First of all, let me say that the Samsung makes a very good impression, great design in noble piano finish, easy to build and solid foot. Only the bottom-mounted menu buttons are concerning. Operation a bit strange and not so advantageous position, but there are worse things.
In VGA mode the Samsung provides a thoroughly convincing picture. No streaking in fast-paced games and no sign of disturbing halos in video mode, zero pixel errors. Very good! Nevertheless, the colors can miss at first sight some brilliance and the typeface could be sharper. If you operate the 223BW via DVI displays a better typeface and color brilliance is a bit hurried along.
Now the comparison to HP:
Both monitors are juxtaposed and each operating in VGA and DVI mode. It should be noted that the Samsung clearly lags behind sharpness despite its super price-performance ratio the HP in terms of color brilliance and (font). The reflective surface of the HP does not diminish its superior image representation, because the distractions caused by external light sources, take hardly notice.
In terms of menus and settings, the HP is also user-friendly. Assuming then the pivot function of HP's added (the Samsung is only tilted backwards) it must be said that the surcharge of 50, - Euros is more than justified. (Note: Oddly, Amazon offers the Syncmaster for about 218, - Euro plus shipping, but Bay 223, - Euro from 04/08!)
Conclusion: Anyone looking for a monitor with an excellent price-performance ratio, can safely access the Samsung Syncmaster 223BW. But who sets great store by a brilliant and sharp image display, which should definitely opt for the HP.
