This last weekend, my wife bought a 21.6" Samsung SyncMaster 223BW monitor for me for my birthday (happy 36th to me!) so that I could bask in dual monitor goodness when working on projects at home. I attached the monitor to my PC over the analog hookup (because I don't have an digital port available on my laptop). I know this port to be very good for other projectors. I used this laptop to teach at a number of locations over the past few years and have never had a problem when connecting to a fancy overhead projector. It worked great on several projectors at Microsoft when I worked there, it worked fine when I taught for Wintellect last year, so I know this wasn't the issue (though I did think 'hmm-- could the port be goofy?').

The images I got from the monitor were crap. I tried every adjustment, got the latest drivers for the monitor, etc. I just couldn't get the monitor to generate clear, crisp text. For someone who processes lots of code when sitting at a machine, this was an absolute deal breaker. If you do get one of these monitors and plan to use an analog (D-SUB 15) connector, then just pick something else. Right now, you can pick these things up at Sam's Club for about $260. Mine goes back today.

I think I'm going to go with a ViewSonic-- I've always been happy with their stuff though I never like the fact that I have to pay extra. Hopefully, I'll have a good experience to post about for that one tomorrow.