Deployment Report: Humanscale M8 Monitor Arm
I have a 30-inch Apple Cinema Display, which has given me good service for many years; however, I’ve long desired greater flexibility of placement, more free space on my desktop, and generally a workspace that is a better ergonomic fit.
After some investigation, I settled on the Humanscale M8. One of the problems I ran into with monitor arms in general is that there’s such a dizzying array of models and options that “paralysis of choice” quickly sets in.) The M8 is rated for monitors up to 40lb, which easily covers the ACD-30 as well as current-generation iMacs and monitors. Also, it uses a spring-loaded tension system, instead of gas cylinders; this is marketed as being more reliable in the long term. Time will tell.
Installation was complicated by two factors: first, my desk is a granite table, which rests on a steel frame which is itself inlaid into a wooden leg structure. An edge clamp is not usable. So, I called a stone cutter to come and drill a suitable hole in the table to accommodate the M8’s through-hole mounting base.
The other problem I had is that the M8 (like every other arm that’s currently available) uses the VESA mount plate standard. Apple has a VESA adapter kit for its cinema displays — in fact, there are two SKUs. One of them fits the current-generation LED displays and iMacs, and the other fits the older aluminum-case displays. At the time I purchased the M8, the VESA kit for the older displays was not available in the US; oddly, the UK Apple Store did have it, so I enlisted the aid of a friend in the UK to purchase and ship the kit. Checking today, both versions are actually available in the US Apple Store: VESA kit for aluminum cinema displays and VESA kit for newer cinema displays, the Thunderbolt display, and iMacs.
With the desk drilled and parts acquired, installation was reasonably straightforward. If you’re using the bolt-through mount, I recommend the use of blue Loctite on the bolt so that you won’t have to worry about it loosening up. I also used blue Loctite on the bolts attaching the VESA adapter plate to the monitor. It’s also a good idea to have a helper to steady the display while you place the arm and adjust the pivots.
Once in place, fine tuning is pretty easy, and I’m very happy with the results. I can set the display a little higher and a little closer than the factory foot allows, and although it’s a small difference in placement, it’s a big difference in readability and comfort. Also, I can now swing the arm and display entirely off to the side (without really disrupting the basic adjustments). This is great for having conversations with the rest of the room, since the display no longer functions as a room divider.
Humanscale’s web site shows a list price of US$485. I got mine from ErgoDirectUSA for $285; you can probably find similarly discounted pricing through other outlets.
