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Introduction

LCDs have become ubiquitous in recent years because of their slickness when compared to a CRT. Continual price drops have brought LCDs into the mainstream segment and they are becoming common with desktop computers instead of being relegated as a luxury item. Improvements in the manufacturing process and an increased supply in the market have also improved quality and reliabililty making LCDs attractive to the average consumer. However there is still a price parity between a LCD and a CRT. When selecting a display, many have chosen to go with the pricier LCDs as compared to CRTs due to the many improvements including -

1. Less radiation - Because of the electron beam in CRTs, VLF/ELF electromagnetic radiation is something that all monitors will produce some quantity of. LCDs eliminate this problem.
2. Less space - Their physical size is noticeably smaller than CRT monitors. This can lead to more efficient use of what might be limited space on your desk. For those who move displays around frequently for whatever reason will appreciate the low weight also.
3. Picture quality - Geometry is dead on with LCDs. Color reproduction however is not on par with CRTs.
4. Lower power consumption - LCDs consume less power than equivalent sized CRT monitors

Today I will be looking at the Samsung 17-inch SyncMaster172MP TFT LCD monitor. This replaces Samsung's 171MP model which was released in 2001. The MP series denotes the multi-functional features of these monitors, which include its ability to act as a television monitor.

First Impressions

I had a positive first impression of this monitor. The faux metallic look of the frame is classy and adds to the monitor's overall visual appeal. The layout of the controls with soft-touch menu buttons for the LCD are intuitive and well thought out. A minor gripe is the overly wide bezel around the screen. It has an average width of one inch to an inch and a half all the way around; making this skinnier could create an illusion of having a bigger viewing area and be less distracting at the same time.