Richard Baguley

Samsung SyncMaster 950b

The $219 Samsung SyncMaster 950b is the least expensive 19-inch monitor we've seen for some time. The quality of its graphics in our tests was above average, displaying reasonably strong, accurate colors. However, the image quality didn't measure up to that of some only slightly more expensive monitors, such as the ViewSonic GS790 and the Optiquest Q95.
Text quality was less impressive: The text in our tests was slightly fuzzy and didn't appear as dark as we would like. Text at smaller sizes (such as 6-point Arial) was very difficult to read. The highest resolution the 950b can achieve and still maintain a minimum acceptable refresh rate of 70 Hz is 1280 by 1024, less than most other monitors in our comparative set. The 950b's color calibration is limited: It has only two color temperature settings, and you can't adjust the colors to points in between.
For detailed work or presentations, the 950b includes a highlight mode that increases the brightness in a small area of the screen to highlight part of an image. Color-matching software is bundled with the monitor, but the manual does not explain how to use it (separate documentation is included on the CD, however).
Bargain hunters who value the SyncMaster 950b's 19-inch size more than its image quality will be interested in the unit--but only a few dollars more can buy a 19-inch monitor that's much easier on the eyes.

Buying Information

Samsung SyncMaster 950b 17.9-inch viewable area,.26mm dot pitch invar shadow mask tube, up to 75-Hz refresh rate at 1280 by 1024 resolution, TCO'99 compliant. Three-year warranty, 24-hour daily toll-free support. $ 229 17.9-inch viewable area,.26mm dot pitch invar shadow mask tube, up to 75-Hz refresh rate at 1280 by 1024 resolution, TCO'99 compliant. Three-year warranty, 24-hour daily toll-free support. http://www.samsungusa.com/monitor 800/726-7864