Friday, January 30, 2009

Efficiency and Convenience in One - Samsung SyncMaster 2263DX

By Matt Ryan

The use of two monitors, known as dual monitoring, has been around for over a decade. The idea, behind having two monitors, is to allow individuals to accomplish their work in a more efficient productive manner. One of the downfalls is the amount of space that two decent sized monitors will take up on any given desk.

Samsung is known for their high quality and variety of monitors. They have recently added, to their already popular product line, a brand new concept - a dual monitor setup in one. This system consists of a 22-inch and 7-inch monitor that takes up the space of only one 22" unit. This new concept is to provide the same efficiency that two full sized monitors offer. The idea behind it is to use the 7-inch monitor for secondary applications like instant messaging, and the 22-inch monitor for your primary applications.

The larger monitor is the primary monitor. With a 1680 x 1050 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ration, and 5ms response time, this monitor is no different from a standard standalone unit. The one difference is that you must use a USB 2.0 port along with a DVI, HDMI, or VGA connection to connect the monitor to your computer.

The secondary monitor, 7-inch, was intentionally designed as such. With a resolution of 800 x 480, response time of 30ms, and contrast ratio of 400:1, this monitor is best used with smaller applications like instant messaging or video conferencing.

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.

For around $550 you can purchase one of these new SyncMaster 2263DXs. If you have priced monitors, you know that this is a bit of a steep price for a 22-inch monitor. You could easily pick up two separate full sized monitors for the same price.

The bottom line is whether you are looking for space saver technology or budget friendly answers. If you have the space, purchasing two monitors is obviously the way to go. If your desk space is slim, you may just have to spend the extra cash. If you are into toys, and just need to have the latest and greatest, the Samsung SyncMaster 2263DX is a must have. - 16039

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