SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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this is just fine.
( btw. I am not a gamer...and apparently big screens are key for gaming....)

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

...

this is just fine.

( btw. I am not a gamer...and apparently big screens are key for gaming....)

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

...

this is just fine.


( btw. I am not a gamer...and apparently big screens are key for gaming....)

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

...

this is just fine.



( btw. I am not a gamer...and apparently big screens are key for gaming....)

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

...

this is just fine.




( btw. I am not a gamer...and apparently big screens are key for gaming....)

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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at most angles, the crispest view is in a very narrow viewing angle.

I have my 225BW sitting next to the newer Samsung 226BW 22-Inch Digital/Analog Widescreen LCD Monitor (Black). By comparison, the 226BW has a much broader top-to-bottom viewing angle, although it also looks fuzzy if you stand in front of the LCD at desk-height and look down at the display. The 226BW is much brighter and cleaner looking, without much backlight bleed-through. However, the 226BW doesn't have an adjustable neck, and surrounding bevel is much thicker, making the whole monitor larger. The 226BW's bright blue power light may also be a distraction during DVD viewing.

The 225BW works well and is relatively cheap for 22" brand-name displays, so I still give this LCD 4 stars and recommend it for its price, Samsung reliability, and adjustable neck. But the backlight bleed-through and relatively poor contrast ratio suggest the newer Samsung 226BW 22-Inch Digital/Analog Widescreen LCD Monitor (Black) as an alternative if you don't need the adjustable neck.

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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that working on a widescreen monitor could be such a pleasure. Sure, at times I like to have the portability of my MacBook (like--especially in front of the TV while I lay on the floor or couch:-)) Of course, it is a necessity for traveling, too. Now I can work with my MacBook wherever I want to, and I have a super desktop without actually having to buy another desktop computer.

I would recommend this monitor for any Mac person out there!

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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artists and other professionals, you will want to invest in something better, like an Eiso or a better Samsung with a PVA screen. Unfortunately, a better monitor will cost double or triple the price of this one, so this is a good value for a budget-minded purchaser.

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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for a great 22-inch LCD. I also had to upgrade my old Nvidia GeForce4 card to a Xfx GeForce 7600GS 512MB because the old graphics card did not support the monitor's native 1680x1050 resolution, which added $156 to the total purchase, but the cost was well worth it - this extends the lifespan of my 4 year old PC and I do not ogle as much the newer computers with even faster graphics cards. For best results, you need to have a graphics card and updated driver that supports the 225BW's native 1680x1050 resolution and run it using the DVI digital output. Even though the 225BW is called a "SyncMaster", it does not really have the same adaptability as the multi-sync CRT monitors for matching clarity at various resolutions.

In regards to the much-discussed backlighting, I only notice a slight bit of backlight along the bottom edge of the screen when I fully turn the brightness up to the maximum setting of '100'; no detectable backlight shows up on the top, left, or right edges of the screen, even if I adjust the brightness to the maximum '100'. And this is with a solid black background that I always use for my desktop, along with a plain black screensaver. I get the impression that how much backlight you have may depend somewhat on chance, as it seems to vary from monitor to monitor. When I first turned on the monitor, it was extremely bright. After I first tried out all of their preset brightness/contrast settings (the "Text" setting was my favorite preset, but it was still a bit too bright for my taste), I ended up setting my own custom settings to a very low Brightness of '7' (at night in a darkened room) or '10' to '15' (during the day with subdued natural lighting) with a Contrast setting of '70' - I adjusted my Brightness/Contrast mainly for text clarity and its appearance matched what I was used to on the previous CRT monitor. With these settings, the backlight along the bottom edge was only barely noticeable, and I would have to minimize all windows to just leave the solid black background of my desktop and purposely stare at the bottom edge for a few seconds before it was visible.

The viewing angle is quite narrow. It is totally sufficient for me sitting centered in front of the monitor, but anyone else sitting or standing next to me would see some degree of yellow and blue color bleeding into the far side of the screen.

And not a single bad/dead/stuck pixel to be found. Movies and DVDs play clearly, and with the upgraded graphics card, the 3D rendering on games is great and responsive without any shadowing effects. Overall, I am very impressed with the quality of the monitor. My box had a barcode sticker on it that said "Made in China". Kudos to Samsung's quality control.

