Features and Design

People buying a new display will expect a design that looks great with their computer setup and desk. A good LCD monitor should be sleek, slim, and should have a design that is easy to control. The Samsung SyncMaster 940BF hits 2 out of the 3 previous points, but unfortunately bombs on the ability to maneuver it. Unpacking the box is very easy and driver software is included on a CD. Putting together the display and the stand is easy because Samsung includes a unique screw system that allows you to tighten or loosen the base without any tools. However, because of this unconventional method, the base is often a little loose and flimsy which doesn’t give you peace of mind.

Another problem with the base is that it does not feature a lazy susan (swivel design); so moving the monitor becomes a pain. I suggest picking an ideal spot for it and letting it stay there. If you need to move the LCD up and down at all, good luck – this display doesn’t bend too well and feels very stiff when attempting to try. In spite of these downfalls, you will enjoy looking at this monitor because the display is a beauty. The small bezel gives you true 19” real estate instead of covering up the display like other monitors do. The back also has a panel to cover up your power and display cords so they stay nice and neat (a welcome feature that is done right on this offering from Samsung).

Having the ability to choose VGA or DVI is a nice option that most will find welcoming. If you have an older system without a DVI card, you can use the VGA and still enjoy the 940BF’s quality display. However, this is also an issue, because those using DVI won’t notice a big difference between DVI and VGA inputs. This is unfortunate because this monitor could really shine if the DVI connection provided a more crisp and stunning image. The quality is parallel to other LCD monitors, but unfortunately it does not stand out above them.

As for controls, they reside on the bottom right corner of the 940BF and are laid out in a clean, orderly fashion that makes them easily accessible. I thank Samsung for not putting these underneath the bezel like former monitors usually have. However, when in use, the actual controls are not very effective. You won’t find many of them useful and the design of the interface could be vastly improved upon.

Image Courtesy of Samsung