Samsung SyncMaster 570 V review: Samsung SyncMaster 570 V

The SyncMaster 570v's good performance and rock-bottom price make it shine. If you're shopping for a 15-inch display for everyday use, this sleek solution won't disappoint. The SyncMaster 570v's good performance and rock-bottom price make it shine. If you're shopping for a 15-inch display for everyday use, this sleek solution won't disappoint.

Winning ways
Priced at just $449, the SyncMaster 570v is really easy to like. Unlike the Philips 150X, the Samsung doesn't provide a digital interface, but its crisp, well-saturated picture exceeded our expectations in CNET Labs' tests. The screen's viewing angle is tight (120 degrees horizontal, 110 degrees vertical) but average for its class.

The unit's easy-to-use onscreen menu system was a cinch. You can greatly improve the SyncMaster 570v's out-of-box settings by carefully adjusting the fine and course phase rates. The SyncMaster's auto-adjust button will fine-tune your settings in an instant, and you'll be hard-pressed to improve upon the picture with further tweaks. Although this basic LCD monitor is short on fluffy features, Samsung does offer an optional USB hub with four powered downstream ports for $31.

Slow lane
On the downside, the 570v's slow 45ms pixel-refresh rate created a ghostlike trail behind moving images (such as DVD movies). Those interested in better multimedia performance should check out KDS's Rad-5, which has a faster rating (25ms). That said, multimedia enthusiasts usually prefer standard CRT monitors for their superior refresh rates.

The SyncMaster 570v has a three-year warranty on parts and labor, and Samsung provides toll-free technical support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. From July 1, 2001 to September 30, 2001, Samsung is offering a rebate that brings down the unit's already low price to $399.

If you're looking for better-than-average performance on a budget, the Samsung SyncMaster 570v is a super pick.