Remember to check the weight of your monitor and the weight rating of the arm or lift before purchasing.

WARNING: DON'T BUY A MONITOR ARM OR LIFT THAT PLACES YOUR MONITOR TOO HIGH!

Many height adjustable computer monitor arms have substantial limitations based on their height adjustment range. For instance, arms, lifts or stands with a height adjustment range between about 6" to 12" have few practical uses, and are especially inappropriate for a large segment of the population working at 29 to 30 inch tall desks. When a monitor is set an additional 6" higher, a majority of seated users will find the monitor uncomfortably high.

Computer monitors that are set too high can contribute to neck and shoulder discomfort, eye strain, as well as headaches or what is called Computer Vision Syndrome—CVS. To determine optimal functionality for your purposes, review our height range reference chart and supporting information.

Know your application and know what height(s) you would like to view your monitor at before buying. Determine, which (if any monitor arm) meets your needs.

Notes about monitor distance, cubicles, CRT versus LCD monitors and planning for the future

As people age, their vision becomes less dynamic and agile. Focusing and viewing close up objects strains the eyes. After age 40 to 45, people are much more likely to notice that they are more comfortable viewing a computer monitor at 36 inches over 24 inches. In workstations and offices everywhere, too many workers (older and younger alike) are confined and forced to view and use monitors too close for comfort. If you are considering a monitor arm based on eyestrain problems or symptoms of CVS, now may be the time to consider a flat screen (LCD) monitor. If your work area is a cubicle or desk with walls adjacent to your work surfaces, you will pick up at least 12" of extra viewing space by switching to a flat screen monitor. In general, LCD monitor arms are more flexible than standard computer arms and, in general, feature for feature, they cost less. Workers who feel cramped, get headaches and work on tasks that require intensive visual concentration on screen images, often become more productive by switching to an LCD display and using an arm that allows much greater viewing flexibility. Be certain to purchase LCD monitors that have VESA 75 or 100 mm compatible mounts. A VESA mount means you may reattach your monitor to any number of quality aftermarket LCD monitor arms.