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Product:
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Samsung SyncMaster 173P TFT-LCD Monitor |
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Price:
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$860 (CAN) / $630 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Samsung Canada
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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June 12th, 2004
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The SyncMaster 173P TFT-LCD comes bundled with a simplistic set of control features that promote Samsung's
slim and simple approach to marketing this product. While a majority of the Samsung TFT-LCD monitors
reviewed on MTB have included monitor adjustment buttons; the 173P includes only one touch sensitive
power button. The 173P will auto adjust monitor settings which includes contrast as well as horizontal
and vertical positioning. In order to adjust any of the monitoring settings requires the installation
of the application software which was bundled with the CD. I found this approach a step backward in the
evolution of SyncMaster product line. I prefer to have all controls up front where I can easily adjust
any of my settings with ease. With this approach, consumers are forced to install the bundled software
which could be detrimental to PC's which are short on free system resources.
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Click image for larger view
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Pivot Pro taskbar application
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As previously mentioned, Samsung has bundled the three different applications to replace the OSD Menu
and the Magic Bright feature. MagicTune v2.0 is essentially the software equivalent of the OSD Menu
allowing you to customize your monitor settings from your desktop. An easy to use wizard guides you
through the menu options where you can make the necessary adjustments for your own personal preference.
The Pivot Pro software is very easy to use and a complete installation should take less than 10 minutes.
Once the application is installed it will reside in the bottom right hand corner of the taskbar. Consumers
can activate the menu options with a simple click of the left mouse button. The menu provides selectable
options for adjusting the rotate position of the monitor screen. Consumers who own NVIDIA and ATI based
video cards will be pleased to know that this functionality is also built into the driver software.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Samsung SyncMaster 173P TFT-LCD Monitor was run through a series of applications at different
resolutions ranging from 2D and 3D programs, DVD's, and games. Overall performance was good when connected
to an Albatron Gigi FX5900XTV 128MB Video Card and an ATI Radeon 9700 Pro with minor ghosting issues
noted. The contract and sharpness options in the Natural Tune software allow you to get a clear detailed
desktop thanks to the high 700:1 contrast ratio. The highlight of the the entire Samsung SyncMaster 173P
TFT-LCD Monitor is the ability to pivot the monitor display a full 90° degrees. In portrait mode, you
get a full view of any web page or document but have to scroll left or right to see the full context of
the page.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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DVD playback using CyberLink PowerDVD was exceptionally smooth while watching a few scenes from one of
my favourite movies "Starship Troopers". I set the max resolution of 1280 x 1024 and played a few rounds
of Painkiller on both the Albatron Gigi FX5900XTV 128MB Video Card and the ATI Radeon 9700 Pro. Consumers
will be pleased with the 17" viewable area which makes multimedia applications a pleasure to use. The
gaming experience is a little different and the overall imagine quality was fair.
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Conclusion:
The Samsung SyncMaster 173P TFT-LCD Monitor can certainly be classified as a product that has been designed
for ease of use. By removing the external monitor adjustment options, the only requirement to get this
product working is to attach the cables and turn it on. Consumers will appreciate the ability to physically
switch between portrait and landscape modes when viewing documents or web pages. The bundled application
software works as advertised but forces the installation of each program if you wish to fine tune your
monitor settings. As previously mentioned I personally find this a step backwards for the product line
and would prefer if future revisions went back to the original configuration of including the external
options. Finally, the SyncMaster 173P TFT-LCD Monitor includes an easy to use retractable base and that
be wall mounted using the bundled VESA kit. Overall display quality was good and I'm awarding this
product a final rating of 8 out of 10. I
would recommmend the 173P to those consumers who also want to balance ease of use with productivity. If
you have any questions regarding this review be sure to visit the Samsung Canada
website for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Good picture quality and sharp display
- Dual monitor support
- Three year warranty
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Adjustable stand and excellent pivot features
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Cons:
- No external monitor adjustment controls
- Monitor adjustment software controlled
- Price
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