Review: Big Displays For Little Money

But that's all changed amid continued advancements in display technology. Now vendors are slashing flat-panel prices regularly, making 20-inch and larger displays affordable for anyone. What does that mean for solution providers? It's an ideal time to upgrade customers still using smaller displays to models that sport bigger screens--and a low price.

Two cost-savvy LCD products worth considering are the 21-inch Samsung SyncMaster 215TW, which carries a list price of about $500, and the 20-inch ViewSonic VG2021m, which lists for $315. Both products performed well in reviews by the CRN Test Center, and both companies offer attractive channel programs (click here for a quick take). Here's an in-depth look at both monitors.

SAMSUNG SYNCMASTER 215TW

These days, wide-screen displays are becoming more popular than units with standard aspect ratios. That's because they work well for business applications--letting users view two pages side by side, for example--as well as for browsing the Web, running entertainment applications such as gaming, watching wide-screen DVD movies and authoring multimedia applications. In fact, solution providers offering multimedia-focused PCs should consider nothing less than a wide-screen display like Samsung's new SyncMaster 215TW.

The SyncMaster 215TW is a 21-inch wide-screen display with a native resolution of 1,680 x 1,050 pixels, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, an 8 millisecond (ms) gray-to-gray response rate and a 178-degree viewing angle, both vertically and horizontally. The fast response rate is ideal for video applications, and the wide viewing angle means that users don't have to be positioned directly in front of the unit to properly see the image.

With digital DVI and analog RGB inputs, the SyncMaster 215TW can be used with new and old PCs without having to change graphics cards. The digital input, though, should be used whenever possible because it provides a sharper, cleaner image than the analog input. The monitor offers picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture functions for viewing of two input signals simultaneously. It also has S-Video, composite, component and audio inputs for easy connection of devices such as DVD players and camcorders. The display's built-in speakers eliminate the need for external speakers--and the extra desktop space they would require.

Other features built into the SyncMaster 215TW make it more user-friendly, notably Samsung's MagicTune and MagicBright technology. MagicTune provides an easy way to get the best possible image quality, while MagicBright optimizes the display according to the type of image being viewed, with modes including Documents, Internet, Games, Sports, Movies and Customized. All settings can be adjusted through the on-screen menu using the mouse.

NEXT: More on SyncMaster 215TW and a review of ViewSonic's VG2021m The SyncMaster 215TW was tested for image quality using DisplayMate Technologies' DisplayMate for Windows Multimedia Edition Version 2.10 software, which contains images and test patterns that push displays to their limits. The Samsung unit performed well, displaying sharp text and vivid color.

The display's base has height, swivel, tilt and pivot adjustments, and an auto pivot function properly orients the display when pivoted. The stand is detachable for wall or arm mounting. Weighing in at 16.5 pounds, the display measures 18.5 inches wide, 18.4 inches high and 9 inches deep with the stand attached. It includes a three-year warranty.

Samsung's single-level channel program includes sales support, bid support, a demo program and other incentives. To participate, VARs simply must be in good standing with approved distributors, and there are no costs associated with joining the program. Training, though rarely needed for displays, is available via the Web and occasionally on-site. Samsung also has engineers on staff that can help with large installations.

VIEWSONIC VG2021M

Sporting a slim bezel design, the ViewSonic VG2021m is a 20.1-inch, SXGA+ display with integrated stereo speakers and a native resolution of 1,400 x 1,050 pixels. Its actual screen space measures 16.1 inches horizontally, 12.1 inches vertically and 20.1 inches diagonally. That's a lot of screen real estate for the money--and a terrific bargain.

Though lacking the multimedia muscle of the Samsung unit, the VG2021m is suitable for video playback with its 8-ms gray-to-gray response time. The display also offers viewing angles of 170 degrees horizontal and 155 degrees vertical. It has digital DVI and analog RGB inputs for connection to any system, but it lacks composite, component and S-Video inputs. Image adjustments are made using an on-screen menu.

Image quality of the VG2021m was good in the DisplayMate tests. The unit displayed very sharp text and good gray scale, although a white scale display dropped off at the extreme white end, which is actually quite common with flat-panel displays. Color scales showed up vividly.

The narrow bezel keeps the 18.5-pound unit as trim as possible. It measures 18 inches wide, 18.3 inches high and 8.1 inches deep. The product comes with VGA and DVI cables and a three-year warranty.

On the channel front, ViewSonic's Access partner program has three levels: Silver (up to $50,000 in quarterly ViewSonic sales), Gold ($50,000 to $249,000 in quarterly ViewSonic sales) and Platinum (more than $250,000 in quarterly ViewSonic sales). All members receive help from a dedicated ViewSonic Access program representative. Gold and Platinum members get marketing development funds and a VIP support hot line. Gold members also get an online listing in ViewSonic's dealer locator. Platinum members receive a link on ViewSonic's Where to Buy site plus a dedicated ViewSonic regional business manager. Gold and Platinum members get Growth Incentive Rebates (GIRs) on incremental sales.

In addition, ViewSonic VARs can sell ViewCare extended warranty and Express Exchange services. Other benefits include online training and Webinars, demo units, discounted pricing, free shipping, lead generation, spiffs and more. Ninety-nine percent of ViewSonic's products are sold through the channel.