I'll be completely honest. I am not the most educated person in the field of computers. In fact, I can hardly spit any numbers at you (other than maybe the monitor size, resolution and model number), so don't expect any jargon in this review. However, I DO know the difference between crisp definition and fuzzy, low picture quality, and in this epinion I will summarize what opted me to choose the Samsung SyncMaster 570V over several of the other flat panel monitors at my local CompUSA.


Nice Definition

There is a world of difference between the image quality of a standard television set and a computer monitor (which I guess accounts for the rather drastic price differences), and believe it or not there's actually an even larger gap between flat panel and standard monitors. his is something you have to see to believe, so if you still live in the stone age with something like the monitors that usually come in packages, I highly recommend that you visit your nearby computer outlet store and take a look for yourself. hen it comes to monitors, I think it is probably a good idea to stick to high quality units, since your eyesight is a very valuable thing to consider. I was surprised at how crisp the resolution of this monitor (compared to my old Compaq MV model) was, and my eyes have never been so relaxed at the computer.


Other Advantages

In addition to better picture quality, flat panel LCD monitors do not emit nearly as much radiation (if any), and it does not attract dust. I was able to get rid of my radiation shield (as well as the cactii that I left all around my old monitor, because someone once told me that they absorb radiation...), and the nuisance of having to clean the monitor as well as the front and back of the shield is no longer present. It's been 5 months since I last cleaned the surface, and that was only because someone with extreme allergies (and lack of manners) sneezed all over the screen (I know, that's disgusting).

The amount of space taken up is about one-third of a regular monitor (and about one half of a really thin regular monitor), and with your new ample space you can have room for speakers, CDs, or even a mug of coffee. This SyncMaster 570V in particular has great adjustability that can accomodate users of all heights. The easy-to-use picture adjustment buttons can be mastered by a 13-year-old in a minute (adults may take a bit longer), and if you ever get lost you can always resort to the auto-adjustment option.


Affordable? Worth it?

Yes and yes. While the average 15" flat panel monitor goes for about $450 nowadays (at my local CompUSA at least), this one in particular was $320. Online, I've seen it for as low as $280 with little effort in searching. Compared to its competition, the SyncMaster 570V delivers similar performance for about two-thirds of the price, a nice sum to save. The difference? Well, from an observer's point of view, the only major difference was the aesthetic appeal. Where many flat panel monitors came with silver plating or clear buttons or whatnot, the SyncMaster 570 looks rather plain (although it's far from ugly or outdated). Still, I could care less whether or not the monitor itself looked good. All I really wanted was for the picture to look good, and believe me, it does. I bought this monitor eight months ago for about $550, and to this day I have no regrets.


Recommendation

Overall I think that the Samsung SyncMaster 570V offers great quality for $300. If you have the money, go ahead and buy something bigger and better (the 17" version of this looks mighty good...), but for those who don't want to invest so much in the ever-changing world of computers, this is your monitor. S is for amsung and it's good enough for me. (Sorry for the super-corny ending but I couldn't resist. I won't do it again, I promise...)

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 280