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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newer model seemed to have a slightly darker black level, but even that was difficult to say for sure because adjustments could take that difference away given a bit more time messing with it. One thing was certain the 226BW (C model) did have back light leaking just as bad as this model on the perimeter, which is to say that it was hardly any at all. The newer model did NOT have any additional viewing angle despite the specifications to the contrary. In all other aspects the two screens are almost indistinguishable, except, of course, the stand which is much, much better in the 225BW (and the 225BW is $50 cheaper at the writing).

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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newer model seemed to have a slightly darker black level, but even that was difficult to say for sure because adjustments could take that difference away given a bit more time messing with it. One thing was certain the 226BW (C model) did have back light leaking just as bad as this model on the perimeter, which is to say that it was hardly any at all. The newer model did NOT have any additional viewing angle despite the specifications to the contrary. In all other aspects the two screens are almost indistinguishable, except, of course, the stand which is much, much better in the 225BW (and the 225BW is $50 cheaper at the writing).

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

...

newer model seemed to have a slightly darker black level, but even that was difficult to say for sure because adjustments could take that difference away given a bit more time messing with it. One thing was certain the 226BW (C model) did have back light leaking just as bad as this model on the perimeter, which is to say that it was hardly any at all. The newer model did NOT have any additional viewing angle despite the specifications to the contrary. In all other aspects the two screens are almost indistinguishable, except, of course, the stand which is much, much better in the 225BW (and the 225BW is $50 cheaper at the writing).

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

...

newer model seemed to have a slightly darker black level, but even that was difficult to say for sure because adjustments could take that difference away given a bit more time messing with it. One thing was certain the 226BW (C model) did have back light leaking just as bad as this model on the perimeter, which is to say that it was hardly any at all. The newer model did NOT have any additional viewing angle despite the specifications to the contrary. In all other aspects the two screens are almost indistinguishable, except, of course, the stand which is much, much better in the 225BW (and the 225BW is $50 cheaper at the writing).

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

...

newer model seemed to have a slightly darker black level, but even that was difficult to say for sure because adjustments could take that difference away given a bit more time messing with it. One thing was certain the 226BW (C model) did have back light leaking just as bad as this model on the perimeter, which is to say that it was hardly any at all. The newer model did NOT have any additional viewing angle despite the specifications to the contrary. In all other aspects the two screens are almost indistinguishable, except, of course, the stand which is much, much better in the 225BW (and the 225BW is $50 cheaper at the writing).

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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spreadsheets aren't going to present the opportunities to complain about the subtle color differences and gradient banding. If you are a graphics pro, gamer with good eyes, etc., then go for a panel with S-IPS technology. PVA panels also work, with accurate colors and great contrast ratios, but they have slower response rates. In general, S-IPS and PVA are also noticeably more expensive than TNs.


Banding

Even though there are a lot of TN panels out there, they all have different banding levels. The Samsung 225BW performs very well, with minimal banding. On VGA, there is barely noticeable banding, but the monitor works a lot better on DVI input: banding is barely noticeable. I literally have to put my face to the monitor to find it.


Backlight Bleeding

This is a general problem on the 22 inch TN panels. There is backlight bleeding on the top and bottom, but it's not too bad, and only noticeable if you make the screen entirely black. Usually, your taskbar covers the bottom, and an open application will cover the the entire screen, not to mention the top of the screen. But if it bothers you, then the bleeding IS there, and noticeable on a black screen.


Response Time

Response time on all TN panels will be lower, as that is a feature of the technology. However, the 5ms is measured grey-to-grey. The response times between black and white are unlisted. Generally, they are higher. Overall, the Samsung 225BW performs pretty well in gaming and movie tests.


Stand Construction

One of the main reasons you would buy a Samsung is 1) Better Quality Control and 2) Stand Construction. The stand looks durable, unlike many of the flimsy/cheap looking stands out there. This stand pivots, twists, and has height adjustment. All that it is lacking is portrait/landscape rotation.


Connectivity

Has VGA and DVI. Simply said, DVI looks better than VGA, and eliminates much of the banding, color image quality issues, and flickering text (on black background) that are present in VGA connection. If you don't have DVI already, that usually means getting a dock/port replicator for a laptop, and probably a new video card for a desktop.


