Samsung SyncMaster 216BW 21.6-inch LCD Monitor

List Price: $274.99

Features:

• Ultra-fast response time of 5ms
• DC 3000:1 contrast ratio
• 0.276mm pixel pitch
• 1680 x 1050 maximum resolution
• Scanning frequency of 30-81 kHz horizontal and 56-75 Hz vertical

Customer Reviews:

Best in class [Posted on 2008-03-16]
Quite simply, this is an excellent monitor for the price. I purchased similarly-priced monitors just prior to the 216bw (an Acer and a Viewsonic), and this monitor outshined the two in every way.

Visually, the default brightness is high, sure, but it takes a second to lower it (I went down to 20). I just calibrated to match my monitor at the office (I do graphic design), and while I didn't expect it to look quite as nice as the Apple 23" cinema at work, it comes pretty close. It's half the price of the Apple 20", so I can't complain.

Oh, and the build quality is excellent. Looks very high-end. I would much rather have this in my living room than the budget Acer monitor.

Upgraded from the VX922, and I'm amazed [Posted on 2008-03-19]
I searched like crazy before settling on a monitor to buy. I compared opinions of various screens on forums, on websites, read tons of reviews, and just had the hardest time deciding which model was the best, and why. I started with 20" screens, but realized that 22" wasn't that much more expensive. As I searched for 22" models, I came across numerous reviews that said that the Samsung 226bw was the best of the best in 22" monitors for it's price point. Then I came across the 216bw (1" smaller... 21.6" verses 22.6") which was cheaper, and seemingly the same. The only difference that stuck out to me was the greater response time (5 compared to 2).

Coming from a Viewsonic VX922 (19" lcd with 2ms response time), I knew I was going to be hard pressed to find something that matched the VX922's aggressive performance for gaming, as well as it's impressive display capabilities for just over all use. I thought getting a new screen (I wanted it for size purposes) was going to be a downgrade for performance because most forums users were telling people still to look for VX922s.

In the end, I went with the 216bw, knowing that my eyes probably wouldn't be able to see much of a difference between 2ms and 5ms.

Well, I have been using this screen for several days now, and I don't regret my decision at all. The 216bw isn't just bigger than the vx922, its more colorful, and more beautiful in its display of images and text. I have been able to see no difference in response times with the 3ms difference between the VX922 and the 216BW.

If you're looking for a good sized monitor with a brilliant display capability, this is it. If you think that the extra inch is going to be better for you, keep in mind that though you'd be gaining an inch, you're not gaining anything as far as resolution. This means that for an inch larger, you're getting the same resolution, theoretically creating a more grainy picture.

Just as a piece of information, I didn't bother using the MagicTune software that came with the monitor on my Vista machine. Out of the box the monitor did need some tuning as far as color profiles (if you want warmer colors, make sure to switch your color tone to warm). Switching to warm removes the overall blue tone that the monitor seems to have first turned on. After some tweaking the colors are just outstanding.

I primarily use the monitor to extend from my Macbook through DVI, and in OS X I used the color calibrator to get everything looking nice and clean, and not overly bright. So, if you're a Mac user and you're afraid you'll be missing out on having the special software installed, don't worry, Apple's colorsync will work just fine for you.

After much time spent researching, this is one happy customer.

Check your video card before buying [Posted on 2008-03-20]
I have a Samsung 225 at work and my boss has THREE 226s. They work great. The 216 is noticeably less sharp than those or my old Viewsonic 19" LCD it is replacing. I think the issue may be the video card in my 3 year-old Dell, which doesn't support the 1680 x 1050 native resolution of this monitor. I hope when I install a new card the monitor will be as good as those at work. If you're considering buying this monitor be sure your video card will support 1680 x 1050. It does NOT look good at some other resolutions. I'll update this review after I get a new card.

We love it... [Posted on 2008-03-21]
The TV is everything we were hoping for. The only possible flaw is the volume is slow when adjusting it but that is certainly something we can live with. I would recommend it highly.

great buy. [Posted on 2008-06-21]
sharp. glossy. brilliant. looks very nice out of the box without me having to adjust settings and use included software. fairly affordable. dual DVI / VGA output. stylish design (although the base can be improved.)

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