Samsung Syncmaster S24B750V review

If you hate asymmetrical objects then look away now. Samsung's 24in SyncMaster S24B750V is either odd-looking or supremely sophisticated depending on your tastes. Whatever you think of its sweeping curves, the seemingly lop-sided stand is actually surprisingly robust and helps make this a very sturdy monitor, which itself weighs a hefty 6kg - much more than standard-looking 24in monitors.

However there is a downside to the design of the base - the Syncmaster S24B750V can only be tilted and not rotated; its height can't be adjusted either. The Dell Ultrasharp U2412M costs only a little more and has tilt, rotation and height adjustment. The U2412M also has a slightly higher resolution of 1,920x1,200 pixels and superior image quality too.

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The S24B750V has a resolution of 1,920x1,080 pixels, but image quality is no better than many budget, sub-£150 monitors we've seen. Dark scenes in films and games lacked contrast and detail while text and images looked washed out and lacked sharpness compared to the U2412M. At least this monitor is bright.

There are two HDMI ports and a VGA socket for connecting more than one computer. Sadly no HDMI cables are included, but a VGA cable is. The integrated speakers are located beneath the screen although, unsurprisingly, music and film fans will find them disappointing due to the weedy bass. Even a cheap set of dedicated speakers will outdo them so they are only acceptable for light, occasional use.

The screen bezel and base are extremely glossy. To avoid spoiling its shiny looks there are no protruding physical buttons; instead the Syncmaster S24B750V uses a row of touch-sensitive buttons that allow you to adjust the brightness, volume, switch between computers if you have more than one attached and to turn the monitor off.

The Samsung Syncmaster S24B750V's looks grew on us but it simply doesn't have the image quality or adjustability to justify its high price. Ultimately you're paying for looks rather than functionality. If you can live with its slightly bland looks, the Dell Ultrasharp U2412M is a much better buy.