So, in my old home desk configuration, the base of the CRT monitor, the round bit of plastic that hooks into the bottom and provides swivel and tilt adjustments and a bit more height, just wasn’t necessary. So I took it off. And then moved 500 miles.
Fast forward to today, where I have a new desk that desparately needs the swivel and tilt functionality provided by a CRT monitor base, but I have no freaken idea where the base is. Is there an after-market monitor stand type thing that will give me some control over tilt?
You could probably find one at a Goodwill Industries or any place that sells used computers. I found this one in a quick search at Froogle, but the price seems pretty steep. Search around and I am sure you will find what you need. Any large office supply store like Staples has the fancy ones.
this is actually a link to the sort of thing that sent me to the teeming thousands for advice in the first place. The great plethora of “monitor stands” are glorified boxes like this, which you’re supposed to set monitors like the one in it’s picture on. Monitors that already have the swivel and turn base attached to them. I’m missing the swivel and turn base, and am trying to find something to replace that functionality.
daffy, that’s more like what I’m looking for, but these things aren’t standard sizes (for instance, I have another monitor who’s base doesn’t fit the one that needs the base), and that’s way more expensive than I was thinking. I could get a new monitor attached to one of those things for only $100 more.
The simple old style, tilt and swivel, non-elevated stands are hard to find at retail as almost every monitor comes with a stand these days, whereas it was often an extra cost option in some cases many moons ago.
I’ve seen dozens of these things in thrifts over the years. They’re usually priced at a dollar or two.
I think the tilt/swivel bases are designed to mate to the monitor. Usually, there are tabs in the base (you can see this in the Froogle link) and matching slots in the monitor. So most likely, you’ll need a base designed for the same monitor. So if you can find another of the same model monitor in a thrift store, that might be the cheapest way to get the base.
Whatever you do, be extra careful that the replacement base doesn’t block the airholes in the bottom of the monitor case. CRTs need a lot of fresh air, otherwise it shortens their lifespan as well as being a fire hazard.
If you don’t want to splurge, and don’t mind a slightly McGyvered appearance, try a bag of instant foam.
Make sure you’ve got a friend, or a set of chocks to stand the monitor on. Arrange the monitor so that it’s angled properly (the friend tilts it because you’re in the chair) and then activate the foam-bag. A few moments later, poof! your monitor is pointed the right direction. A little duct tape can make it more permanent. I’d only use one or two bags; more than that and I’d worry about blocking the vents.