Samsung SyncMaster 711T

One of the most adjustable 17-inch monitors we've tested recently, Samsung's SyncMaster 711t has it all. The unusual-looking, knock-kneed stand lets you raise, lower, tilt, or pivot the screen. PivotPro software is included as well. A lazy Susan base swivels the entire unit. Even more remarkable, the MagicTune software lets you adjust screen settings with a mouse instead of with buttons. The thin bezel still has buttons, however, so you needn't use MagicTune to make adjustments if you prefer the old-fashioned approach.

A good performer, the 711t earned average text scores and slightly above-average graphics numbers, making it Very Good in both categories. It handled the flesh tones in our group photo test screen ably, bested only by the Eizo FlexScan L568. The 711t didn't distinguish itself as much on our text tests, except that some testers found reverse type difficult to read on our Microsoft Word document.

Upshot: Full physical adjustments--plus the flexibility of the MagicTune software--help users tailor the Samsung's SyncMaster 711t to their needs.

Laura Blackwell