Samsung SyncMaster 150MP

This LCD offers a television tuner, video-in, and picture-in-picture functionality.

WHAT'S HOT: Whether you prefer CNN or soap operas, this LCD takes a giant step toward convergence with its television tuner, video-in, and picture-in-picture (PIP) functions--the only monitor here to offer these features. You can switch between a television show, videotape or DVD, and a computer desktop. Housed in a metallic casing, the SyncMaster 150MP is more attractive than the putty-colored panels in our roundup.

WHAT'S NOT: The SyncMaster 150MP rendered icons and color graphics that looked a tad washed out in our tests. Text looked somewhat fuzzy on some test screens, which weren't uniformly bright and which displayed a reddish cast.

WHAT ELSE: The $1119 SyncMaster 150MP features integrated speakers and weighs 9.9 pounds, making it light even compared with other LCDs.

BEST USE: With its extra video functions, the SyncMaster 150MP would work well for financial analysts who want to keep one eye on the ticker, or for people in any profession who need to switch between desktop applications and other media.

SUMMARY

Samsung SyncMaster 150MP

15-inch screen, analog video board interface, 60-Hz refresh rate at 1024-by-768-pixel resolution, three-year warranty, (including the backlight), 24-hour daily tech support.

$1119
800/726-5864
www.samsungmonitor.com