Samsung SyncMaster 191T 19

WHAT'S HOT: The $950 SyncMaster 191T definitely presents the best balance of performance, features, and price. It pleased our picky judges with its impressive rendering of both text and graphics. In addition to displaying fine letters and luscious colors, Samsung's patterned vertical alignment (PVA) pixel technology yielded the best horizontal viewing angle that we measured among the monitors we reviewed this month, coming in at 167 degrees.

With its thin silver bezel, the 191T can make any desktop look snazzy. You can adjust the monitor's height, swivel it left and right, and even pivot the screen 90 degrees to read long documents or Web pages easily.

Support policies are commendable, with a three-year warranty and 24-hour telephone tech support available seven days a week.

WHAT'S NOT: Samsung's swivel base could use an overhaul. The 191T uses a Lazy Susan-like device that makes the whole base swivel, instead of just the upper part of the monitor. The unit's well-organized manual comes only on a CD--it lacks a printed copy.

If you use the monitor in portrait orientation, be sure to update the included pivoting software to the latest version. The older software that shipped with our review unit caused instability on our Windows XP test system.

WHAT ELSE: An elegant on-screen display menu is accompanied by well-labeled buttons on the bezel. Separate Menu and Exit buttons make changing your monitor settings a breeze. The slender panel and base don't leave room for extra features like a USB hub or integrated speakers.

UPSHOT: Like a fine European car, the Samsung SyncMaster 191T has style, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

SUMMARY

Samsung SyncMaster 191T $