On Board Controls + Brightness + Contrast + More

I notice that many readers complain about brightness - not just in this monitor - but in many other monitors. Contrast is also related to this. I noticed that the older population generally wants a panel that's less dim. For example, I noticed that on the HP f2105 reviews, many people said that the default was brightness was too high, though I thought it was perfect. The hard button settings work as they should; I generally don't bother going through the settings, and most people won't need to. Brightness is adequate; contrast is very good; on the contrast scale of 0 to 255, even blacks at level 1 are noticeable on a pitch black background.


Resolution:

Text is clear and crisp; no fuzzy areas. My monitor came without any dead or stuck pixels, which I partially attribute to Samsung's better quality control (though it's not perfect). Much better than lesser-known brands, for sure. Also, I recommend buying the monitor from Amazon because there's no fee to restock, as other stores have. 15% is a pretty big cut for a restocking fee. Also, other stores have dead pixel policies that generally allows for 5-8 dead pixels. Personally, one dead pixel bothers me. I couldn't imagine trying to live with 8! Amazon is great for this because they don't seem to have a dead pixel policy. The customer service representatives I've spoken to don't even know what dead pixels are! (Sorry, Amazon CSRs). Thus, monitors with even 1 stuck pixel can be exchanged as defective, as they really are.


Other Options:

A 20" LCD. They have the same 1680x1050 resolution as this 22", which means you won't be seeing any more on the bigger monitor - it'll just look bigger. The advantage of 20" monitors are that they are cheaper. Examples of good 20" LCDs are the Viewsonic VX2025wm and the Samsung 204BW/205BW. The HP f2105 is a good 21" monitor for a decent price. It has either a PVA or S-PVA screen, which looks a lot better: no backlight bleeding, full 8-bit color. Expect to spend around $250 for a 20", and $300-400 for a 22"

A 23"+ LCD. In contrast, 23" and larger LCDs have higher resolution (1920x1200), but are more expensive. They are a lot more beautiful though. =) Examples of good 1920x1200 monitors are the Dell 2407WFP, the Apple 23" Cinema Display, the Samsung 244T, and the BenQ FP241W. Expect to spend $650+ for a 23-24". There are also 26" and 27" monitors out there with this same resolution. They are a bit more expensive.

A 30" LCD! The Apple 30" Cinema Display (expensive), and the Dell 3007WFP (cheaper but still pretty good) are simply amazing. Be warned that you'll need dual-link DVI. They run at 2550x1600 resolution though, which is amazing. Price? Anywhere from $1200-$2000.

And of course, another 22" LCD. The Viewsonic VX2235wm, the Viewsonic VG2230wm, the Acer AL2216WBD, and the Acer AL2223WBD are decent 22" LCDs for around $300.

OLED panels. Displayed by Sony at CES 2007, these panels are amazingly beautiful, have contrast ratios a thousand times higher than LCD monitors, and are amazingly thin. No word on pricing or availability at the time of this review.

Feel free to comment on this review if you find incorrect information, have comments, questions, etc. By no means do I guarantee the perfect accuracy of my information. Keep in mind that panels vary in construction; your 225BW might be better or worse than mine. Also, monitor companies do change panel manufacturers; so you panel purchased a year ago or a year later may have different specs from mine. Example, the Dell 1907WFP switched to TN panels in late 2006 (unfortunately).

Good luck monitor shopping!

SyncMaster 225BW 22" Widescreen LCD Computer Display - DVI+D/VGA (Black)

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spreadsheets aren't going to present the opportunities to complain about the subtle color differences and gradient banding. If you are a graphics pro, gamer with good eyes, etc., then go for a panel with S-IPS technology. PVA panels also work, with accurate colors and great contrast ratios, but they have slower response rates. In general, S-IPS and PVA are also noticeably more expensive than TNs.





Banding



Even though there are a lot of TN panels out there, they all have different banding levels. The Samsung 225BW performs very well, with minimal banding. On VGA, there is barely noticeable banding, but the monitor works a lot better on DVI input: banding is barely noticeable. I literally have to put my face to the monitor to find it.





Backlight Bleeding



This is a general problem on the 22 inch TN panels. There is backlight bleeding on the top and bottom, but it's not too bad, and only noticeable if you make the screen entirely black. Usually, your taskbar covers the bottom, and an open application will cover the the entire screen, not to mention the top of the screen. But if it bothers you, then the bleeding IS there, and noticeable on a black screen.





