Elevate Your Ergonomics: A Comprehensive Review of the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm

In today’s fast-paced work environment, optimizing your workspace isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for productivity and well-being. A cluttered desk and poor monitor placement can lead to discomfort, strain, and reduced focus. Enter the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm, a powerful solution designed to transform your desk into an ergonomic powerhouse, offering unparalleled flexibility and reclaiming valuable space for a more organized and efficient setup.

What is a Monitor Arm and Why Do You Need One?

A monitor arm is a mechanical device that attaches to your desk, wall, or floor, allowing you to mount your computer monitor(s) and adjust their position freely. This simple yet revolutionary accessory is crucial for creating an ergonomic workstation. By lifting monitors off the desk, it frees up significant space, reduces neck and eye strain by enabling optimal viewing angles, and promotes better posture.

Understanding the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm

The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is engineered to support two displays, providing a highly customizable and ergonomic setup. Originally part of the acclaimed Fully Jarvis collection, it is now available through Herman Miller, maintaining its reputation for quality and performance.

Key Features and Specifications

This monitor arm boasts a robust set of features designed for flexibility and durability. It supports two monitors, or one monitor and a laptop tray, allowing for diverse configurations. Each arm can independently hold monitors weighing up up to 19 pounds and ranging from 13 to 32 inches in size. The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is compatible with both VESA 75mm and 100mm mounting patterns, ensuring broad compatibility with most displays.

Beyond basic support, its articulation is impressive. Each arm offers 360-degree swivel, full tilt, and rotation from landscape to portrait mode, giving you complete control over your screen orientation. Integrated cable management channels keep your workspace tidy, routing cords neatly along the arms and down to the desk. Installation is flexible, with options for a sturdy desk clamp or a grommet mount to suit various desk types. Constructed primarily from metal, the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is built to last, backed by a generous 10-year warranty.

Gas Spring vs. Mechanical Spring Arms

Monitor arms typically utilize either gas piston or mechanical spring mechanisms to counterbalance monitor weight and facilitate smooth adjustments. Gas piston arms are often praised for their fluid, effortless movement, making on-the-fly adjustments incredibly smooth. Mechanical spring arms, while generally more cost-effective and potentially longer-lasting, require manual tension adjustment to hold monitors securely at the desired height. The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm features an easy tension adjustment system, crucial for calibrating the arms to the specific weight of your monitors, ensuring they remain in place without sagging.

Types of Monitor Arms and Where the Jarvis Fits In

While various monitor arm types exist, understanding them helps appreciate the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm’s design.

Desk Mount Monitor Arms

Desk mount arms are the most common type and where the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm excels. They attach directly to your desk, either via a clamp or a grommet hole.

• Clamp Mount: This option attaches to the edge of your desk, making installation straightforward and non-permanent. It’s ideal for desks where drilling is not preferred or possible. The Jarvis arm comes with a clamp mount that is secure and easy to install.
• Grommet Mount: For desks with existing grommet holes or if you prefer a more integrated, flush look, a grommet mount secures the arm through a hole in the desk surface. This often provides a very stable attachment, particularly for heavier setups. The Jarvis also includes hardware for grommet installation.

Desk-mounted arms like the Jarvis are excellent for maintaining a flexible workspace, allowing you to easily reposition screens as needed. While other types like wall-mounted or freestanding arms exist, desk mounts offer the best balance of stability, adjustability, and desk space optimization for most users.

Choosing the Right Monitor Arm: Is the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm for You?

Selecting the perfect monitor arm involves evaluating your specific requirements to ensure it meets both your ergonomic and functional needs. The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is a premium choice, but it’s important to confirm it aligns with your setup.

Assess Your Needs

Before investing, consider these critical factors:

• Monitor Size and Weight: Each arm of the Jarvis can support monitors from 13 to 32 inches, with a weight capacity of up to 19 pounds. Ensure your monitors fall within these specifications. Heavier monitors will require careful tension adjustment, as noted by users.
• Number of Monitors: As a dual monitor arm, it’s designed for two screens. If you need more, you might look into triple or quad setups, though the Jarvis can also be configured with a laptop tray for a monitor and laptop combination.
• Desk Type and Thickness: The clamp mount typically accommodates standard desk thicknesses, but always verify compatibility for very thick or very thin desktops. If using a grommet mount, confirm the size of your grommet hole (approx. 3.15 inches for Jarvis).
• Ergonomic Goals: Are you aiming for a healthier posture, reducing neck and eye strain, or needing to switch between sitting and standing modes frequently? The Jarvis’s extensive adjustability makes it well-suited for all these goals.

Why Jarvis Stands Out

The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm consistently receives high praise for its robust construction, smooth operation, and thoughtful design. Users frequently highlight its ease of assembly and its ability to securely hold monitors in various positions, even large or heavy ones, once the tension is properly adjusted. The integrated cable management system is another strong point, helping to maintain a clean and professional workspace. Many appreciate the flexibility to switch between landscape and portrait modes effortlessly, enhancing workflow for tasks like coding or graphic design. Its association with Herman Miller further underscores its quality and reliability.

“The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm transformed my office. It’s incredibly sturdy, and the independent adjustments mean I can perfectly position my screens for optimal comfort, whether I’m sitting or using my standing desk.” – Admin of Review Munki, Monitor Arm Technician

Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm: Installation and Setup Guide

Installing your Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is a straightforward process, designed to be user-friendly even for those new to monitor arms. Proper installation and adjustment are key to maximizing its benefits.

