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December 11, 2009 5:00 AM PST

Samsung's 2233SW has a general purpose

by Eric Franklin
  • 9 comments

(Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET)

Price can be a huge determining factor when purchasing an electronics product. Nearly every week, I get blasted with e-mails asking, "What's the best sub-$100 monitor?" I rarely answer this question because, well, frankly, most monitors at that price are ones I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending.

If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say when purchasing a new monitor, the majority of consumers are more concerned with the price than the performance. As I see it, most consumers just want their monitor to fulfill very basic functions. Does it turn on? Yes. Does it show a picture? Yes. Does the picture look like what I'd reasonably expect? Yes. Sold!

Obviously, there are those who require something more high end. For those people I point you in the direction of the Dell UltraSharp U2410.

For all of you "I just want it to work and not break the bank" people, check out the full review of the Samsung SyncMaster 2233SW.

Also, be sure to keep your eye on CNET for the latest monitor reviews.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $189.70 - $207.00
View the latest prices for Samsung SyncMaster 2233SW

On Sale Now: $549.00 - $799.99
View the latest prices for Dell UltraSharp U2410

October 8, 2009 6:00 AM PDT

Another week, another LED-based monitor review

by Eric Franklin
  • 1 comment

The photoshopped screen in this picture betrays its true nature. The real screen is glossy--real glossy.

(Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET)

The LED revolution has truly begun. In the last month or so, we've reviewed three LED-based LCD computer monitors, and we expect that they won't be the last.

Last week, we looked at the LG Flatron W2386L. It's an LED-based monitor that, while offering great game performance and a thin design, could not compare performancewise to the current LED king, the Samsung SyncMaster XL2370.

This week, we reviewed the AOC V22 LED monitor. Unlike many recent monitors, this one has a 16:10 aspect ratio instead of 16:9, Also, it has an extremely glossy screen--like "I can pick food out of my teeth looking at this thing" glossy.

More monitor reviews can be found here.

October 2, 2009 5:00 AM PDT

LG W2486L approaches great

by Eric Franklin
  • 3 comments

I reviewed the Samsung SyncMaster XL2370 a few weeks back. (BTW, that monitor is slated to be released at Best Buy on October 12, if you're interested.) Since then, it seems the floodgates have been blown wide open when it comes to LED-backlit monitors.

Thursday, we posted a review of the LG W2486L, an LED monitor that has a similarly minimalist design to the XL2370--albeit with a not-quite-as-sleepy sensibility. Also, I just got the AOC V22 (a 22-inch 16:10 LED monitor) in and will soon be receiving a couple LED BenQ monitors.

So yeah, it's likely that over the next couple of months you'll be seeing more LED monitor reviews than you probably ever realized you needed to see.

Also, check out some close-up shots of the W2386L to see how its thinness compares with the XL2370 by clicking on the pics below. As always, all of our latest monitor reviewscan be found here.

September 16, 2009 1:30 PM PDT

Two monitors attempt to pass in the HDTV world

by Eric Franklin
  • 7 comments

Hey! I can see those TV connections on your back. You're not fooling anyone!

(Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET)

What's the difference between an HDTV and a computer monitor? Well, let's see. HDTVs are for the most part made for watching movies and HD broadcasts, and playing video games. Monitors are made for everyday computer operations, productivity tasks, computer games, and to a lesser extent movies. Also, monitors are generally smaller than your average HDTV, and HDTVs usually have more in the way of connection options.

So where does this leave my latest two monitor reviews? The LG Flatron M237WD and the Samsung SyncMaster P2370HD are both monitors with many features only TVs usually have, including multiple connection options--HDMI, Component, and Composite, as well as VGA and DVI--and even remote controls.

If you're interested in a monitor for watching Blu-ray movies, playing video games, and catching your favorite HDTV shows, check out the reviews of both the Samsung and LG to see how well they're able pass in both the TV and monitor worlds.

