Apple’s iMacs and displays are beautiful pieces of equipment, as elegant as they are useful – but unlike many displays and all-in-ones, neither come with any height adjustability. This can be problematic in a number of ways. Users with both an iMac and a Cinema Display will note that the display does not rest at the same height as the iMac, resulting in a less preferable arrangement on the desk.
Others find that their iMac or display sits too low, which can cause significant neck strain over time. Sure, you could always set your iMac or Cinema Display on a stack of books – but that really detracts from the grace of Apple’s design. So what can be done? The folks at Twelve South have the perfect solution: The HiRise for iMac.
Overview
The Twelve South HiRise provides a simple and elegant way to raise the level of your iMac or Thunderbolt display by using an adjustable shelf. Simply assemble the HiRise, insert the shelf into the appropriate slot, and set your iMac inside to instantly add a few inches.
Design
Design has always been one of the defining elements of Twelve South products, and the same is true of the HiRise. The entire system is designed to perfectly match the look of Apple’s iMacs and displays, providing a solution that’s both attractive and functional.
The HiRise provides six levels of adjustability for your iMac or display, ensuring that it’s at the perfect height for your comfort level. Even better, the HiRise also doubles as a storage nook for your SuperDrive, an external hard drive, your car keys, or any number of small items, keeping them out of sight and preventing them from cluttering your desk.
The packaging is almost as elegant as the HiRise itself – a neat, tightly packed cube worthy of the premium product that it contains – and the expensive Apple products you’ll be using it with. Twelve South did not waste any materials or skimp on style, even down to the cardboard the HiRise ships is.
Usability
At its most basic level, the HiRise is just an aluminum stand for your iMac or Display – but Twelve South has taken the concept to a new level by including an adjustable shelf, letting you raise the height of your device as little or as much as you choose, up to about 4 inches. There’s even a setting (setting the shelf to the second level from the bottom) that raises the Cinema Display or Thunderbolt Display to be perfectly level with your iMac!
One of the strong points of the HiRise is that it can be assembled in less than 2 minutes without any tools – and if you’d like to secure and tighten it, Twelve South has also provided the proper screws, and even a small driver so you won’t have to hunt one down. In my experience, however, the screws did not seem necessary.
Just as important, the adjustable shelf is easy to slide in and out, and the removable grates let you add or remove stored items with ease by removing the cover, which then snaps magnetically back into place when you are done.
Verdict[rating:4.5]
The Twelve South HiRise is simple, elegant, useful, and effective. The design is minimal and well considered, and the entire package looks fantastic when assembled. I highly recommend the HiRise to anyone in need of a display riser – and to any iMac user looking for the perfect stand for their Cinema or Thunderbolt Display.
Elegant design and premium quality do not come cheap, however – the HiRise retails for $80. Even considering the price, for quality, elegance, and usefulness, you just can’t do any better than the Twelve South HiRise.
The HiRise is available now direct from Twelve South, as well as from Amazon.com and other online retailers. For more information, visit Twelve South on the web.
Pros
- Stylish, durable aluminum design looks great with Apple products.
- Raises your iMac or display for more comfortable use.
- Easy to assemble and adjust.
- Includes storage for an optical drive or small item.
Cons
- Only adjusts to a maximum of 4 inches.
- Seems pricy compared with other stands and pedestals.
