Manage updates with the Download AppSamsung SyncMaster 204B
Manufacturer: Samsung Part number: 204B-SILVER
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Samsung SyncMaster 204B can handle productivity and entertainment tasks, but there are less expensive alternatives that offer comparable image quality and superior features.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memory4Less.com | Not yet rated | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/18/2013 Refurbished |
CNET editors' review
Samsung SyncMaster 204B price range: $776.35
- Reviewed by: Lara Luepke
- Edited by: Justin Jaffe
- Reviewed on: 05/05/2006
- Released on: 02/01/2006
The good: Ample adjustability options; easily accessible image presets; impressive DVD and gaming performance.
The bad: Expensive; subpar screen uniformity; minimal cable management system.
The bottom line: The Samsung SyncMaster 204B can handle productivity and entertainment tasks, but there are less expensive alternatives that offer comparable image quality and superior features.
User reviews
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Inexpensive 20" monitor with minor software issues
by lawbell on May 12, 2006
Pros: Very good picture, low cost
Cons: rotation software problematic
Summary: My wife's office use 204T, same monitor in silver instead of black. This was lowest cost quality monitor in this size I found (prices as low as $399 and $...
Summary: My wife's office use 204T, same monitor in silver instead of black. This was lowest cost quality monitor in this size I found (prices as low as $399 and $419). The Magic Rotation software for this monitor was a disaster, however, and uninstalled after a couple of tries. Otherwise very bright and useable in a brightly lit office setting.
Don't know why the reviewers complained about price. The comparison shows other choices all higher priced.8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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VERY under rated monitor for price, quality, and features
by p4l1ndr0m3 on October 2, 2006
Pros: CHEAP 20" 1600x1200 monitor!
Cons: When I think of some I'll let you know
Summary: So far NO ghosting in games or DVDs. No dead pixels, GREAT monitor. It was a tough decision to finally replace my NEC LCD1735NXM. But, I'm extremely happy with ...
Summary: So far NO ghosting in games or DVDs. No dead pixels, GREAT monitor. It was a tough decision to finally replace my NEC LCD1735NXM. But, I'm extremely happy with this upgrade! Kudo to samsung for yet another great monitor. Also, I really like the menu and the buttons on this monitor.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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best in class
by BjornLo on August 15, 2006
Pros: color accuracy, display speed
Cons: higher than average price
Summary: This monitor is simply the best 20" LCD I have seen.
I looked at number of models from Viewsonic, Dell, LG, NEC, SONY and others.
Of those I looked at ...Summary: This monitor is simply the best 20" LCD I have seen.
I looked at number of models from Viewsonic, Dell, LG, NEC, SONY and others.
Of those I looked at the Samsung had the best color and the best speed. I do alot of 3d work (including makeing textures in photoshop) and color accuracy was extremely important to me. I also enjoy the occasional video game. I wanted a monitor well suite to both.
I am extremely pleased with the Samsung. It has extremely good color. Very well suited to photoshop and other imaging work.
Plus it is very fast and does just great at video games with no observed ghosting.
I have used it now for 11 months, and remain completely satisified. Monitors last longer than PCs. And a good monitor is a good investment.
A high end LCD, such as this one, significantly reduces eyestrain over similar quality CRT monitors.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not For Web Designers!
by evergreen88 on September 9, 2006
Pros: Bright Screen, Good Price, 4:3 aspect ratio
Cons: Vertical Viewing Angle Problems
Summary: If someone on here claims to be a web designer and says this is a great monitor for those who deal in graphics, they are lying about the monitor or ...
Summary: If someone on here claims to be a web designer and says this is a great monitor for those who deal in graphics, they are lying about the monitor or lying about themselves.
This monitor has a serious vertical viewing problem that is noticeable on ALL units! The top is always darker than the bottom and it can not be fixed!
Of course, the casual user may not notice this or may not care. If you just want to make use of the 5ms response time to play games or surf the net and want to save some money, this may not be a bad choice.
To a graphic designer like myself though, the viewing angle problem is VERY noticeable. Get the monitor only if such things don't bother you. If you're meticulous about a consistant display or work in graphics, you will return this thing within the week. Guaranteed.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Warning: Only buy if you know how to solder
by Sar_Castro on November 1, 2010
Pros: For the short time the product works, it's an absolutely beautiful product.
Cons: The monitor WILL die after a few months to maybe a year of use. Samsung switched to a cheap Chinese capacitor supplier (CapXom) who has terrible quality control and whose capacitor rupture over time.
Summary: Samsung's decision to save a few fractions of a cent to use cheaper capacitors is outrageous and expensive to us consumers.
