Samsung SM2232BW

Technical Details: 3000:1 Dynamic Contrast, 300cd/m2 brightness, 1680x1050 max res, 24-bit 16.7 million colours supported, d-sub/dvi input sockets, 2 ms response time, weighs 4.95 kg, WidthxHeightxDepth mm: 517 x 419 x 210 with stand attached.

Features: Ball Hinge Mechanism, High Glossy Black, HDCP, MagicBright 3.

Pros: The updated model comes with all the input sockets you need. There is the HD ready HDMI input for 1080p, DVI/VGA/Component Out. The picture quality is excellent, and does not suffer from an excessive amount of dead pixels, or extreme backlight bleeding (though there is a slight problem with this). The black gloss finish of the casing is also attractive and modern.

Cons: Earlier versions of this screen did not come with a HDMI socket, which is a must for people who have purchased the latest graphics card for their PC, or intend to use this monitor with an Xbox 360 or PS3. Therefore double check that the SM2232BW your buying is the updated version. There have been complaints that this monitor produces a slight backlight bleed issue. This can create a speckled effect for on-screen dark and black visuals. This screen has been advertised on some sites as wall mountable, but there appears to be no design feature included by Samsung to make this possible. There is also no DVI cable supplied, it only comes with a VGA cable. Further more it does not come with speakers, unlike some other Samsung monitors. Samsung recommend that you buy external speakers for all their monitors, if your planning to use them as a TV. Getting the screen onto the stand is also a tricky task, the manual is unclear and makes for a complicated and time consuming process.

Verdict: Those of you looking for a HDMI compatible monitor should double check the retailers specification, only updated versions of this screen will accept a 1080p connection. If you want to be 100% sure your buying a Samsung screen with HDMI then you should search for the SM2032 model. For under £200 the updated version of this monitor represents excellent value for the money. The size, resolution and picture quality are all top notch. There are a few niggles, but nothing to put off a perspective buyer.

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