Samsung SyncMaster 700 review: Samsung SyncMaster 700

The Samsung SyncMaster 700NF delivers the affordable, high-quality performance we've come to expect from Samsung monitors. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better 17-inch monitor for the price. The Samsung SyncMaster 700NF delivers the affordable, high-quality performance we've come to expect from Samsung monitors. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better 17-inch monitor for the price.

At less than $300, the 700NF features Mitsubishi's Naturally Flat aperture-grille tube. The display performed well on CNET Labs' resolution and geometry tests, though not as well as the more expensive Eizo FlexScan F520. Though both horizontal and vertical lines were distinct even at high resolutions, they were marred by some halo effects and fuzziness in the extreme corners. And while geometric tests showed that the lines were even and had no hint of spreading, we noticed a slight tilt that we couldn't correct. Despite these problems, the 700NF's overall performance placed it ahead of the more expensive LG Electronics Flatron 795FT Plus and the Philips 107B, making it an excellent choice for performance-minded shoppers on a limited budget.

Other notable features include a pop-out panel for the display controls, which is handy if you prefer a clean and unadorned monitor. The display has BNC inputs, as well as a standard VGA connector, and you can add a $35 USB four-port hub stand or $49.95 multimedia speakers.

In comparison, the Samsung SyncMaster 700NF is sharper than the LG Electronics Flatron 795NF Plus, especially at higher resolutions. If you want to use your monitor at 1,600 by 1,200, the 700NF was beat only by the pricier Eizo FlexScan F520.