a VESA mount, however it still does not address the height or airflow issue. I am not concerned about modifying the aluminum bracket since I have access to an awesome CNC machine shop that will do a great job.

WALL MOUNT – Mounting this on the wall is also not an option since the wall in front of my desk has a large window.

I would like to modify the stock aluminum bracket so that the bottom of the iMac sits about 1/2 inch up from the top of the desk. I can cut slots in my desk where the AIR INTAKE(S) are to avoid any over heating issues…

Thanks for all the input!!

Eric

 

[emptyCup]

I like Fishit's suggestion of a taller chair, but since you don't:

1. Sit up straight (if you don't already). Not slouching raises my eye level up about 2".
2. Put the machine further back on the desk. This is why most people like to sit in the middle of a movie theater instead of the front row.
3. Buy a smaller machine. They look bigger on your desk than in the store. Solve your problem and save money at the same time.

I also like to look down on my screen, which is why I like my 17" iMac. Good luck.

 

[wchong]

hey, instead of lowering it, you should just sit up higher on ur chair. believe me, you don't raise ur head to look up with the 24"

 

[odedia]

3 options:

1. lower your chair.
2. lower your desk.
3. install the 24"er on a vesa mount that tilts wherever you want it to.

 

[adom]

Wall Mount it? By a mounting arm that can move the screen to the best position?

Theres no way your going to cut 5 inches off the alum stand easily and still have a good looking iMac.

And at the bottom, the computer's air intakes reside...correct me if im wrong, but I think this is the only place where air is taken IN to the mac for cooling - so yes a gap will be important.

Good luck