Conclusion:

The Samsung SyncMaster 2443BWX is just about what I am looking for in a monitor. It combines a large, high resolution screen with respectable specifications, sleek and simple aesthetics, and a good range of motion to make getting comfortable with it rather easy. I also like that it doesn't include items that really just add cost and clutter to a monitor, like USB ports or speakers. I'll turn to a traditional USB hub and a good set of speakers to take care of those tasks properly.



On the down side, the main issue with this monitor is the touch sensitive controls. Having traditional buttons would be much more convenient and less frustrating. Just today I nearly struck out as it took three shots to get the monitor to turn on. Other than that, the packaging of refurbished monitors needs to be addressed, and while I see that new versions of this monitor include a DVI cable at other stores, this one did not and I had to buy one separately.

Presently Geeks.com is out of stock on this monitor, but when they do have inventory their price is $189.99. Checking Google Shopping shows that Geeks.com has the best price when compared to other stores selling refurbished units, and if you wanted to go for new you would be paying about $80 more. Not bad... Maybe that is why they don't have any in stock.

I recently found a receipt for a 1024x768 17" LCD I bought for $650 in 2003 which made me marvel at being able to get a 1920x1200 24" LCD for under $200 in 2009. But, prices on LCD monitors (and televisions) have been dropping like a rock lately, and while $189.99 is a good price on this model, you can get other brands of 24" LCDs for perhaps $20 more, and we're talking about new and not refurbished. That said, if this model does come back in to stock at Geeks.com, I'd be interested to see if it came with a price drop to reflect the current state of the market.

Despite the negatives listed regarding Samsung SyncMaster 2443BWX, I am very pleased with its capabilites, performance, and value. All things considered, it earns the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award, and ditching the touch panel for real buttons is the only way I could see it getting any better.



Pros:

» Screen was in perfect condition
» Excellent picture quality
» Sleek and understated housing design
» Tilt, pivot, rotate, and height adjustment
» No frills... Simply a nice display without the extras you might not want anyway (USB, speakers)

Cons:

» Packaging should be improved
   » Monitor placed in a garbage bag and loose fitting foam with plenty of room to move
   » Bezel was scuffed, like other refurbished monitors received from Geeks.com
» Would prefer actual buttons over the touch sensitive controls
   » Text labels for controls nearly impossible to read in any light
   » Controls don't always respond to touch
   » Clicking accuracy can be pretty low
» No DVI cable included

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