Impressions and Conclusion

For the review of the Ergotron Neo-Flex LCD Stand, I replaced the non-adjustable stand of a SAMSUNG SyncMaster 226BW 22” LCD, with the Neo-Flex. Not counting the time it took to stop and take pictures, I estimate that it would have taken me no longer than 15 minutes to assemble and install the stand. Because the 226BW falls well into Ergotron’s recommended weight and size limits, I did not have to make any adjustments to the tension screw. Throughout the entire range of supported adjustments, the Neo-Flex was silky smooth. In the past, I have used monitors costing more than two Neo-Flex stands and two SyncMaster 226BW displays, whose stands didn’t have the same range of adjustment—particularly height—and whose operation was nowhere near as effortless. I have also used entry-level and “mainstream” displays whose stands did not impart a feeling of confidence or quality—those that actually allowed you to adjust them, that is.

Being able to raise the 226BW so that the top of the screen was at eye-level, made a big difference in comfort, particularly during long, late night gaming sessions. Plus the two-toned Neo-Flex compliments the design of the SyncMaster 226BW quite nicely.

If there were a way to move the tension screw to the back of the stand so it could be adjusted without having to lay the display face down and go through the bottom of the base, that would be nice (though the design of the stand’s adjustable weight mechanism probably makes it un-doable).

There are few LCD displays that I can think of (in fact, I can’t think of any), that either do not have the necessary wall-bracket holes, or ones that do not conform to one of the two industry standards. People with displays that fall outside of Ergotron’s recommended weight and size limits rarely have stands that are so poorly designed or limited in their adjustability, that would warrant them switching to a Neo-Flex—though there probably are, in both cases, exceptions. All I can say is, I’m glad I’m not one of them…

The additional weight might be an issue for some users. For example the SyncMaster 226BW is light enough to carry with you to LAN parties—provided you use the smaller, lighter non-adjustable stand that comes with it. Replace it with a Neo-Flex LCD Stand, and that svelte 22” widescreen becomes almost as heavy as a 24” display designed to spend its useful life on top of a desk, rather than tagging along to QuakeCon with you. Then again, there’s probably more than a few LAN party-goers who value ergonomics and comfort just as much as the at-home computer folks…

With plenty of adjustability that gives new meaning to the word smooth, quality construction, and a street price way below its $49 MSRP, the Ergotron Neo-Flex LCD Stand is a must-have, no-brainer upgrade for anyone looking to liberate their LCD display from the tyranny of user unfriendly, non-ergonomic stands.

This review was made possible by:

Ergotron Home Page

Ergotron CF Page

Neo-Flex LCD Page