THE GOOD: The Samsung SyncMaster FX2490HD has an impressive number of connection options, built-in speakers, and a remote control, with great movie and game performance. It also has a couple of design flourishes that contribute to not only its aesthetic appeal, but to its utility as well.
It looks good and is well designed, and it's very easy to setup and to use.
THE BAD: The Samsung SyncMaster FX2490HD requires color calibrating to get the picture quality to an acceptable level; its lack of DVI connection means you'll need to purchase an adapter or new cord to get it working with a modern PC. Some of its connection options are frustratingly difficult to reach.
THE BOTTOM LINE: The Samsung SyncMaster FX2490HD is a 24-inch HDTV doubling as a monitor for a low price.
Design and features
The 24-inch Samsung SyncMaster FX2490HD has a semiglossy maroon chassis with angular corners and a clear plastic overlay on the bezel. With the overlay, the bezel measures 0.8 inch wide on the right and left sides. The initial depth of the panel is 0.6 inch, but it extends back to include the connection options, adding another 0.8 inch, for a total of 1.4 inches of depth. That's quite thin, considering the number of connection options included. The distance from the bottom of the bezel to the desktop is 3.1 inches, and the panel tilts back 10 degrees and swivels right and left 30 degrees, but no other ergonomic options are included. The monitor's full width measures 22.6 inches, a little wider than the Samsung PX2370.
The foot stand's legs are made of chrome and come in the shape of an "X." When knocked from the sides these do a good job keeping the monitor from falling over, but the panel still wobbles a lot when knocked. The back of the display has an easily removable, but seemingly pointless, cover that reveals the connection options aligned both vertically and horizontally. They include two HDMI ports, component and composite ports, a coaxial antenna in, an optical audio port, a headphone jack, a USB port, and an Ex-link port. Though the vertical connections are easy to access, the horizontal ones are tucked under enough that connecting them proved frustrating most of the time. At the top portion of the back are four holes to attach the monitor, VESA-style, to a wall or stand.
Samsung FX 2490 HD TV Review