Samsung SyncMaster 172X: LCD's monitors have become very popular in the computer marketplace these days. They are look sleek, cool, elegant and perfect for a small desk or a cramped office, LCD monitors can even be hung on your wall. I bought my first LCD monitor two years ago and it doubled my free desk space, which has been filled with more computer gadgets.

Unfortunately LCD monitors have long been plagued by poor response rates that aggravated the eyes and making them a chore to use. The after-image or ghost image made gaming or watching fast pace DVD movies impossible on some of the older LCD monitors but, LCD monitor technology has improved. Today's 26ms models still show a little ghost image during games. Samsung SyncMaster 172X, has pushing the envelope with an impressive 12ms response rate, grate for fast pace gaming.

The SyncMaster 172X by Samsung has a 12ms pixel response time; this would put this monitor in the top of the list of high performance monitors! This fast response monitor is grate for gamers and for watching action DVD movies. It features a narrow bezel slim design, no side speakers, with dual CPU inputs and a super fast response time (12ms).

The SyncMaster 172X LCD monitor came in a small box, at first I though they had delivered the wrong order. SyncMaster 172X monitor came well packed in a mass of styrofoam protection, and folds flat as to take little room. After I open the package I was happy to see that Samsung had provided me with everything I needed, cables and all. It came with both a DVI cable and regular old VGA cable, the power adaptor, a mounting plate (for wall installation) and the required screws, a user manual, and a CD with the drivers and software.

Updated 7/14/04: The Samsung SyncMaster 172X LCD monitor has become my favorite monitor, After two months of using the SyncMaster I can say it's running good and I can see the picture quality even more now. Samsung SyncMaster picture quality compared to my six months older LCD monitor is like night and day. Samsung plans to release a new 12Mms 19 LCD monitor this year, and I can't wait to get one.

 

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The following is included with this monitor;

- 1 VGA Cable
- 1 Power Cable
- 1 Power Brick
- 1 MagicTune Software CD/Driver CD
- Warranty Information & Quick Setup Guide
- Wall Mount Bracket & screws.

The SyncMaster 172X most noticeable visual characteristics is its small design: W 14.5" x H 14.3" x D 7.6", and weighs in at a about 11.lbs.

The specs are 17” viewable screen which has a pixel pitch of 0.264, with a viewing angle of 160/140, and a brightness level of 270 cd/m2. We find a max resolution of 1280x1024 and a max refresh rate of 75hz. The last spec which will be of interest to many of our readers is its 500:1 contrast ratio.

 

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The Specs

* Viewable Image Size: 17"
* Contrast Ratio: 500:1
* Brightness: 270 cd/m2
* Pixel Pitch (mm): 0.264
* Response: 12ms
* Colours Supported 16.2 Million
* Interface: Analog/Digital
* Max/Native Resolution: 1280 x 1024
* Viewing Angle (H/V): 160/140
* Power On/Working (Watts) 40
* Dimensions: (WxHxD): 14.5" x 14.3" x 7.6"
* Wall Mount: VESA®: 75mm
* Available Color(s): Silver
* Special Features: Ultra Narrow Bezel, dual CPU input, dual hinge, fast response time, MagicTuneTM, MagicBrightTM
* Warranty Parts 3 / Labor 3 / Backlight 3 (yrs)

 

The setting up of the SyncMaster 172x was very EZ. I just had to plugged in the power brick and the power cord, connected the Syncmaster to my PC video card and then installed an updated driver. If you decide to use of the included Wall mount kit, this would take more time.

As you can see from the pictures, the 172X is very flexible . The dual hinges gives you a great deal of adjustability. This will allow you to find the best viewing angle for your comfort. You may also adjust the height of the monitor, reducing the neck strain.

Along the bottom - front of the bezel you will find the buttons for (Left-Right) Auto – Exit – Menu – Power – (-/+) - Magic Bright. Most of these should be self explanatory.

 

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Auto: Automatically adjusts your screen to auto-fit properly. +/-: Used for adjusting brightness quickly and used when in the OSD.

Magic Bright: This is a good feature Samsung’s used on a few of their LCD’s monitors. This allows the user to choose between 4 pre defined brightness levels (User Defined, Text (darkest), Internet (bright), Entertainment (Brightest)

MagicTuneTM Software: SyncMaster 172X software package. It's a program called MagicTuneTM, it's basically a Windows application that allows you to control all the settings of the Samsung monitor on your system. The MagicTuneTM program also giving you wizards and assistants that help you fully calibrate you monitor.

 

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The SyncMaster 172X color uniformity was perfect!, there was no variations in the intensity of the primary colors, text was sharp and clear. The SyncMaster 172X had no dead pixels that I could find after three weeks. I though I had found one dead pixel but, it was just a spot of cola that I cleaned off. The black was very close to black, there is no leakage or intensity variation from the back light, producing a uniform black display and further enhancing color uniformity.

 

The Good!

* Stylish and small
* 12ms pixel response
* Dual CPU inputs
* Incredibly adjustable
* Good software package, Innovative MagicTuneTM program
* Super desktop performance
* Samsung build quality through
* 3 years parts and labor

 

Manufacturer: Samsung Electronics
Samsung SyncMaster 172x - 17 inch LCD
Price: $590. to $690.
Date: April 27, 2004

Samsung SyncMaster 172X at Amazon.com $505. + free shipping!