Unboxing and Preparation

Begin by unboxing all components and familiarizing yourself with the parts, including the main arm assembly, VESA mounting plates, desk clamp, grommet mount hardware, and hex keys for adjustment. Ensure your workspace is clear and you have enough room to maneuver.

Mounting Options: Clamp vs. Grommet

The Jarvis arm offers two primary mounting methods:

1. Clamp Mount:
   • Attach the clamp mounting plate to the bottom of the arm using the provided hex screws.
   • Place adhesive screw covers over the screws to protect your desk surface.
   • Attach the cable guide to the back of the clamp mounting plate.
   • Position the monitor arm on the edge of your desk and tighten the clamp knob until it is firmly secured.
2. Grommet Mount:
   • If using a grommet hole, attach the grommet mount bracket with the grommet bolt to the bottom of the arm using hex screws.
   • Apply protective foam dots over the screws.
   • Place the arm base through your desk’s grommet hole, ensuring it’s centered.
   • Secure it underneath the desk with the locking knob and grommet plate.

Attaching Monitors and Adjusting Tension

After mounting the arm to your desk, attach the VESA plates to the back of your monitors using the screws provided by either the monitor manufacturer or the arm kit. The Jarvis arm uses removable VESA plates that slide and click into place on the arms. Once monitors are attached, they might initially sag—this is normal. The crucial next step is to adjust the tension:

• Locate the tension bolt on the back of each arm (typically requiring a 5mm hex key).
• Turn the tension bolt counter-clockwise for heavier monitors to add tension, or clockwise for lighter monitors to reduce tension.
• Make small adjustments and test the arm’s movement until your monitor stays at any desired height without drifting. It may take several turns (e.g., 10-12 turns for heavier monitors) to achieve proper calibration.

Cable Management

The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm features integrated cable management channels to keep your desk neat. The arms have upper and lower channels; the upper channel typically snaps off, and the lower channel slides upward, allowing you to route your monitor cables (power, display, etc.) through them. Once cables are in place, snap or slide the covers back on. While it easily accommodates two cables per arm, fitting a third might require a bit more effort.

Maximizing Your Workspace: Tips for Using Your Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm

Once installed, the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm unlocks a new level of workspace optimization.

• Ergonomic Positioning: Position your monitors so the top edge of the screen is at or slightly below eye level when you’re sitting upright. The distance should allow you to comfortably view the entire screen without leaning forward or back. The Jarvis arms offer the height, tilt, and swivel needed to achieve this personalized ergonomic sweet spot.
• Seamless Sit-Stand Transitions: For standing desk users, the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is invaluable. Its smooth adjustability allows you to effortlessly raise or lower your monitors to maintain ergonomic alignment whether you’re sitting or standing, encouraging more movement throughout your workday.
• Flexible Orientation: Leverage the 360-degree rotation to switch monitors between landscape and portrait modes. Portrait mode is excellent for viewing long documents, code, or social media feeds, enhancing productivity for specific tasks.
• Optimize Desk Space: With your monitors floating above the desk, you free up significant surface area. Use this space for essential tools, note-taking, or simply a cleaner, more minimalist aesthetic.

Maintenance and Longevity of Your Monitor Arm

To ensure your Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm continues to perform optimally for years, a little maintenance goes a long way.

• Regular Cleaning: Dust and wipe down the arms with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the finish or mechanisms.
• Periodic Tension Checks: Over time, especially with frequent adjustments or changes in monitor weight, the arm’s tension might need recalibration. If you notice any sagging or difficulty in holding position, simply re-adjust the tension bolts as needed.
• Inspect Connections: Occasionally check that all mounting screws and clamps are tight and secure. While the Jarvis is built robustly, ensuring all connections remain firm will prevent any wobbling and extend its lifespan.

Conclusion

The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is an exceptional investment for anyone seeking to enhance their ergonomic comfort, reclaim desk space, and boost productivity. Its sturdy construction, versatile adjustability, and thoughtful features like integrated cable management make it a standout choice. Though the brand has transitioned from Fully to Herman Miller, the quality and design principles remain, ensuring a reliable and highly functional addition to your workspace. By providing effortless monitor positioning and a clutter-free environment, this monitor arm helps you create a workspace that truly supports your well-being and workflow. Ready to revolutionize your desk setup?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum monitor size and weight supported by the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm?

The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm can support most monitors ranging from 13 to 32 inches, with each arm capable of holding displays weighing up to 19 pounds. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of popular monitor models.

Can I use the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm with a standing desk?

Yes, the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is perfectly suited for standing desks. Its extensive height adjustment range and smooth articulation allow you to effortlessly raise and lower your monitors, maintaining optimal ergonomic positioning whether you are sitting or standing.

Does the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm come with options for cable management?

Absolutely. The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm features integrated cable management channels within its arms. These channels allow you to neatly route and conceal your monitor cables, helping to keep your workspace organized and free from clutter.

What are the mounting options available for the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm?

The Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm offers two versatile mounting options: a desk clamp for securing it to the edge of your desk, and a grommet mount for a more integrated installation through an existing hole in your desk surface. Both options provide a stable foundation.

Is it easy to adjust the tension of the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm for different monitor weights?

Yes, the Jarvis Dual Monitor Arm is designed for easy tension adjustment. Using the provided hex key, you can turn the tension bolt (clockwise for lighter monitors, counter-clockwise for heavier ones) to calibrate the arms, ensuring they hold your specific monitors securely in any position.