How to Choose an Apple Cinema Display Mount

The Apple Cinema Display models come standard with an attached desk stand. If you want to mount your Apple monitor on the wall, on a monitor arm or on your desk, you’ll need to by an Apple Cinema Display mount and the Apple VESA mount adapter kit available from the Apple store.

Why You Need an Apple VESA Mount Adapter Kit

The foot for the Apple Cinema Display is attached to the back of the monitor unit. That mounting solution is not VESA compliant. The screw openings and slot for the Apple desk mount will not fit other types of monitor mounts. Before you can install the Apple Cinema onto a VESA Apple desk mount, Apple wall monitor mount or an Apple monitor arm, you’ll need to install the adapter, which fits over the slot and adds screw openings that will fit any VESA compliant monitor mount.

Installing the Apple VESA Mount Adapter

Installing the Apple VESA mount adapter is so simple that most people can do it in five minutes or less. The adapter kit purchased from the Apple store includes everything you need to install the adapter, including a hex key TORX tool to remove the screws from the Apple desk mount. Just put a towel or blanket on a flat surface, then place your Apple Cinema Display face down on the padded surface. Use the hex tool to remove the screws and lift the Apple monitor stand off the back of the display. Snap the plastic bumpers onto the edges of the VESA adapter, position it over the slot in the back of the monitor and screw in the fasteners. You’re now ready to install the monitor on an Apple Cinema Display Mount.

Choosing the Right Apple Cinema Display Mount

Every monitor mount is specifically designed to hold a monitor of a certain size and weight. It’s very important to make sure that you choose a monitor wall mount or monitor desk mount that’s specifically designed to hold an Apple display, especially if you’re mounting it on a movable monitor arm. The thin form factor of the Apple Cinema Display gives it a different center of balance than some other monitors, and Apple Cinema Display mounts are specially engineered to take this into account.

If you’re uncertain about whether a particular Apple monitor mount will work with your model of Apple Cinema Display, buy from a knowledgeable merchant who can answer your questions. Most websites that sell Apple Cinema display mounts will list the models that each monitor mount will handle, but will be happy to answer your questions if you want to be sure.

Can I Use an Apple Cinema Display Mount with Any Monitor Mount?

Mounting your Apple Cinema Display requires a special Apple Cinema Display mount adapter. Apple Cinema displays aren’t naturally VESA compliant, but the Apple Store does sell an adapter kit to install a VESA adapter on the back of your Apple monitor. Once the display adapter is installed, you can choose an Apple monitor mount to mount your display on a wall, in a corner or on your desk.

The Apple Cinema Display is one of the most popular displays on the market. The thin bezel maximizes the display area, making the Cinema ideal for applications using multiple monitors to display scenes on walls or for use as an extended desktop. With an Apple VESA mount adapter kit, you can choose from a wide range of monitor mounts for your Cinema display unit, including Apple monitor arms, Apple desk mounts and Apple wall mounts.

Choosing the right Apple monitor mount for your display is no different than choosing a monitor mount for any other monitor. It’s important to choose an Apple monitor mount that’s designed to hold the weight and size of your display. This is especially important if you choose an articulated Apple monitor arm that allows you to change the tilt angle and distance of the monitor from the wall. Extending the monitor arm can change the center of gravity, which can destabilize the monitor and make the mount precarious.

In most cases, the manufacturer will list the Cinema Display models that are compatible with a specific Apple monitor mount. If your monitor isn’t listed, you’ll be risking an expensive piece of equipment by using it. If the manufacturer doesn’t provide compatible monitors for the mount, choose the monitor mount that supports the size and weight of your Apple Cinema Display.

Why Choose an Apple Monitor Mount?

The Apple Cinema Display comes out of the box with a desk stand that gives you limited placement options. For many people, those options can be painful. Neck strain, eye strain and headaches can result from trying to work on a monitor that’s placed too low or too high. An Apple monitor mount allows you to put the monitor where it is makes the most sense ergonomically. An Apple desk mount can free up desk real estate and allow you to move the monitor into position for whatever work you’re doing. If you choose an Apple monitor wall mount, you can choose one that allows you to change the viewing angle and position and set up the monitor for viewing by multiple people.

If you’re uncertain about the best Apple Cinema Display mount for your monitor, most websites that sell monitor mounts will be happy to answer questions for you and help you choose an Apple monitor mount that will hold your Cinema Display safely.