Samsung LED monitor takes advantage

(Credit: Eric Franklin/CBS Interactive)

A few months ago I reviewed the Lenovo ThinkVision L2440p and L2440x.

Each has the same form factor; however the "x" has LED backlighting, while the "p" is backlit by CCFL. The problem I had with the x is that I felt it was not taking full advantage of the LED technology. One of the purported advantages of LED displays is that the panels can be much thinner than CCFL panels, since there are no big tubes in the back, however the Lenovos had the same exact form factor. This is probably why upon first impression I was so taken with the 23-inch Samsung SyncMaster P2370L.

This is Samsung's first LED backlit monitor and the company has clearly taken advantage of the technology, at least as far as the design is concerned. The panel is extremely thin. There is maybe about 1.5 inches (give or take as I didn't have a tape measure with me) from the front of the display to where the DVI plugs in.

The neck of the display is transparent and there are what seem to be these purplish sparking crystals at the very bottom. That's right, I said it. Purplish, sparkling crystals. This thing is just the epitome of sleek.

Now, the display is impressive looking on its own but you don't really appreciate it until you see the P2370, which is the CCFL version of the display. It looks great in its own right but it is noticeably thicker.

As for performance, there was nothing that stood out as bad, but without being able to view them both in a controlled environment, it's hard to say. The viewing angle was wider than most displays, and the image on both screens was sharp.

The LED-based P2370L will soon be available for $399, and the CCFL-based P2370 will be out at the same time for $299. Check out the slide show for more pics.