Personally, I would definitely consider the VESA mount option. I think Apple should source some white ergo stands in their stores and have one model on display so people are aware of the option. They could also make the stand more like the one for the Pro Display XDR, but perhaps they decided against that in order to keep the costs down.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
My new iMac is a pain in the neck
- Thread starter midwestshooter
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
- Status
Single vision prescription Computer glasses is all you need.
Last edited:
Another thread that some one complain about something that is the same for decades (just 1 imac did had height adjustment ), so a user come, complain and let the thread alone for other users to fight each other in replies...another useless thread for another user that wants attention
I have been doing intense CAD work for years, I also opted for progessive lenses early on. The were useless for the computer, I got a full lens 'reader' prescription for the distance to the screen, I had to get prescription lenses because I suffer astigmatism, and could not wear standard readers . I quickly found out that contrary to what I thought, progressive lenses were not uniform in their progression from top to bottom. The bottom of the lens has a sweet spot for the reading prescription, not like bifocals that is the same all the way across. This played havoc when viewing E size architectural drawings. The vertical lines on the page would sway back and forth as I turned my head, made me seasick. The dedicated computer glasses solved that problem too. Don't be so quick to blame Apple for your lack of understanding on how progressive lenses work. I just ordered a new iMac to replace my 2012 iMac, so I am totally used using my dedicated readers. Do your self a favor and get a second set of glasses.
Hmmmm.....
I hadn't thought of eschewing the progressive lenses for simple "computer" reading glasses.
You may have to get used to "switching glasses when needed".
I do that myself.
I don't care for the progressive lenses at all.
I hadn't thought of eschewing the progressive lenses for simple "computer" reading glasses.
You may have to get used to "switching glasses when needed".
I do that myself.
I don't care for the progressive lenses at all.
Most people need monitor risers for their iMacs to get them eye-level.
I assume you do not have a torso is half the size of an average person.
Having a display lower down like you seem to desire is bad for your health.
Also, your hands should be just resting on your keyboard when your elbows are bent at 90 degrees.
So get a different chair, ditch the progressive lenses and ultimately get a MacBook if you insist on hurting your neck and back by looking down.
I assume you do not have a torso is half the size of an average person.
Having a display lower down like you seem to desire is bad for your health.
Also, your hands should be just resting on your keyboard when your elbows are bent at 90 degrees.
So get a different chair, ditch the progressive lenses and ultimately get a MacBook if you insist on hurting your neck and back by looking down.
I have gotten used to the progressive lenses for every day use, my lenses are also Transitions that adapt to strong sunlight. Just get a second pair for the computer and reading. I also found that reading books with progressives was annoying, head was constantly moving left to right rather than my eyes.
I found that Bifocals were a good combination as you can use the big section for the computer and the small section (which is big enough) for reading. I often need to read things at my desk and it's nice to not have to switch glasses for looking at papers and then back to the computer monitor.
As another data point, I have had progressive lenses for years. I go to a highly respected optometrist/lens maker because I had a bad experience with the lenses from Lens Crafters peeling, so when I went to progressives about 15 years ago, I went to a high quality place. Anyway - I recently got new progressives after about 4 years. The optometrist specifically asked about how much computer work I do, she said they could adjust how the lenses "progress" (my words), so the sweet spot for reading is higher up the lens. It works great, and it's not so high it create other problems. Find a good optometrist and get better lenses (and maybe you need a slightly taller lens frame so there is more to work with) is my suggestion.
Solution 3
Get a new chair that lets you sit higher relative to you iMac.
If the keyboard now seems too low, swap it out for a mechanical keyboard with full profile Cherry MX switches or the equivalent.
Dumb design? OK boomer.
Cut a hole in your desk and lower the iMac, or just get a VESA mount with an adjustable arm.
Really frustrating that they went to the effort to fully redesign the iMac ....
...but didn't do anything to make it height adjustable.
Big miss on that
...but didn't do anything to make it height adjustable.
Big miss on that
Another solution, if you really like your chair, is to get a foam seat cushion. I use one of these but I bought it for comfort, not to raise my height. My desk chair, a Steelcase that I bought in 1980, is fully adjustable.
Jesus H
The OP's complaint is totally legit.
They just did a brand new redesign and absolutely should have addressed ergonomics by having it at least a little bit height adjustable. That said, the user bought it - tried it out and is frustrated it's not working for them.
The OP is right.
It's a dumb design to not be height adjustable.
It should also be noted that the OP joined this site in 2003.
This is not some new account made to "complain" or "troll".
Have a bit of empathy for others and their situation.
Jesus
The OP's complaint is totally legit.
They just did a brand new redesign and absolutely should have addressed ergonomics by having it at least a little bit height adjustable. That said, the user bought it - tried it out and is frustrated it's not working for them.
The OP is right.
It's a dumb design to not be height adjustable.
It should also be noted that the OP joined this site in 2003.
This is not some new account made to "complain" or "troll".
Have a bit of empathy for others and their situation.
Jesus
Last edited by a moderator:
The iMac isn't height-adjustable since 17 years. In fact, out of 23 years of iMac history, only 2 years the screen was height-adjustable.
So I can't quite get the surprise and outrage here. ?
So I can't quite get the surprise and outrage here. ?