I bought 4 of these monitors (1 at ...Summary: Samsung's decision to save a few fractions of a cent to use cheaper capacitors is outrageous and expensive to us consumers.
I bought 4 of these monitors (1 at first, then 3 more to set up a dual display for both my and my wife's desk). The first is still working (it's the oldest, and pre-Samsung switching to CapXom). The other 3, newer, monitors all stopped functioning after a few months/a year+.
I did some research and found out that this is a VERY common issue with Samsung monitors (not just this model). After a short time, the CapXom capacitors become useless, stopping the LCD from being able to show an image.
Fortunately I know how to disassemble a LCD monitor and solder, so I ordered my 9 new capacitors (enough for my 3 broken monitors) for just a few dollars- total (the cheapest one was 9 cents, the most expensive was about 18 cents)! You can imagine how cheap these things are when bought by the millions- well under a penny each. So, Samsung saves a fraction of a cent per monitor, but we end up with a worthless monitor after a few months. Seems fair to me.
If you don't know how to disassemble a LCD screen and remove 3 leaking capacitors and resolder on matching spec'd ones, I HIGHLY recommend avoiding Samsung. Even if you do know how to solder, unless you enjoy that type of project, you'd be best server simply avoiding Samsung like the plague.
I fortunately stopped my father in time from buying Samsung for his beautiful new 3D HDTV. That was almost a $6000 mistake- I just won't ever trust Samsung again with anything LCD related.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great, but problem after warranty
by x876543 on April 24, 2008
Pros: Looks great, good price, fine for gaming.
Cons: 2 years later and dead line of pixels.
Summary: I was really happy with my monitor for the first year and half, but then about 2 inches from the bottom a line of pixels went black or dead. It'...
Summary: I was really happy with my monitor for the first year and half, but then about 2 inches from the bottom a line of pixels went black or dead. It's already out of warranty so I can't do anything about it. I had got it on newegg for a good price. It was my first lcd monitor, and I'm disappointed that I had this kind of problem after such a short time.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good for Games and Still Pictures, but not Video.
by ranthon007 on January 6, 2007
Pros: Displays Crisp, Clear Digital Still Pictures. Gaming Capabilities are Amazing. The Color! Advanced Display Menues Easy to Navigate. Physical Adjustment Flexibility. Price (was $300-newegg).
Cons: Video Playback is Poor and Pixelated. Contrast could be better.
Summary: I have owned this monitor for 6 months now so i have a good idea of its abilities. For the most
part it is a solid gaming monitor. It doesn'...Summary: I have owned this monitor for 6 months now so i have a good idea of its abilities. For the most
part it is a solid gaming monitor. It doesn't ghost, displays colors brilliantly, and has quick and easy access to adjustment features. It is excellent for looking at digital stills, however, as for DVD playback and other video it does not look nearly as good as my old CRT. Even at the native resolution setting video displays are much poorer than I'd expect. Yet, for text viewing if you keep it at a 4:3 ratio it is clear and easy to read and see. Overall I would suggest this monitor to those who play lots of video games but not to those who like to watch lots of video on their computers (unless games are more important). If gaming is your thing then this is an excellent replacement for those bulky CRTs.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not perfect, but what is?
by Rick Condon on December 14, 2006
Pros: 1600x1200, 16.7m colours, 5ms refresh, big screen
Cons: Some light bleed problems, vertical viewing not great
Summary: IMHO, the pros outweigh the cons. This is a quality monitor that isn't perfect. Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
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Big 20 inch screen
Very bright
True ...Summary: IMHO, the pros outweigh the cons. This is a quality monitor that isn't perfect. Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
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Big 20 inch screen
Very bright
True colour (16.7m, not 16.2m)
Analog and digital connections
Cables included
Fast 5ms refresh, no ghosting
Quality Samsung construction
Small footprint (very stable stand)
Nice looking menu controls buttons
Slim bezel (very slick)
3 year, no BS warranty (yeah, baby)
CONS
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Expensive (prices are dropping, though)
Some light bleed
Vertical viewing not terrific
Software (MagicTune) might freeze on you
This monitor will keep me happy until OLED displays, or something better than LCD, come on the scene. I hope this helps.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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good for 108 days
by davtx on September 29, 2006
Pros: uxga resolution
Cons: reliability is doubtful
Summary: I was excited when I first hooked up the syncmaster 204b monitor especially because it didn't have any dead pixels. I noticed some reviewers complaining about a thin line ...
