My new iMac is a pain in the neck

[turbineseaplane]

Ergonomics are up to the user to adjust to or remedy the situation. No manufacturer can make a product that suits everyone perfectly.

True - but they can at least try by providing some range of height adjustability.

C'mon everyone - this amount of debate and back and forth in a seeming effort to defend Apple here is... ridiculous.

Apple should be building iMacs that are height adjustable -- just like basically every monitor out there
(save for super budget variations usually).

 

[Allyance]

Thank you!

Let's all stop giving Apple a pass on a horrific design.
One shouldn't need a totally different model of the same computer just to do VESA mounting.

It's totally ridiculous - particularly in an all new clean sheet design.

I had my own computer business for 20 years and of the thousands of CRT's and flat panel monitors I sold and installed there was only one model that I remember that was adjustable.

The new iMac is far from a horrific design.

 

[Jorbanead]

All the naysayers/ fan boys… it doesn’t stop the iMac from, in this case, being a design that could be improved. The OP is not the first person to point out this flaw.
Yes, a mini and external monitor could solve the problem, but a better design would mean the problem didn’t existed in the first place.
If the iMac had an adjustable stand, how many people would be complaining that that was a poor design decision?

not many, I’d wager

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

Thank you!

Let's all stop giving Apple a pass on a horrific design.
One shouldn't need a totally different model of the same computer just to do VESA mounting.

It's totally ridiculous - particularly in an all new clean sheet design.

True - but they can at least try by providing some range of height adjustability.

C'mon everyone - this amount of debate and back and forth in a seeming effort to defend Apple here is... ridiculous.

Apple should be building iMacs that are height adjustable -- just like basically every monitor out there
(save for super budget variations usually).

I don’t think anyone is really defending Apple here. What you all seem to forget is that OP should have known before they bought the machine that they have an unusual situation that necessitates the monitor being at the right heights, and the monitor on the iMac is not adjustable.

I agree it’s not the best design. I don’t see anyone who has claimed that this is a better design vs having one that is adjustable. We’re simply saying OP got what they bought.

Had they said “I wanted to get the iMac but they still haven’t changed the design to make the monitor adjustable. I think they missed a good opportunity here.” Then OP would have gotten a much different response. That being said, this topic has already been discussed to death for years. It’s one of the iMacs biggest flaws in my opinion. So this post doesn’t really add to the conversation and just shows that OP possibly didn’t do their research before buying an expensive machine.

If you want to complain to Apple, use their official website to complain. But I can assure you after a decade of people complaining about this, Apple is fully aware, and decided that it wasn’t worth it for them to address for whatever reason. We can all agree it’s dumb, but then where do we go from here? The only thing we can do is keep complaining to Apple directly.

 

[turbineseaplane]

I had my own computer business for 20 years and of the thousands of CRT's and flat panel monitors I sold and installed there was only one model that I remember that was adjustable.

The new iMac is far from a horrific design.

CRT's are a different deal
Go pop by any monitor store these days and you'll see adjustable options across the board.

C'mon - You know this is true

 

[turbineseaplane]

I don’t think anyone is really defending Apple here. What you all seem to forget is that OP should have known before they bought the machine that they have an unusual situation that necessitates the monitor being at the right heights, and the monitor on the iMac is not adjustable.

The OP did know it wasn't adjustable.

This was a new iMac design and it was probably hard if not impossible to tell how it would work for them before they bought it and took it home to try it.

Cut the person some slack

 

[turbineseaplane]

So this post doesn’t really add to the conversation and just shows that OP possibly didn’t do their research before buying an expensive machine.

...but everyone (including you) posting and telling them to "do their research" is somehow useful?

(it's not)

Why not just let others comment and try to be helpful if the topic/post bothers you?

 

[turbineseaplane]

I'm sorry to all in here - I'm obviously just bothered as you can tell.

This forum has too often devolved into people simply crapping on threads because they don't like the topic or "TOTALLY DISAGREE!!!!" (ARGH!!!).

It's not mandatory to post on every thread.

Maybe if you see a topic where you can't be helpful to the OP -- just move past it and don't comment?

 

[Jorbanead]

...but everyone (including you) posting and telling them to "do their research" is somehow useful?

(it's not)

Why not just let others comment and try to be helpful if the topic/post bothers you?

Yes because maybe they will understand that part of the issue is not Apple, but the fact that they bought a machine without researching it. OP didn’t ask for help. They just complained and that was it. If you actually want apple to listen, you need to complain on their website. If you want help, then ask for it. AFAIK - op did neither.

