Making the rounds on Reddit this week is a 3D printable, ball-jointed monitor mount for an iPhone that seamlessly incorporates a MagSafe charger, essentially turning a phone into an extra screen.
Reddit user ehoemp (who goes by Hoemp Made on Printables) created an arm that attaches to a computer’s monior via VESA 100 mounting holes – an international standard for monitor manufacturers – and features a hinged design that looks very similar to many other mounts on the market. However, where those models would serve as a swivel for the screen, this one has room to insert a MagSafe charger to magnetically hoist your iPhone to eye level..
Once the mount is printed and assembled, all users need to do is magnetically snap an iPhone to it and adjust its positioning to their liking (thanks to a ball joint designed by Printables user HD_Creator). A word to the wise, however: while the arm can technically hold an iPhone without a MagSafe case, it isn’t as secure, so going without isn’t recommended, according to ehoemp who reports that “without the case, I’ve found that it tends to fall more easy.”
An iPhone won’t replace an extra full screen, as far as functionality goes, but gives users the option to seamlessly use another independent device, serving more purpose as a device on which to stream videos or attend video calls, leaving the real work for your main monitor. That said, there are almost certainly other, more innovative applications that are possible here: using the phone to monitor prints from an app being one that springs to mind.
Regardless, there’s no denying the mount’s innovative and aesthetically pleasing design, which combine to create something that would be more at home in the Apple Store with a higher-than-normal price tag, rather than Printables, where you can currently download it for free.
The mount’s Printables page also offers a few helpful printing instructions as well as a (very short) BOM, consisting of specific bolts, a nut, and hot glue. You can also check out the ehoemp’s Reddit post for a video of the mount being assembled and in use.
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License: The text of "3D Print This Magsafe Monitor Arm" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.