Summary: I was excited when I first hooked up the syncmaster 204b monitor especially because it didn't have any dead pixels. I noticed some reviewers complaining about a thin line appearing after few weeks or months use. Now, just 108 days after purchase, I am a disappointed owner of a samsung syncmaster 204b LCD monitor. Samsung refused to replace it with a new one citing it has been more than 90 days since I bought it (more than that, they started counting from the day I ordered the monitor, which in my opinion is quite rediculus because I didn't get the monitor until 5 days later, and sent them fedex delivery papers to show the delivery date). So, not only their product let me down, their customer service department let me down as well. In addition to that they accused me of saying that it has been only ten days past the 90 day period even though I only told them the fedex delivery date (call to customer service was made on sept 26 and item was ordered on june 5th and deliverd on june 9th).
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best 20" monitor I've seen so far
by Mergatroid Mania on September 8, 2006
Pros: Awesome at everything.
Cons: I couldn't afford a 2nd one.
Summary: I am a tech working at a local repair shop. I repair some of the brand name LCD monitors. I see a lot of them, including 20" models.
WHen I ...Summary: I am a tech working at a local repair shop. I repair some of the brand name LCD monitors. I see a lot of them, including 20" models.
WHen I saw this monitor running in the store I had to have it. Especially considering it was on sale for $374 CDN (open box).
I was using a Viewsonic VP171b monitor. It is a nice monitor, but I've always thought the brightness and contrast settings on it were rather hard to regulate. I was constantly having to adjust them to compensate for how different pictures and video looked. I also noticed streaking or smearing in games.
With the Samsung 204B, it worked great as soon as I plugged it in. I pressed "Auto" and haven't had to touch it since. The contrast is excellent. Brightness perfect. The viewing angle is so good now, people beside me actually look at what's happening on the display. There is no streaking or smearing in games that I can see (due to the most excellent 5ms response time).
On a dark background I see no bright spots. On a light background I see no dark spots. I have compaired it to the brands I repair at work, and it looks much more brilliant to my eyes. Since I bought it to use on my computer (it being a computer monitor) I could care less that it "only" has a digital and analogue VGA connector. This is actually one more connector than I need. I do not buy a monitor based on the "cable management" or what the bezel looks like (although this one is slim and pleasing to the eye).
Out of all the products I've purchased for my computers over the last 20 years, I consider this a real gem.
This monitor has such a nice display, it has become a conversation piece amongst the people who've seen it in use.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- Part number: 204B-SILVER
- Description: The Samsung SyncMaster 204B is a 20-inch TFT-LCD monitor delivering a 800:1 contrast ratio, 5ms Response Time, 0.255mm pixel pitch, 1600 x 1200 maximum resolution, a scanning frequency of 30-81 kHz horizontal and 56-75 Hz vertical, and horizontal/vertical viewing angle of 160°/160°. It features built-in power, a narrow bezel with MagicColor, MagicTune and MagicRotation technology and has a height adjustable stand.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Display Type LCD monitor / TFT active matrix
- Diagonal Size 20.1 in
- Panel Type TN
- Aspect Ratio 4:3
- Native Resolution 1600 x 1200 at 60 Hz
- Pixel Pitch 0.255 mm
- Brightness 300 cd/m2
- Image Contrast Ratio 800:1
- Color Support 16.7 million colors
- Response Time 5 ms
- Vertical Refresh Rate 75 Hz
- Horizontal Refresh Rate 81 kHz
- Horizontal Viewing Angle 160
- Vertical Viewing Angle 160
- Controls & Adjustments Gamma correction,
Color balance,
Sharpness,
H/V position,
Brightness,
Contrast,
Color temperature - Features MagicBright,
MagicColor - Color Black
- Dimensions (WxDxH) 17.5 in x 7.9 in x 16.9 in
- Weight 17 lbs
Audio
- Type None
Input
- Type None
Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15),
1 x DVI-D - 24 pin digital DVI Mechanical
- Display Position Adjustments Pivot (rotation)
- Flat Panel Mount Interface 100 x 100 mm
Miscellaneous
- Features Wall mountable
- Cables Included 1 x DVI cable,
1 x VGA cable - Microsoft Certifications Works with Windows Vista
- Compliant Standards TCO '99,
DDC-2B Power
- Power Supply Internal
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
- Power Consumption Operational 36 Watt
- Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 2 Watt
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 3 years - Carry-in
Sustainability
- ENERGY STAR Qualified Yes
- EPEAT Compliant EPEAT Silver
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Samsung products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Samsung
- Address:
105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 - Phone: 1-800-726-7864
- Fax: 1-973-601-6001
