First of all, I mostly use my computer for word processing and spreadsheets. I like video games; but, high-speed graphics quality was not my main focus for a monitor purchase. If it was, I might have chosen something other than the 910t since there are others out there with a higher response rate.

After owning my 21" Dell Trinitron CRT for over 6 years, I decided it was time to take the plunge and get an LCD monitor. As a bargain hunter, my main focus was price; but, I also wanted a good quality monitor and one that was large enough to replace a 21" CRT.

My research revealed the Samsung 910t to be the best priced 19" LCD out there. With a $30 rebate, I got mine from TigerDirect for $399. Plus, Samsung has a good warranty.

The viewable area of this 19" LCD is almost equivalent to the viewable area on my old 21" CRT. That was important to me. Granted, I would have loved to get a 21" LCD; but, they are just too high-priced right now.

The pivot feature is especially helpful for working on Word documents. You can see much more of the page without scrolling which is great for editing long documents. Web surfing is more productive too.

The viewing angle is pretty good. I can still read text after rotating the screen about 45 degrees away from my face.

I was just a little disappointed that the MagicTune software that came with the monitor is not enabled for this model. The software eliminates the need to use the on screen display (OSD) interface to make monitor settings. Nevertheless, the built-in OSD is not that difficult to use once you know what the poorly marked keys at the bottom of the screen are for.

For the price, you can't go wrong. The pivot feature is what really got me interested. If you are deciding to purchase this monitor, here are a few tips that will make your experience a little better. BEFORE installing any of the software that came with the monitor:

1. First check the PivotPro website to be sure your graphics card is supported for pivot. Go to http://personalcomputing.portrait.com/us/products/pp_compatibility.html

2. If your graphics card is supported, go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.

3. Uninstall your old graphics card drivers and then install the new ones you just downloaded.

4. Now you are ready to install the monitor drivers and PivotPro software.

Now that my 21" CRT behemoth is on the auction block, I have much more desk space. LCD monitors are so much smaller (footprint) and easier on the eyes. I don't feel like I'm being bombarded by cathode rays now.

In the box, you get:
1. the monitor
2. 1 analog monitor cable
3. 1 digital monitor cable
4. 1 power cord
5. Driver and PivotPro software

So far, I'm very satisfied with my Samsung 910t. Despite its relatively slow 25ms response time, it's perfect for document editing. Gamers may choose to opt for the new Samsung 915n which has an 8ms response time. Read about the 915n here:
http://www.samsung.com/PressCenter/PressRelease/PressRelease.asp?seq=20050106_0000090595

In comparison to my old 21" Dell Trinitron CRT (ca 1998), the picture quality on the 910t is just as good. I have the 910t connected in analog mode and I have read elsewhere that the digital connection provides an even better picture.

One caveat however, while the picture quality may be good, the relatively slow response time of the 910t is not particularly suited to gaming applications. Another thing I've noticed is that when working on spreadsheets in portrait mode, some actions such as cutting and pasting cell contents, produce residual ghosting of the selected cells; however,the "ghosts" disappear when that area of the page is scrolled out of view and then back into view (i.e. refreshed). This may be resolved through a digital connection; but, I can't say for sure.

For gaming and video editing, the 910t may not be the best choice. For web browsing, word processing and spreadsheets, the 910t wins for price, quality and flexibility (pivot feature and space saving design).

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 399
Operating System: Windows