REVIEW: Samsung F2380

Author: Martin Niebuhr
09/04/2009

Translation by Siobhan Hayes

Manufacturer: Samsung

Warranty LCD/Backlight (Years):	3 Years
Max. pixel faults (according to ISO 13406-2):	Class II
Panel size [inch]:	23
Pixel size [mm]:	0,265
Native resolution:	1.920 x 1.080 (16:9)
Visible screen size/diagonal [mm]:	509,8 x 286,7 / 584,2
Video-In, connector:	1 x D-Sub (analogue), 2 x DVI-D (digital)
Vertical frequency [Hz]:	60 - 75
Max. horizontal frequency/ video bandwidth [kHz/MHz]:	31 - 75 / 164
Color mode preset/user:	6 / 1
LCD pivotable / portrait mode:	Yes / Yes
LCD display arm option:	Yes
Features:	1x D-Sub VGA cable, 1x DVI cable, power cable, guarantee card, quick start guide, CD mit user manual and software
Dimensions (W x H x D) [mm]:	545 x 476,5 x 216 (with feet)
Weight [kg]:	6,3
Compliance:	TCO 5.0, TUEV GS, CE, ISO 13406/2
Power consumption On/Stand-by/Off [Watt]:	< 45 / < 1 / n/a (manufactor)
Test date:	04.09.2009
Rating:
Picture stability:	++ (digital) + (analog)
Viewing angle dependency:	+
Contrast:	++
Color space:	+
Subjective impression of image quality:	+/-
Shades of gray resolution:	-
Brightness allocation:	+/-
Interpolation image quality:	+
Fabrication of case/frame, mechanics:	++
Operating, OSD:	+
Suitable for occasional gamer:	+/-
Suitable for hardcore gamer:	-
Suitable for DVD/Video:	+/-
Price [incl. VAT. in Euros]:	240,00

++ very good, + good, +/- satisfactory, - bad, -- very bad

Introduction

Dell’s attempt with the 2209WA some time ago was successful and now Samsung is bringing a monitor to the market which offers users an inexpensive start into the higher classes of LCD. Here, the manufacturer uses a cPVA panel, which, despite its less expensive manufacturing, should offer the advantages of the PVA panel.

Particular highlights of the F2380 include the one hundred percent coverage of the sRGB colour space, a large viewing angle of 178° and an extremely high static contrast of 3,000:1. Although Samsung does not include a HDMI connection, but two DVI connectors allow HDCP-encrypted signals to be accepted. Thanks to its Full-HD resolution, the SyncMaster could also prove interesting for video fans. However, the model is also not mean with office functions: as well as the typical tilting function, the F2380 not only offers height adjustment, but also portrait mode and 45° rotation. The following review should clarify to what extent the Samsung F2380 can fulfil the high expectations awoken by its wide range of features.

All results published in the test were obtained via the digital input of a Type X1950Pr ATI graphics card in the Powercolour board layout. For the measurements used for calibration, we used the iColor-Software together with the DTP94 colorimeter from Quato and the "Colorimetre HCFR" software. In order to test the video functions and the suitability of the monitor for gaming, we used the BDP-S350E Blu-ray player and the Playstation 3 from Sony, which were connected via HDMI DVI cables.

Scope of supply

The F2380 is delivered in a compact box. The exterior and base are in two separate pieces and separated from each other with a layer of Styrofoam. They are also enclosed in a rasped sheet which should prevent them from scratching each other. Assembly is somewhat difficult; however, after the base has been screwed on, the monitor sits extremely securely on the desk.

Exemplary: The scope of supply of the F2380 contains both the analogue and the DVI cable.

As well as the monitor and base, the scope of supply includes an analogue D-sub VGA cable, a digital DVI cable and the external device connector. Also included are the guarantee terms, a printed getting started guide and the complete user guide with useful tools on the CD.

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