Also, don't forget to check for the latest monitors reviews from CNET.

September 10, 2009 5:00 AM PDT

Samsung HDTV-monitor gets glass neck treatment

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

This is a remote. This is my hand on a remote. Any questions?

(Credit: Eric Franklin/CNET)

Glass necks are nothing new. Well, nothing new when you consider they're been featured in no less than two Samsung monitors: the XL2370 and P2370.

Glass necks look pretty cool, especially the way Samsung uses them, but they seem out of place with the P2370HD. While the other 2370 models are slim and sleek, the P2370HD is a fair bit bulkier. It would be like trying to fit Lou Ferrigno in Christian Bale's Batman costume from the "The Dark Knight." It just looks wrong.

Check out the shots to see what else does and doesn't work with the P2370HD and expect a full review here next week.

September 3, 2009 3:15 PM PDT

Samsung XL2370: Skinny, beautiful supermodel of monitors

by Eric Franklin
  • 1 comment

So...sleek!

(Credit: Josh P. Miller/CNET)

I've been eagerly anticipating this LED-backlit monitor since I first laid eyes on it at CES last January. Since then, I've reviewed only two other LED monitors, the Dell G2410 and the ViewSonic VLED221wm. While the Dell performed well, neither of these monitors were able to really take advantage of LED technology to any great extent.

Both were fairly thick monitors, each with a relatively low max brightness. The XL2370, on the other hand is thin, light, has a high brightness and, let's just say it, is just plain gorgeous to look at.

I know, its looks don't mean jack squat when it comes to performance and features, but for some, looks can be pretty important. Check out the First Look Video to see what I mean.

To see how the Samsung XL2370 compared with its slightly...um, less good-looking sisters, the P2370 and the G2410, see the full review.

As always, new monitor reviews can be found here.

April 23, 2009 10:21 AM PDT

Shameless: Samsung's thin and light monitor infatuates editor

by Eric Franklin
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Mmmm...pretty.

(Credit: CNET)

A couple of weeks back, I took a quick look at the Samsung SyncMaster P2370, and honestly, I am still looking as I type this. I have a difficult time taking my eyes off of pretty things. Now, as creepy as that sounds, I really can't be blamed for this.

I mean, it's not really my fault, is it? When the P2370 just stands around with its thin profile, glowing white On Screen Display array, and transparent glass neck, can it really blame me for staring? From my perspective, this is exactly what it wants me to do.

OK, I've just received an e-mail from our HR department. Apparently the monitor is starting to get uncomfortable with all the gawking. Looks like I have to go to a long meeting now.

OK, before this gets too weird (and I go too far with this little joke), I should just direct you to the full review. In it, I talk about more than just its gorgeous looks. Really, I do.

April 22, 2009 5:00 AM PDT

Monitors get the green treatment

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

The DEll G2410 impresses with its power efficiency and performance.

(Credit: CBS Interactive)

Earth Day brings with it many things: temporary environmental consciousness, plenty of green and white design motifs, and sometimes a new green-focused section of a Web site.

This year, the Web site in question is ours. Today CNET launches its new Green Electronics Guide. There you can check out our top green products, from cars to desktops, as well as power efficiency guides on laptops, desktops, TVs, and monitors.

In the monitor guide you'll see the power efficiency of 21 different monitors compared, and you'll discover ways to cut down on your current power consumption. Today also marks the launch of a new CNET rating, Power Saver. Check out how CNET tests monitors for power efficiency to see how a monitor can earn the Power Saver seal.

Not surprisingly, Dell's green-focused monitors, the 22-inch G2210 and the 24-inch G2410, easily earned the seal. As did the Lenovo ThinkVision 1940p, a 19-inch monitor, that, thanks mostly to its relatively low size and resolution, doesn't require much power to function.