 

[bobcomer]

Why not just let others comment and try to be helpful if the topic/post bothers you?

The only advice I could give is get computer glasses, bifocals (reading on the bottom) if needed, you'll love them.

I needed cataract surgery a few years ago, and my doc suggested astigmatism correction in the implanted lenses and to have them set for computer monitor distance, and it was the best advice I've ever received. I work all day on a computer with no eye strain at all.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Yes because maybe they will understand that part of the issue is not Apple, but the fact that they bought a machine without researching it. OP didn’t ask for help. They just complained. If you actually want apple to listen, you need to complain on their website.

Complaining is allowed.

The OP is frustrated - that was my takeaway.
I agree with them.

 

[Jorbanead]

Complaining is allowed.

The OP is frustrated - that was my takeaway.
I agree with them.

Never said it wasn’t. Was simply stating complaining by itself doesn’t accomplish anything other than adding to an echo chamber of complaints that fall on deaf ears. This specific complaint has been posted here hundreds of times. If you want something to actually happen, you need to complain on apples website. If you want help or advice in addition to your complaints, ask for it.

 

[Allyance]

CRT's are a different deal
Go pop by any monitor store these days and you'll see adjustable options across the board.

C'mon - You know this is true

I sold a lot of flat panels too, but you are correct, there are a lot of monitors that are adjustable these days. I just have not been the market for one in the last 10 years. However, my current aluminum iMac design has been sold for 14 years, the OP should have known that it didn't have an adjustable height (it tilts though). A lot of us have offered a very reasonable solution that would have benefits in other areas as well as computers, that is a dedicated pair of glasses for the computer and reading. I also see that the OP has not commented on any of the solutions. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, I really don't care whether you or anyone else likes the design or not. I can't wait for mine to be delivered.

 

[Maconplasma]

I also see that the OP has not commented on any of the solutions.

Yeah, it's pretty obvious why. I think a few of the posters here were 100% spot on as to the motivation. No doubt it was to cause a stir.

 

[ADGrant]

Complaining is allowed.

The OP is frustrated - that was my takeaway.
I agree with them.

No iMac has had an adjustable stand for well over a decade now. This is well known and mentioned in many reviews.
If the lack of adjustment of stand is a problem there are a couple of alternatives. You could get the iMac with a Vesa mount but a better solution might be the Mac mini with any monitor you like.

 

[usagora]

a horrific design

? Some of you are hilarious with your overreactions. Funny how I've managed to use this computer with such a "horrific" design for 14 years now without ever being bothered by it. LOL!

I also find it hilarious that Apple makes a version of the iMac specifically for people who have special needs for the way the display is mounted/angled, and you complain about THAT. So because YOU want a VESA mount adapter, that means that's the only model Apple should make, and no one should be able to buy the traditional one with the stand? Give me a break!

 

[DotCom2]

Single vision prescription Computer glasses is all you need.

This! Progressive glasses are not suitable for computers. You need to get single vision computer glasses. Measure the distance you sit from the monitor and tell your optometrist you need computer glasses. Usually it‘s 1.25 or 1.50 more than your distance reading.
You can also just buy cheap readers at Walgreen’s etc. Look at your eye exam test numbers and add 1.25 to it. For instance if your distance measurement is say, 1.25 then you would add another 1.25, so find some cheap 2.50 Readers.

 

[PC_tech]

Yes switch to a pair of dedicated computer glasses for close up work like tons of other people do, I could never imagine having to use bifocals for computer work. Bifocals are good for ocasional close up work, but if you are going to stare at a computer for a long period of time might as well have a good pair of glasses that covers your whole vision. Plus then you can sit of straight and view the computer screen head on, way better for your posture than a low screen.

Sorry but that's just not an acceptable option, there is no need to spend however much on special prescription lenses for computer specifically because Apple can't be bothered to put an adjustable base ?

 

[pshufd]

Sorry but that's just not an acceptable option, there is no need to spend however much on special prescription lenses for computer specifically because Apple can't be bothered to put an adjustable base ?

Computer glasses are far superior regardless of height-adjustability of the monitor.

 

[Homy]

C'mon everyone - this amount of debate and back and forth in a seeming effort to defend Apple here is... ridiculous.

Apple should be building iMacs that are height adjustable -- just like basically every monitor out there
(save for super budget variations usually).

Actually I think the number of your comments and attempts to completely put the blame on Apple and defend the OP after each post "against" the OP is the thing here that is getting... ridiculous. It's not mandatory either to defend the OP after each "attack".

