The Samsung SyncMaster S27B970 monitor in its testing environment (pictures)
We caught the Samsung SyncMaster S27B970 monitor in its natural habitat: in the monitor test lab.
Eric Franklin
Eric Franklin led the CNET Tech team as Editorial Director. A 20-plus-year industry veteran, Eric began his tech journey testing computers in the CNET Labs. When not at work he can usually be found at the gym, chauffeuring his kids around town, or absorbing every motivational book he can get his hands on.
The Samsung SyncMaster S27B970 nails it in performance and looks, but asks a hefty price. If you're OK with that price, you won't be disappointed.
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Plain back
Samsung keeps things simple and clean.
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Profile
Not the thinnest profile, but I wouldn't call it fat, either. But, that's mostly because of the monitor's low self-esteem.
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Saucer section
The saucer section -- I mean, the foot stand is pretty unique-looking.
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OSD array
The OSD array features small, but pretty buttons.
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The ports
The ports from left: USB upstream, DisplayPort, DVI, and HDMI. Plugging DisplayPort in isn't a problem. It's when attempting to remove the cable that the real fun begins.
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:(
This. This is why we can't have nice things. The space between the DisplayPort release button and the monitor is too narrow for a finger to get in. So, for this poor DisplayPort cable, we had to get a little rough.
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USB times two
Two USB downstream ports on the side of the foot stand. Convenient.