Samsung SyncMaster 213T: The Glass Ceiling for Enthusiast LCD
by Kristopher Kubicki on February 20, 2004 4:24 AM EST- Posted in
- Displays
Final Thoughts
When we first set out to write this analysis, we anticipated the SyncMaster 213T and the Dell 2001FP to directly compete with each other. After using the monitor for a few weeks and getting a good feel of both the 2001FP and the 213T, it becomes more evident that these are in fact two very different monitors. The Dell 2001FP is an excellent monitor; the price is phenomenal, it supports more inputs and provides very competitive performance. However the differences within the panels are what make these monitors two incomparable LCDs.
The look of the 213T speaks volumes of its own. Even though the Dell 2001FP
is a high end device, the SyncMaster 213T is the definitive ultra-enthusiast
device. We were particularly impressed with contrast, glare and dark value divergence
between the 213T and the 2001FP. In our opinion, the 2001FP is the better gaming
monitor. However as a workstation LCD, the SyncMaster 213T is unparalleled.
DVD playback has no equal to anything we have tested over the last two years,
and the additional screen space goes a long way. The brighter panel goes a long way in our opinion.
Finally, as to whether or not our panel had specific issues with color replication and screen uniformity: most all LCDs have extreme difficulty producing the correct hues. Just like the SyncMaster 192T, the 213T has some issues producing exactly the right tones. However, considering some of the other LCDs we have seen, the 213T displays colors better than most other monitors we have seen. Concerning screen uniformity; we do not really think there is much of an issue with our unit. We mentioned the occasional streaking along the edges, but this was only on the 15 pin D-sub cable. DVI screen uniformity was flawless.
We hope that you enjoyed this installment of our monitor coverage. We have some more monitors coming up later this month so stay tuned!
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araczynski - Friday, February 20, 2004 - link
so the bottom line is that for the serious gamer there's still no reason to get an LCD.PrinceGaz - Friday, February 20, 2004 - link
Do you have any CRT monitor reviews coming up or only LCD ones?damage75 - Friday, August 5, 2011 - link
I have been running two 213T monitors continuously for 7 years. Both displays, including the CCFL's are working perfectly. Zero dead or stuck pixels. If there is a diminished brightness, which there has to be, it is not causally visible.I think I am tempting fate by posting this ;-)
The only negative items are these:
1) I bought them when very first available - $1600.00 each.
2) After about 5 years one monitor became unable to hold it's weight. It would slump. Even after disassembly and reassembly it would not hold it's position. This "can" be corrected, but frankly at this point I can live with it.
In 2004 I blew away my colleagues with two amazing 21.3" PVA monitors (powered by a 9800XT). Here we are in 2011 and they are still running perfectly. I know I am "lucky", but it is worthwhile to post that they are still in use and still excellent monitors. I would like to thank Anand and Samsung for this outstanding purchase. Even at that very high cost, they have amortized themselves into nearly free service. The points made by Anand are true - slow response and the black level is not optimum. That has not affected my pleasure/perforamnce with using them.