Although most may view this review as a waste of time, for the mere fact that the monitor is approximately 5 years old, I feel that a product that has lasted this long deserves a solid pat on the back. Not only has the monitor performed flawlessly, but the quality of picture from new models of TFT active matrix has yet to surpass it.


Quality

To expand on the previous statement, one must understand what reference is being made to the word Quality, which is described as the degree of excellence or the actual essence of character. I have found that the quality of this particular model of monitor is unsurpassed as being the best monitor I have ever owned. When owning a monitor for over 5 consecutive years and having no problems with pixilation, burnout, or blur one must understand how great of an achievement that in actuality is. Furthermore most LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors have a high burnout rate, meaning the actual monitor will fail because of heat, humidity, dust, or normal wear & tear. Again the opposite is true with the SyncMaster 171v as the quality of the monitor remains operational after many years of constant use, abuse, and daily wear.


Clarity

Referring to the pictures quality known as Clarity has proved quite excellent, with clear crisp images that do not offend the eye. I can comfortably use this monitor for extended hours without worry of headaches, eyestrain, or blurry vision. Usage of this monitor over the years has been quite comfortable as the monitor is extremely clear in images for videos, gaming, and daily usage of writing/reading reviews.


Hardware/Software

Installation of the monitor could not have been easier as the software drivers we included on Compact Disk, and updates were available on Samsungs Website. Although the monitor itself was automatically detected by windows software, I still highly recommend installing the monitor’s driver to ensure that all features, modes, and picture will work correctly on your computer.

Including the ease of use, there are menu buttons for brightness, contrast, picture locations, and an auto button which automatically adjusts the screen to a near perfect display for games, reading, or just surfing the web. This auto display, fits the screen to a clear automatic picture, without the hassle of clicking needless buttons to center your picture on the screen. Fantastic!


Samsung SyncMaster171

Operating System Compatibility: Mac, PC, Unix
Connectors: 15pin D-sub: 1
Color: Black
Warranty: Service & support type 3 years


Display Features

Diagonal Screen Size: 17 in
Monitor Type: LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display)
Flat Panel: Flat Panel
Maximum Resolution: 1280 x 1024 Pixels
Dot Pitch: 0.264 Mm
Image Brightness: 250 cd/m2
Horizontal Frequency: 81 KHz
Vertical Frequency: 85 Hz
Color Resolution: 24-Bit
Contrast Ratio: 350:1
Max Horizontal Viewing Angle: 150 Degrees
Max Vertical Viewing Angle: 125 Degrees
Video Bandwidth: 135 MHz
Additional Features
VESA Mount: With VESA Mount
Power Consumption: 40 Watts

-The display (projector) technology is a TFT active matrix with ImageMax resolution of 1280 x 1024 Dot pitch 0.26 mm. Includes a Color support 24-bit (16.7 million colors) along with a Image brightness 250 Display (projector), image contrast ratio 400:1, and a Max vertical view angle 125 Max horizontal view angle 160 Max sync rate (V x H) 85 Hz x 81 KHz.


Dimensions

Height: 17.9 in
Depth: 8.2 in
Width: 17.4 in
Weight: 11.9 lbs

Lightweight, easy to move, and a space saver to boot. I have loved the design of the monitor since day one.


Samsung Warranty

Although my monitor has surpassed the manufactures warranty, it remains in working order, however it is always good to know where to turn with issues, problems, and questions.

Call Samsung a toll-free at (1-800-SAMSUNG) technical support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and an Advanced Replacement Program. Samsung has a website as well for driver updates, information, and technical support you may want to visit from time to time: www.samsung.com


Active Matrix Display

Is a technology used in by flat panel liquid crystal displays of laptop/notebook computers. Also know as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), Active Matrix displays provide a wider range of viewing angle along with a more responsive image than a dual scan (Passive Matrix) display.


Recommendation

When this particular monitor came out the going price was $499.99, luckily I received an employee discount & $150.00 rebate which brought the price to a easy $123.17, fortunately for the consumer today you can find the monitor online for about that price. I highly recommend this particular monitor as the quality, clarity, durability, and value has proved to be worth every penny. Furthermore usage of the monitor over the past 5 years has produced flawless results in picture quality along with no pixel burnout or loss of picture clarity. Luckily for the consumer I found several websites that still have this bad boy up for grabs and if I had to purchase another monitor today, I would buy the SyncMaster 171v.


Thanks for Reading, feel free to pick my brain on several other Computer Subjects or send me an email.

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NetGear WG311T 802.11g/b Wireless Adapter


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 123.17
Operating System: Windows