Samsung 2220WM-HAS

High-resolution widescreen monitors are very hot right now. As with most computer trends, one will see a new technology start off expensive before growing into a less expensive and more mature product. LCDs have come a long way themselves; transitioning from an early-adopter, niche market due to poor viewing angles and high product costs into the de facto standard monitor for all new computer systems. Like any piece of hardware, many users aren't content with a single standard size and usually want something bigger, better, larger and more life-like or some such. Hence, large LCD monitors are becoming the new toys that many computer enthusiasts are picking up. As early as 3 years ago, a 20-22" monitor was going for $500 or more. During the interim, prices dropped dramatically. The price of a 22" widescreen monitor is on par with the price of a 17" LCD 3-4 years ago.

Much like the current generation of HDTVs coming out, widescreen is the new black. Any manufacturer worth its salt is shrugging off the standard 4:3 and 5:4 aspect ratios that had been in use since sound was introduced to film. However, most widescreen computer monitor LCD panels aren't maintaining 16:9 aspect ratios like their wide screen HDTV brethren. HDTVs typically utilize either 1366x768 or 1920x1080 resolutions which are either at or near 16:9 whereas LCD computer monitors are utilizing 16:10 aspect ratios with resolutions of 1280x800, 1440x900, 1680x1050 and 1920x1200.

The Samsung SyncMaster 2220WM-HAS is a product of everything mentioned above. Its 22" widescreen would have been very expensive only a few years ago, but now rests at around $300, making it a very affordable and mid-range monitor. Its wide screen has a resolution of 1680x1050. Though this is not capable of "full HD" and cannot be used to watch 1080p video at full resolution, it's still large enough to watch 720p video and shouldn't disappoint any but the most videophilic users. Despite being a TN (Twisted Nematic) screen, its viewing angle of 160 degrees maintains a bright and clear image at all but the most unwatchable angles.

The monitor features a bright screen, a 5ms response time, a reported 1000:1 contrast ratio, RGB/VGA and DVI connectors, speakers and a base with adjustable height and tilt. These specs should work for businesses, gamers, movie watchers and most users alike. Here at Benchmark Reviews, we'll provide the low down on how this monitor stacks up.

2220WM-HAS SyncMaster Contents

The computer is packaged in a large cardboard box with graphics printed on the sides and a plastic handle attached to the top for easy transportation. Inside, the monitor is packed in Styrofoam and wrapped in a plastic sheet. The package contains everything that is needed to get the monitor up and running immediately: The monitor itself, RGB/VGA D-Sub 15 cable, DVI-I cable, 1/8" miniplug stereo audio cable, instruction manuals, CD containing drivers and user guides and even a microfiber cloth. The monitor comes with the base attached, but it can be detached. The base uses a standard VESA bolt pattern for easy mounting with wall mounts.

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