Need a 30" LCD?

Dec 28, 2006 09:57 GMT  ·  By

Then you need Samsung. This phrase can also be used as a conclusion but I've made no mistake when I put it in the beginning of this little preview. I've been waiting for a long time for a large LCD such as this one to deliver the performance of a fast 19-22" model and this is probably the first 30-incher that does that. It's a huge machine but it works flawlessly.

Some things really need to be said about this monitor. First, keep in mind its sheer size when you're buying it, since it won't leave too much space around it even if you have a large desk. Half of the battle with a monitor this size is removing it from the box, motive for which I recommend you not to do it alone. Moreover, the Samsung SyncMaster 305T requires a DVI connection to work, so you'll have to make sure that you have an unused DVI connector on your laptop or desktop.

The 30 inches that are offered with this giant only come in handy if you work in a graphical environment (Photoshop and CAD users will love it). Think of buying one only if you have multiple windows opened at the time because the native 2,560 x 1,600 resolution makes the LCD ideal for graphic-design, engineering and other professional applications. Otherwise, stick with a smaller LCD because you won't be able to type your emails while standing closer than 3 feet from the monster. A wireless keyboard and mouse are highly recommended.

Everything looks OK on the 305T, but - as I've said - its strongest points only come out when you run multimedia related tasks. For example, a full 1080p HD movie looks absolutely astonishing on such a display and I bet you won't feel the need for a large LCD TV after you've seen what this baby can do anymore. On the other hand, games like FEAR of Quake 4 look good but still somewhat blurry compared to smaller but faster panels.

All things taken into consideration, it's a good buy, especially if you use graphic- intensive application or watch HD movies a lot. In case you're a gamer, you might want to look elsewhere. $1,999.99 price tag means that it's not cheap but - if you're sure about your choice - it's definitely worth having one at home.