Introduction

If you've had to frequently move your CRT monitor, you'll soon realize what an annoyance it is. These monitors can be heavy, but the biggest problem is that they are bulky, making it cumbersome to pick up one and move it about. I often worry that my hands will slip and then the poor CRT will come crashing to the floor. To add to the problem, with some monitors you cannot remove the cable that connects to your videocard! It is easy to see how walking around while carrying one of those could be unsafe. For those of us who cannot afford a good LCD display or simply do not like LCD's, CaseAce's GearGrip CRT seems to be the ideal solution. Today, let's take a look at it and see whether it is an effective solution or not.

Specifications

• Fits most monitors up to 21" in size
• 2" buckles and straps
• Manages monitor cables and keeps them securely out of the way
• Works with monitors that have a tapered back
• Works with monitors with or without a stand
• Can be used with an optional shoulder strap

I am sure that most of you are aware of CaseAce's GearGrip Pro harness that is used for carrying one's LAN box around in ease. The CaseAce CRT is the next step towards making that next LAN party easier to go to. It is a fairly simple idea, but very effective. To begin, the handle has a nice grip on it, and is easy to take a hold of. It is triple-stitched on each side to the harness and feels very securely attached. I do not believe it will snap off during normal use. The 2" buckles and straps feel very sturdy and overall the product feels very durable.

Handle is triple-stitched on each side.

Top down view.

The front buckle is not in direct contact with the monitor.

As stated in the specifications, your monitor must have a tapered back to be used with the GearGrip CRT. The reason for this, as you'll soon see, is that the straps wrap around the taper-edges of the monitor, securing it at these locations. In addition, you should NOT use this item if your monitor has a pop-out door at the front, the kind that conceals the monitor controls. The reason for this is that the GearGrip CRT has a strap that comes around at this point, applying pressure along the area. If pressure was applied to the a plastic pop-out door, I'm sure it would break. All this is clearly stated at CaseAce's website.

Not for use with monitors that have button doors.

Installation

At first, I had no clue how to attach this to my monitor. Then I read the instructions. The one-page instruction pamphlet is very clear on how to attach the unit to your monitor, and includes pictorial demonstrations. The GearGrip CRT is basically made up of two parts. The top part where the handle is goes on top of your monitor, and you should position it so that the bottom of the 'V' comes near the front edge of the top of the monitor. The two straps that come out of the bottom of the front buckle then go beneath your monitor, and around the foot stand, if present. You then clip the side buckle into place, and adjust the straps so that they are tight. For an even better and more secure fit, CaseAce recommends that at this point you then unbuckle the straps, tighten them a little more, and then re-buckle them. I found this to work exactly as detailed. The buckle up in front does NOT come in contact with the display surface. Rather, there is a length of strap that goes behind it, preventing the buckle from possibly damaging your monitor.

The velcro strap keeps cables neatly tied up.

Side view.

Another side view.

The process might be a little tedious, but once you've adjusted the GearGrip CRT for your particular monitor, it's easy to remove and re-attach. Periodic re-tightening of the straps is probably in order. The velcro strap at the back will keep your monitor's cables organized, keeping them out of the way when you're trying to carry your monitor somewhere. It's yet another simple but effective addition.

Testing

The GearGrip CRT definitely performed its intended task. With the 17" Samsung I tested with, I was easily able to pick it up and carry it with one hand. Without the GearGrip CRT, one could not even carry a 14" with one hand, safely. The GearGrip never let up during testing, and the straps and buckles held tight. When attached correctly, the straps balance the monitor's weight, helping you to keep your balance while moving your monitor. The handle was also comfortable to use.

However, carrying a larger monitor with one hand may put a lot of strain on your arm. To add to this, when moving a monitor over obstacles, you'll most likely have to lift the monitor above waist level - requiring the use of both your hands. Nonetheless, such an operation is still many times safer and easier with the GearGrip CRT than without it. Lastly, with smaller monitors the excess length of the straps may become a problem. Because the unit was meant to work with monitors up to 21" in size, the excess strap length becomes quite long with smaller 15" monitors. You'd be best to tie them up before moving the monitor.

Conclusion

Pros

• Makes it much easier to transport Ye Old CRT around.
• Handle is well designed and comfortable.
• Works well; just as advertised.
• Well-designed.

Cons

• Excess straps can get long with smaller monitors.

Overall, this is a much-needed product for anyone transporting their monitor around frequently, and the most common example would be the LAN party attendee. Once the GearGrip CRT has been adjusted for your monitor, it's a trivial task to re-attach or remove it, and it will definitely make you and your journey safer. I can't think of a better solution for carrying your monitor around, short of throwing it out and buying a decent LCD display.

Thanks again to CaseAce Products for providing the review sample. Thanks guys!

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