Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ review

Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ Review

Reviewed by: Eric Franklin

Reviewed on: 30 April 2009

If you're interested in Nvidia's GeForce 3D Vision gaming kit and trying to decide which of the two available 120Hz LCD computer monitors to get, we recommend going with the 22-inch Samsung SyncMaster 2233RZ, available for around £370. Compared with the other 120Hz monitor, the ViewSonic FuHzion VX2265wm, the 2233RZ offers better performance with movies and a useful on-screen display menu with many presets and contrast control. It also has a more pleasing appearance and better overall colour reproduction.

Design
Since the 2233RZ and VX2265wm are currently the only two monitors on the market compatible with Nvidia's GeForce 3D Vision, it's only fitting that we directly compare them whenever possible.

Each display is mostly devoid of useful ergonomic options such as screen rotation and height adjustment, offering only a 25° backward tilt. When placed on a desktop, the 2233RZ leaves about 95mm between the bottom of the screen and the desk. Thanks to its longer neck, the VX2265wm sits higher, at 121mm. On the sides and top, the 2233RZ's glossy bezel measures 19mm and 20mm respectively. The glossy bezel of the VX2265wm measures 18mm all around.

The 2233RZ's sleek, glossy chassis is visually appealing

The 2233RZ's oval-shaped footstand measures about 254mm wide and 216mm deep. When we knocked it from the sides, the 2233RZ wobbled only minimally, but did slide a few inches across the desk with each knock. The VX2265wm, with its 343mm by 216mm footstand, wobbled significantly when knocked, but stayed in place. Given the choice, we'd take the wobbling over the sliding any day. On the bottom middle of the 2233RZ's bezel is a light grey, painted-on Samsung logo.

The 2233RZ's panel measures about 25mm deep and extends another 38mm behind it to include the ventilation system, backlight and connection options. The VX2265wm has a narrow panel, measuring about 13mm thick, but, at the furthest point on the back, this measurement is extended by about 51mm. Both monitors, therefore, measure about 64mm deep, which is about average for a 22-inch model.

The complete width of the 2233RZ's panel is 516mm, compared with the VX2265wm's 508mm. Compared with other 22-inch models, this is about average. Running across the bottom of the Samsung's bezel is a clear fibreglass 'lip' about half an inch tall. When the monitor is on, a blue LED radiates from the bottom of the bezel and reflects off the lip, creating a cool-looking effect. Each display's screen has a matte finish.

The 2233RZ's chassis is mostly glossy all around. But there's a matte finish on about two-thirds of the back, with engraved pictures of flower petals. The back of the VX2265wm is a plain glossy black. Overall, we feel the 2233RZ has the more elegant, eye-pleasing design.

The 2233RZ's on-screen display (OSD) buttons are located on the lower right side, on the outside of the panel. There are five buttons for the OSD, stacked on top of each other: menu, up, down, enter and back, with the power button below. The up and down buttons also double as shortcuts to the brightness and contrast controls, respectively. Pressing the buttons delivers a satisfying clicking sound and each depresses enough to make it obvious when it's been pushed. The buttons have enough space between them so that, when calibrating in a low-light situation, you can easily tell where one button ends and another begins.