The question about how Apple should build the iMacs is completely irrelevant here. Everybody knows the fact that iMac is already built without adjustable monitor. If someone thinks it's a "dumb design" and still buys it and then complains about it what does that make them? A clever buyer? It doesn't hurt to be self-critical sometimes. That includes both the OP and you. In your case many others with progressive lenses have already pointed out that such lenses are not suitable for computer work. Still you insist to overlook that basic fact that without proper glasses the OP still would have problem with even an adjustable monitor and instead keep talking about what Apple should do.

The OP still hasn't made a post after all these questions and answers and hasn't made it clear why they bought the iMac despite all these facts and their known eye problem. Until then the only logical conclusion is that it's all about a bad decision and regret and frustration afterwards.

By the way after seeing several similar posts with "ridiculous" complaints about M1 Macs the past few months I'm beginning to wonder if such posts are created by the staff themselves to increase the traffic to the site.

 

[One2Grift]

I had my own computer business for 20 years and of the thousands of CRT's and flat panel monitors I sold and installed there was only one model that I remember that was adjustable.

The new iMac is far from a horrific design.

Great input from your experience -- unfortunately it's lost on those who already "believe" that if Apple does X, someone then (theoretically) buys Apple, then demands Apple now must! not! do! X! I doubt there is any experience or logic that can help that kind of thoughtlessness.

 

[One2Grift]

Actually I think the number of your comments and attempts to completely put the blame on Apple and defend the OP after each post "against" the OP is the thing here that is getting... ridiculous. It's not mandatory either to defend the OP after each "attack".

The question about how Apple should build the iMacs is completely irrelevant here. Everybody knows the fact that iMac is already built without adjustable monitor. If someone thinks it's a "dumb design" and still buys it and then complains about it what does that make them? A clever buyer? It doesn't hurt to be self-critical sometimes. That includes both the OP and you. In your case many others with progressive lenses have already pointed out that such lenses are not suitable for computer work. Still you insist to overlook that basic fact that without proper glasses the OP still would have problem with even an adjustable monitor and instead keep talking about what Apple should do.

The OP still hasn't made a post after all these questions and answers and hasn't made it clear why they bought the iMac despite all these facts and their known eye problem. Until then the only logical conclusion is that it's all about a bad decision and regret and frustration afterwards.

Well said.
In the real world, if you buy something then don't like it(especially when you know it was A but now don't like A)? You return it. If it's too late to return then find a way to alter A so it is a better fit for you. If it still doesn't work/fit for you, you sell it and the money loss is a lesson learned. It's a common and important life lesson.

In the age of the internet, some use that platform to show they've never learned that important life lesson.

 

[Homy]

Well said.
In the real world, if you buy something then don't like it(especially when you know it was A but now don't like A)? You return it. If it's too late to return then find a way to alter A so it is a better fit for you. If it still doesn't work/fit for you, you sell it and the money loss is a lesson learned. It's a common and important life lesson.

In the age of the internet, some use that platform to show they've never learned that important life lesson.

Yes, simple as that.

 

[BradMacPro]

Solution 1
Sell or return the iMac you have now.
Get one with a VESA mount. This MUST BE SPECIAL-ORDERED from Apple.
Search for a VESA stand/bracket that will suit your purposes.


Solution 2
Sell or return the iMac you have now.
Get a Mac Mini instead (either the m1 version or 2018 Intel version)
Get a 3rd party display with an adjustable-height stand.

Both of the above will cost you more $$$.
Perhaps you can write this down as a business expense...

Here is what I would suggest. Backup the iMac, return it in exchange for a version with the VESA mount option. Get this arm: https://www.upliftdesk.com/zilker-single-monitor-arm-by-uplift-desk/
Pivot the monitor and set the preference to match. Now with the Mac's chin to the right and a vertical or portrait orientation, you can have the bottom of the display against the surface of the desk. The fan or fans and speakers and the chin are on the right and not blocked by the desk itself.

 

[BradMacPro]

Dumb design? OK boomer.
Cut a hole in your desk and lower the iMac, or just get a VESA mount with an adjustable arm.

You cannot adapt the new iMac to VESA like you could with the old iMac. It must be exchanged if possible at this time.

 

[triptolemus]

I had my own computer business for 20 years and of the thousands of CRT's and flat panel monitors I sold and installed there was only one model that I remember that was adjustable.

The new iMac is far from a horrific design.

Pretty much every flat screen monitor that Dell has put out in the last 15 years has been height adjustable. What planet are you from?