Saturday, January 31, 2009

Samsung SyncMaster 2263DX - Gadget or Necessity

By Matt Ryan

Dual monitoring is a very efficient way for individuals to get their work done. Whatever you may use the two monitors for, it allows you to separate applications for your convenience and ease of use. This concept has been around for over a decade and manufacturers are just now coming up with solutions that provide the same efficiency in a more spacious design.

Samsung has released a dual monitor set that has a 22" monitor along with an attachable 7" monitor - the SyncMaster 2263DX. This is a great setup for those who like the concept of dual monitoring. It is especially beneficial for individuals whom have limited desk space, and cannot fit two full sized monitors on their desk. The 7" monitor is perfect for secondary applications like instant messaging, while the 22" monitor is ideal for running your standard applications.

These monitors, with their shiny black coating, and beveled edges, will add a bit of elegance to any setting. The 22" monitor has a response time of 5ms, contrast ration of 1000:1, and a resolution of 1680 x 1050. All of which is pretty standard for monitors today. To connect the 22" to your computer, you will need to connect not only via the DVI, HDMI, or VGA port, but with the USB 2.0 port as well.

The smaller monitor, expectedly, has a much lower resolution and contrast ration along with a slower response time. (Res: 800 x 480, Con: 400:1, RT: 30ms) For a secondary monitor that supports secondary applications, these numbers are definitely sufficient for productivity.

Through the use of a swivel arm, the smaller monitor is attached to the larger one on either the left or right side, or even on the top. The smaller unit is flexible in its position as users can rotate the unit to their desired position. The unit can also be manipulated to stay in either landscape or portrait layout.

The secondary 7-inch monitor can function as more than just an attachment to the 22-inch monitor. The smaller of the two can also be used as a standalone monitor or even a digital picture frame. This smaller monitor was also designed to be used as a secondary monitor for laptops - if desired.

The Samsung SyncMaster 2263DX offers telecommunications benefits as well as dual monitoring. There is a 3.0M webcam, 1.5W down firing speakers, and a microphone integrated directly into the larger monitor. It is the perfect set up for videoconferencing.

The SyncMaster 2263DX can usually be found for around $550. This is a bit pricey for a 22" monitor, most of which can be purchased for around $200. You could easily buy two 22" monitors for less than you could purchase the new 2263DX. However, the 2263DX offers spacious efficiency.

It all comes down to what is most important to you. If you are considering dual monitoring then you obviously, need a solution that will help you to work more productively. The big question is space and budget. If you are willing to spend the extra dough, for the latest technology, then this is a great buy. If space is not an issue and budget is, then waiting for the price to drop might be the best alternative (or purchase two separate monitors).

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