Can you wall mount the Aluminum iMac models? Are they VESA compliant?

Some Aluminum iMac models are VESA compliant and others are not.

For readers who may not be familiar with the term "VESA compliant", VESA is an acronym for "Video Electronics Standards Association". In an informative page, Ergo In Demand (no longer online) noted that when it refers to LCD or flat panel monitors:

'VESA standard' means a hole pattern on the back of the monitor: 3" x 3" or 4" x 4" (75 mm x 75 mm or 100 mm x 100 mm). The diameter of the screws are 4 mm. . . The four holes may be centered or are located on the lower edge of the monitor. With some models you might have to remove the original stand (if the electronic is not located in the foot) before you will see the 4 holes.

If you are interested in in-depth information, the VESA website also provides summaries of the organization's standards.

All 20-Inch and 21.5-Inch "Aluminum" iMac models are not VESA compliant. All 24-Inch and 27-Inch "Aluminum" iMac models, however, are VESA compliant.

VESA Compliant Aluminum iMac Models

The VESA compliant Aluminum iMac models can be wall mounted with an adapter kit from Apple or an Apple Authorized Reseller. These stock systems include the:

• iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 24-Inch (Al - Original)
• iMac "Core 2 Extreme" 2.8 24-Inch (Al - Original)
• iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 24-Inch (Early 2008/Penryn)
• iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24-Inch (Early 2008/Penryn)
• iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 24-Inch (Early 2009)
• iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.93 24-Inch (Early 2009)
• iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 24-Inch (Early 2009)
• iMac "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 27-Inch (Late 2009)
• iMac "Core i5" 2.66 27-Inch (Late 2009)
• iMac "Core i3" 3.2 27-Inch (Mid-2010)
• iMac "Core i5" 2.8 27-Inch (Mid-2010)
• iMac "Core i5" 2.7 27-Inch (Mid-2011)
• iMac "Core i5" 3.1 27-Inch (Mid-2011)

A instruction manual for the Apple adapter kit with installation details is available for download in PDF format.

The non-VESA compliant iMac models still may be able to be mounted on a wall or articulating arm by using a third-party product, but users who intend to buy an Aluminum iMac model for the expressed purpose of wall-mounting would be much better off purchasing a VESA compliant 24-Inch or 27-Inch model.

Site sponsor Adorama sells a large number of new 27-Inch "Aluminum" models and the Apple adapter kit for VESA compatibility.

Also see: Can you wall mount the White iMac "Core Duo/Core 2 Duo" models? Are any VESA compliant?