The G2210 and the G2410 aren't just here to please all of us hybrid driving San Franciscans, either. They were actually two of the best overall performers we've yet seen, thanks in part to their LED backlights. The backlights allow the monitors to efficiently control the amount of light coming though their screens. This in turn gives the monitors a low black level, making movies, especially HD movies, look stellar. Check out the G2210 and the G2410 reviews to see what we thought overall.

April 10, 2009 5:10 AM PDT

A thing of beauty: Samsung's new 23-inch display

by Eric Franklin
  • Post a comment

(Credit: CBS Interactive)

The last time I saw the Samsung SyncMaster P2370 in the flesh was earlier this year at CES, right next to its brother, the P2370L. Our time apart has been far too long.

Today we finally received our P2370 review unit and aesthetically it's even more beautiful than I remember. The monitor is a 23-inch, 16:9 display with a 1,920x1,080-pixel native resolution. That's slightly disappointing considering the Dell SP2309W--also a 16:9, 23-incher--has a 2,048x1,152-pixel native resolution.

This thing is the very definition of slick and looks like it belongs in some snooty art gallery (that's a compliment). It has a transparent, glass neck that gives off this cool purplish glow. Unfortunately, DVI is the only connection option included, but the package comes with a DVI to VGA cable as well as a single-link DVI cable.

The DVI connection faces directly back and is encased in this small nook, making it a little difficult to plug in the DVI cable in at first. The only ergonomic option is a 25 degree tilt back; no height adjustment or rotation to be found.

The full panel measures at about 1-inch thick. This is quite thin compared with the Dell SP2309W that has a 2.5-inch thick panel. Unfortunately, the backlight is CCFL-based and we'll have to wait until June/July, according to Samsung, for the LED version, the aforementioned P2370L. Would you believe it has an even thinner panel? Well, it does. But, I guess this will have to tide me over until then.

According to Samsung, the P2370 has a 2ms response time and consumes 50 percent less power. Less power than what? Samsung doesn't say, but maybe, juuuust maybe, i'll have some confirmation on that in a couple weeks.

The Samsung SyncMaster p2370 is available now for $299. Look for a full review soon, but for now, check out the crude pictures below.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $239.99 - $398.00
View the latest prices for Samsung SyncMaster P2370

April 6, 2009 9:30 AM PDT

A second (more complete) look at the Nvidia 3D Vision Kit

by Eric Franklin
  • 1 comment

(Credit: CBS Interactive)

Last month, I did a first take on the Nvidia GeForce 3D Vision Kit. At the time, I'd only very briefly tested it and not at all thoroughly. Since then, thanks to help from Nvidia (new glasses, video card, and monitors) I've been able to move past the bugs mentioned in the first take.

This time, I did it big with an NVidia GeForce 280GTX, baby! Playing around with this card made me weep, as it's only $330, vs. the $600 ATI card I bought three years ago that's starting to disappoint me.

With the new card, there seemed to be only minor improvements to how well the 3D effect is handled. With Unreal Tournament 3, which seems to scale with hardware pretty well, the new card made for a smoother, more pleasant experience, but not a particularly more/better 3D one.

Right now, as far as PC LCD monitors go, there are two that allow you to take advantage of this technology: the Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ and the ViewSonic VX2265wm.

Both cost about $400, which is quite expensive for a 22-incher, seeing as how the Gateway HD2201 can be found for about $200. Still, when it works, the 3D effect enhances a game's immersiveness. I just feel the technology is a few years off from going mainstream.

If you watch the video after the jump, be aware that we cannot show what the 3D effect looks like on camera. Some of what you see in the video is Unreal Tournament 3 with the 3D effect turned on. You're seeing it as someone would if they didn't have on 3D glasses.

Find about whether the Nvidia GeForce 3D Vision kit is worth shelling out $200 bucks for by reading the full review at CNET Reviews.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $270.75 - $399.99
View the latest prices for Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ

On Sale Now: $232.94 - $299.00
View the latest prices for ViewSonic FuHzion VX2265wm

On Sale Now: $149.99 - $269.99
View the latest prices for Gateway HD2201

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