Response Time



Response time on all TN panels will be lower, as that is a feature of the technology. However, the 5ms is measured grey-to-grey. The response times between black and white are unlisted. Generally, they are higher. Overall, the Samsung 225BW performs pretty well in gaming and movie tests.





Stand Construction



One of the main reasons you would buy a Samsung is 1) Better Quality Control and 2) Stand Construction. The stand looks durable, unlike many of the flimsy/cheap looking stands out there. This stand pivots, twists, and has height adjustment. All that it is lacking is portrait/landscape rotation.





Connectivity



Has VGA and DVI. Simply said, DVI looks better than VGA, and eliminates much of the banding, color image quality issues, and flickering text (on black background) that are present in VGA connection. If you don't have DVI already, that usually means getting a dock/port replicator for a laptop, and probably a new video card for a desktop.





On Board Controls + Brightness + Contrast + More



I notice that many readers complain about brightness - not just in this monitor - but in many other monitors. Contrast is also related to this. I noticed that the older population generally wants a panel that's less dim. For example, I noticed that on the HP f2105 reviews, many people said that the default was brightness was too high, though I thought it was perfect. The hard button settings work as they should; I generally don't bother going through the settings, and most people won't need to. Brightness is adequate; contrast is very good; on the contrast scale of 0 to 255, even blacks at level 1 are noticeable on a pitch black background.





Resolution:



Text is clear and crisp; no fuzzy areas. My monitor came without any dead or stuck pixels, which I partially attribute to Samsung's better quality control (though it's not perfect). Much better than lesser-known brands, for sure. Also, I recommend buying the monitor from Amazon because there's no fee to restock, as other stores have. 15% is a pretty big cut for a restocking fee. Also, other stores have dead pixel policies that generally allows for 5-8 dead pixels. Personally, one dead pixel bothers me. I couldn't imagine trying to live with 8! Amazon is great for this because they don't seem to have a dead pixel policy. The customer service representatives I've spoken to don't even know what dead pixels are! (Sorry, Amazon CSRs). Thus, monitors with even 1 stuck pixel can be exchanged as defective, as they really are.





Other Options:



A 20" LCD. They have the same 1680x1050 resolution as this 22", which means you won't be seeing any more on the bigger monitor - it'll just look bigger. The advantage of 20" monitors are that they are cheaper. Examples of good 20" LCDs are the Viewsonic VX2025wm and the Samsung 204BW/205BW. The HP f2105 is a good 21" monitor for a decent price. It has either a PVA or S-PVA screen, which looks a lot better: no backlight bleeding, full 8-bit color. Expect to spend around $250 for a 20", and $300-400 for a 22"



A 23"+ LCD. In contrast, 23" and larger LCDs have higher resolution (1920x1200), but are more expensive. They are a lot more beautiful though. =) Examples of good 1920x1200 monitors are the Dell 2407WFP, the Apple 23" Cinema Display, the Samsung 244T, and the BenQ FP241W. Expect to spend $650+ for a 23-24". There are also 26" and 27" monitors out there with this same resolution. They are a bit more expensive.



A 30" LCD! The Apple 30" Cinema Display (expensive), and the Dell 3007WFP (cheaper but still pretty good) are simply amazing. Be warned that you'll need dual-link DVI. They run at 2550x1600 resolution though, which is amazing. Price? Anywhere from $1200-$2000.



And of course, another 22" LCD. The Viewsonic VX2235wm, the Viewsonic VG2230wm, the Acer AL2216WBD, and the Acer AL2223WBD are decent 22" LCDs for around $300.



OLED panels. Displayed by Sony at CES 2007, these panels are amazingly beautiful, have contrast ratios a thousand times higher than LCD monitors, and are amazingly thin. No word on pricing or availability at the time of this review.



Feel free to comment on this review if you find incorrect information, have comments, questions, etc. By no means do I guarantee the perfect accuracy of my information. Keep in mind that panels vary in construction; your 225BW might be better or worse than mine. Also, monitor companies do change panel manufacturers; so you panel purchased a year ago or a year later may have different specs from mine. Example, the Dell 1907WFP switched to TN panels in late 2006 (unfortunately).



Good luck monitor shopping!