X-bit labs

19" LCD Monitors Roundup. Part IX. (page 11)

Category: Other

by Aleksey Meyev

[ 02/20/2008 | 10:39 AM ]

Samsung SyncMaster 940N

The SyncMaster 940N is the cheapest model with an aspect ratio of 5:4 in Samsung’s big family of 940-indexed monitors. Let’s see what it lacks to be so cheap.

Judging by the specs, this is quite a typical monitor with a slow TN matrix and without dynamic contrast technology.

Externally, the SyncMaster 940N is exactly like any other model of this series. Its case has a gray front panel and a black back panel. There are neat control buttons in the bottom right corner. The massive stand is painted black and gray. Some people may prefer something more eye-catching for home, yet I guess this modest exterior design would be appropriate both at home and in the office.

The main difference of the 940N from the monitors discussed above is its stand. Samsung decided to endow even this junior model with the full-featured stand that provides all the adjustment options you may ever want. You can change the tilt and height (from 55 to 135mm counting from the desk to the bottom edge of the matrix) of the screen, turn the monitor around its vertical axis (by means of a rotating ring in the sole of the stand), and pivot it into the portrait mode. The latter is not very appropriate for the TN matrix with its traditionally modest viewing angles, but anyway. If this stand still doesn’t suit you, you can replace it with a VESA-compatible mount.

By the way, if the functional stand is the main reason why you want to buy a 940N, you should know that it also comes with a simpler stand (without height adjustment and portrait mode). The latter version is somewhat cheaper. You can distinguish the two versions by their marking: “LS19HALESB” means the version with height adjustment and “LS19HALKSB” means the cheaper version with the less functional stand.

Samsung saved on the connectors. The monitor has an analog input only. The power adapter is integrated into the case.

The small and neat control buttons in the bottom right corner of the front panel are accompanied with clear labels. They sink down softly under your finger with a quiet, yet sharp, click. The Power button is highlighted with a blue LED. Quick access is provided to the auto-adjustment feature, to the brightness setting and to selecting a MagicBright mode.

The menu is Samsung’s traditional one. You should be familiar with it if you’ve already dealt with monitors from this company. It is comprehensible and easy to use. A nice thing is that it remembers the last changed option.