The person bought it and tried it and the lack of adjustability isn't working.
I get no impression that the user didn't know it wasn't adjustable - it's just that the lack of adjustability and the specifics of the design and fixed height aren't working for them now that they have it in their possession -- that's the frustration.
It's a very justified frustration.
Seriously.. any post that even slightly criticizes an Apple product here is full of "do your research next time", "clearly this product isn't for you why did you buy it?", its ridiculous.
Height adjustability might be desirable, but it would not fix the OP's problems. As others have said, the OP's problem is having glasses unsuitable for computer work.
You all seem to overlook some basic facts in this matter. My statement was simply not about whether the design shouldn't be improved, or being a fanboy, or blaming the user, or making excuses for Apple, or lacking empathy. I referred to the simple obvious basic facts about iMac, known to everybody for years and the information provided by Apple about the product. It's not about how iMac should or could be, it's about how iMac is and that we can't do anything about the design, but we always have a choice when buying.
If someone uses such glasses and it's not the first time they use a computer they must have known that they need adjustable monitor stand and the iMac wouldn't be a suitable computer for their needs. They naturally should look for such a detail at the time of the purchase.
The OP:s post raises many surprising questions, hence my honest question. The OP seems to have been on this forum since 2003, for 18 years, so they're not unfamiliar with Macs or iMacs. They also seem to know their needs about the ergonomics, the placement of the desk and the computer, "It would be ideal for me to have my computer screen down lower on my desk - so I can be looking down at the screen from my chair position." So I ask again, why did the OP buy the iMac and not the Mini with adjustable monitor? Knowing the answer to that question is more important to me and others than just hearing OP:s complaints about "dumb design" and "I do not like it at all", but to the OP it's more important to complain than explain, as it seems.
And yes, in this matter Apple does offer another better solution like Mac Mini with adjustable monitor. Of course "different solutions for different needs" refers to OP:s post about the ergonomics and the fact that you can choose between an all-in-one iMac, Mac Mini with external monitor of your choice or portable laptops, not every single need or wish of every single person in the world. I also find it funny and a bit hypocritical that you "fixed that for me" but suggest an even more expensive but similar solution, an iMac with an adjustable second monitor. So please you all stay on topic, look at the basic facts and don't turn this to fanboyism.
Finally it sounds like the best solution here is to change glasses as others have already stated. Progressive lenses are not suitable for long term computer usage.
Last edited:
What the OP's "problem is" is up them to determine.
New/better glasses or not (might help, might not, maybe just a bit), they stated:
Which can't be done with their iMac unfortunately.
I don't really fault someone for being intrigued by the latest M1 chip in a nice tidy iMac package vs a whole spaghetti of Mac mini + non Apple monitor (or ungodly expensive XDR)
None of that really excuses Apple from designing in some simple height adjustability on the new iMacs.
It was a clean sheet design and a sad miss to not tackle it.
(We all know why - they are obsessed with thinnovation and looks over anything else)
Apple did address the height adjustable issue, they make a version that you can VESA mount. You can get freestanding ones, wall mounted, or ones that clamp to a surface. They're not very expensive either, especially considering that with the light weight, you shouldn't need a very beefy arm to hold the iMac. If the OP is otherwise happy with the iMac, and they're within the return window, they should be able to return theirs and order one of the mountable models. In the case of the iMac, Apple likely wanted to keep the entry price lower, and chose a simple hinge vs. a more complicated design. Raising the iMac up isn't usually an issue, but trying to lower it is.
I understand your frustration with the non-adjustable height. That wouldn't work for me either. Everyone's body is different, and my neck is most relaxed when the top of my 27" monitor screen is about eye level (which I was only able to determine b/c my monitor's height is adjustable!). Given this, a 27" iMac would put the screen too high. Lowering my desk isn't a solution either—I have an adjustable chair and desk and have already dialed-in their respective heights.
If you go with the VESA option, and don't want to wall-mount, this might be a good solution ($30-$50):
https://martinbaileyphotography.com...itioning-and-rotating-the-screen-podcast-737/
I don't wear glasses when I'm at my computer, but the suggestion others have made to try glasses optimized for computer use seems like it's definitely worth a try:
www.brooksideoptometric.com
If you go with the VESA option, and don't want to wall-mount, this might be a good solution ($30-$50):
https://martinbaileyphotography.com...itioning-and-rotating-the-screen-podcast-737/
I don't wear glasses when I'm at my computer, but the suggestion others have made to try glasses optimized for computer use seems like it's definitely worth a try:
Computer Vision and the importance of Computer Glasses
Do you stare at the computer more than 4 hours a day? Do your eyes feel tired and strained by the middle or end of the work day? Do you regularly experience headaches by the end of your day or sooner? Does your neck and back ache as you tilt your chin and adjust your head to see the computer...
My wife has progressive lens in her main glasses, and has a separate pair of non-progressives for computer and other close work. A lot of people have already suggested this. The iMac has never been adjustable, except for the beachball model. A lot of people have already said this too 
Not entirely sure what you were expecting...
Not entirely sure what you were expecting...
Should have bought a pair of reading glasses, Bari focal stuff are terrible for computer use. Varifocal also make you look like a pratt, always looking down your nose then reading.
- Status