1. Articulating monitor arm
An articulating monitor arm supports the computer monitor on a mobile platform which can be moved up, down, in, and out. The platform is mounted to an articulating, multi-segment adjustment arm.
Recommended for:
- Multiple monitors
- Changing task emphasis (for example, jobs which switch from interactive computer use to data input tasks referenced from paper documents.)
- Document to screen verification
- Deeply reclined work postures
- Varied work postures
- Shared work stations
Pros:
- Frees up work surface under monitor
- Allows quick user-adjustment of monitor to fit different users, accommodate posture changes, and to accommodate task changes (e.g., change in view emphasis)
Cons:
- Some units limit low adjustment close to the work surface, in the range between 25mm - 10 cm (1" - 4") above the work surface. This positions the monitor too high for many users, especially workers with shorter torsos and those under 5'5".
- Positions larger monitors (>15") too high for most users.
2. Monitor lift
A monitor lift is similar to a monitor arm, but is mounted on the desktop and provides simple height adjustment with a spring-loaded platform.
Recommended for:
- Sit to stand monitor adjustment
- Shared work stations
Pros:
- Allows quick user-adjustment of monitor height
Cons:
- May limit low adjustment close to the work surface. This may position larger monitors (>15") too high for most seated users.
3. Monitor riser
A monitor riser is a shim used to position a monitor above the work surface. Commercial monitor risers usually consist of a box type platform and are available in fixed and mobile configurations, and in stand-alone and stackable models. A ream of paper also may serve as a suitable monitor riser.
Recommended for:
- Single user work stations
- For monitor positioning close to the work surface, for example, in the range between 25 mm - 76 mm (1"-3").
Pros:
- Stable
- Stackable models provide a low-cost method to fine-tune monitor positioning
Cons:
- Reduces available work surface space
- Maintenance adjustable. Monitor must be removed from platform to change/add/remove riser.
Article reproduced with permission from
ergoTALK.