Samsung 226BW (Black) LCD Monitor Review

When purchasing my computer, I decided against buying a package with an included monitor because I'm exceptionally picky about my monitors. After my computer arrived however, I noticed how startlingly inexpensive new flat panel monitors were, so I decided to purchase a widescreen monitor for my computer. I chose the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW 22" widescreen flat panel monitor because it was reasonably priced at just $319 (or $299 after $20 mail in rebate) and because review after review noted its clarity, its high contrast ratio, and the quality of the product. I had a regular aspect Samsung SyncMaster 19" LCD monitor, and I was very happy with it, so I expected to be really pleased with my new purchase.

About the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW
The SyncMaster 226BW has both digital and analog inputs, and works with all major operating systems including Vista. It's also an Energy Star certified monitor. The specs for the monitor are below:

Screen size: 22" widescreen
Display type: WSXGA
Recommended resolution: 1680 x 1050
Viewing angle: 160 degrees both horizontally and vertically
Brightnest: 300 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: 700:1 (DC 3000:1)
Response time: 2 ms (GTG)
Dimensions: 20.3" wide x 16.6" high by 8.6" deep
Weight: 10.8 lbs

Setup and Installation
My monitor arrived in an easy to carry flat box. I brought it up to my office, and within five minutes had pulled the components out and assembled them. The monitor base screws on very easily, and a removable back panel hides the cords, and comes off and on very easy. I placed the monitor on my desktop, hooked it up to my computer and powered it on. Within moments the screen flickered to life and I had everything set up. I installed the Samsung driver software for my monitor in Windows Vista and soon I was able to tune my display to the recommended 1680 x 1050 pixels. Suddenly I had real estate to spare on my desktop!

I was also really excited to see that I seemed to have no dead pixels whatsoever on my monitor. My older Samsung had one dead pixel, so I wasn't sure what to expect with my newer one. My worst fears of multiple dead pixels weren't realized at all.

Using the Monitor
Multitasking is a pleasure with this monitor, but I almost find that the screen is too big. I have found that using the entire monitor for a single application results in a craned neck as I look up and to the sides every few seconds. For that reason, I try to keep my windows down in size, and drag them to the center of the monitor. I keep lesser used windows open on the sides and top of the monitor, so I don't have to crane my neck when focusing on my main activity.

The screen is a matte finish which is really helpful for me and reduces eyestrain considerably. My monitor is situated so that a window is directly behindme, and I wouldn't be able to focus on the screen if there were any glare from the window whatsoever. The monitor absorbs ambient light so that there are zero reflections on the surface.

Cat's Bottom Line
I think I may have reached the pinnacle of monitors with this 22" behemoth LCD. I just don't see how I can use anything that's got more space on it in the future. (I'm sure I'll eat those words one day.) I love this monitor, and at right around $300 it's a bargain. I highly recommend the Samsung SyncMaster 226BW to anyone looking for a widescreen monitor at a reasonable price.

Website: http://www.samsung.com
Warranty: Parts & Labor for 3 years
Support Number: 800-726-7864