Review: Samsung Syncmaster Series and Dell XPS m1730: A Match Made in Heaven

I got my hands on one of the new Syncmaster LCD models to use with my m1730 and i would like to post my thoughts and findings on how it works.

My XPS specs

Penryn x9000 extreme duo @ 3.2
SLI 8800m GTX graphics
RAID 0 2x320 GB 5400RPM
4gb Ram (Kingston after market 800mhz)

My Syncmaster model

ToC T260HD 25.5 inch 1080p full HD monitor, the HD on the end also means this one comes with a built in digital TV tune4, 2 HDMI inputs and component cable inputs

The T260 has only DVI and Standard PC monitor input

Pricing- The T240HD runs about $480 on newegg, the T260HD about $600(Includes a Samsung 1 year limited warranty)

The non HD(no TV tuner/component/HDMI connections) models go for around $80-$100 less

Unpacking

Boxing- very well packed the box i received from newegg was beat up on the outside but pristine on the inside, no dead pixels simple to unpack and set up






The stand is easy to fit in tilts up and down and swivels nicely, HD versions also come with a remote that is pre programmed, meaning the batteries go in and out and it still connects to the TV(love that feature). Also includes software to optimize it for your computer and micro fiber cleaning cloth (similar to the XPS polish cloth) power cord, DVI and Standard PC monitor cables and a audio wire to transfer sound from your computer to the monitor.




Here are a few pictures of my setup and what the screen looks like, keep in mind this is the 25.5 inch version it comes in 24-25.5-28inch






Performance- The max resolution of this screen is 1920 by 1200 which matches its size nicely, things appear to be just the right size(text and icons) but also remain very sharp. It has a 5ms refresh rate(non HD has a 2-3ms refresh rate). When i move around in a game i see no blurring very functional as a monitor and TV. Tuner is excellent it scans your channels with the click of a menu button and sets it up for you.

The screen is very bright, 10000:1 contrast for the HD 20000:1 for the non HD. This can be a little excessive for desktop and games but simply putting the brightness down via the controls on the side can change that. I used the NVDIA control panel to change the brightness levels for more accuracy


Using the Quicktime HD gallery i testing to see how 1080p really looked on this monitor and it is fantastic, very clear pixels are very sharp and no tearing at all. This was consistent through all games that i have played as well, i have some pictures of COD4 on this monitor enjoy






Overall-

Cons.I only found a few things wrong with this monitor, the biggest issue that was not a huge one for me but might be for others is there is no wall mount that will work with this monitor, old fashioned desks are needed here, also the internal speakers are not that great but really thats not what you look for in this kind of product


Positives, there are a lot. Great image 160 view angle Horizontal and Vertical, The connections, TV tuner, touch-sensitive power button all work great. ON top of that when idle this thing only uses .3 watts. Fantastic value here, LCD screens have started to become affordable and Samsung is leading the way, which is no surprise since they led the way when LCD's first came out as well. Bottom line this is another quality Samsung product, well priced and looks great, its a great accessory to anyone who wants a beefed up display for their M1730 or any computer/laptop. I'm very happy i bought this and i hope this has helped anyone looking at displays for their computer.

Final Score 9.4/10 -.6 for No wall mount and bad speakers(For some the wall mount could make this score lower, to me its still a fantastic monitor and the lack of wall mount does not take away from that.)

 

Sweet! That looks pretty schmexay and like something I'll be looking into, as my 22" Acer kinda sucks.

 

Yea, this is better then any Plasma/LCD stand alone monitor ive seen, samsung is really one of the best companies for these products and they keep showing it with these perfect fit models

 

Don't close your M1730, it needs the keyboard space to help with heat dissipation.

 

^^^ umm not really. the keyboard in the 1730 is solid on the bottom. there is no venting through the keys...