Samsung 215TW 21-inch monitor reviewed

We know you've been fretting the Vista-mandated upgrade to an HDCP monitor (haven't you?), but according to this review of Samsung's new 21-inch widescreen addition to the prolific Syncmaster series, the transition shouldn't be that tough. At 1680 x 1050, the resolution is average, even for smaller 20-inch models, but the expanded range of physical adjustability and a bevy of connection options, including DVI, D-SUB, component video and S-Video can at least make up for the expectedly terrible performance of the integrated speakers. Other specs, like an 8ms response time, PIP, 1,000:1 contrast ratio, 178-degree viewing angle and the MagicBright technology, which helps it adapt to any environment, push the 215TW to a slightly higher level --  and price point (£469.98) -- than the slew of other 21-inch LCDs out there.

[Galley @ Jun 27th 2006 11:19AM]

Seems very similar to my Gateway FPD2185W, but without the Faroudja chip, and integrated 4-port USB 2.0 hub. I paid $539.99 for the Gateway (speakers are optional).

[OSUKid7 @ Jun 27th 2006 11:25AM]

"1,680 x 1,050" not 1600x1050... guess Stan Horaczek doesn't use widescreen resolutions much.

[dirty6 @ Jun 28th 2006 1:09AM]

I have this monitor and it is suh-weet. I upgraded from a Dell digital 17 inch panel b/c I wanted a monitor that could do a better job doubling as a TV on my Media Center PC. The picture is great, though the images my Xbox throws onto it over component cables are less impressive than the images that the same Xbox pumps to a true HDTV. DVDs look really sharp on this monitor. The only thing I miss from my Dell 17in is the built-in 4 port USB hub. Oh well. I actually picked this up as a display model from CompUSA for a measly 410 bucks. Gotta love them deals.

[Kirill @ Jun 28th 2006 1:25AM]

I have this monitor.. and its awsome.. steam games run.. sweet with my dualie amd what can i say im happy i bought it.. o btw also comes in black color thats the one i have =)