SyncMaster 220TN
The SyncMaster 220TN comes with the following specifications:- 22 inch screen, with a 1680 x 1050 pixel format and a brightness of 300 cd/m2.
- 4 USB ports for connectivity.
- Embedded networking module, with a port for 10/100 Ethernet.
- Built-in 2 megapixel camera, microphone and speakers.
- Powered by a Geode LX800 500MHz microprocessor.
- Runs Microsoft Windows XP with an accompanying VoIP softphone client.
- Does not require a PC.
Screen specialists say nothing wrong about the screen quality, which has a fast response time of 5 milliseconds. Samsung's magicColor and MagicBrights technologies help give clear and sharp pictures.
The monitor is a monitor before being a VoIP tool, and therefore comes with an RGB input and output, allowing you to both use it as a general monitor and a video conferencing tool. Switching between the two modes is easy.
Open applications on the machine (I think I can call it a machine now) can be shared with all teleconferencing parties.
The network support module allows users to make multi-point video conferencing, at home, in the office network or across a larger network network.
The most important thing with the 220TN is that is does not require connection with a PC. A Windows XP version managing a thin VoIP voice and video client makes it possible to communicate seamlessly. However, compatibility with other main VoIP voice and video applications on the market is not established. In the beginning, SyncMaster users that want to benefit from free services might find themselves a bit in the margin.
SyncMaster 225UW
This one has the same basic specifications as the 220TN, but with the following differences:- It does require a PC.
- It has only 2 USB ports, but also has VGA and DVI-D ports.
- The built-in camera can be tilted.
- Chats and voice calls can be made via tools like Windows Live Messenger and Skype.
Bottom Line
I see the typical users for this type of monitor-phone to be public places and corporates relying a lot on communication, and aiming at cutting down their communication costs, both on hardware and services. This would allow a good hardware/software package for cheap VoIP service; as compared to having to buy complete PCs and pay for expensive phone services.Also, the inherent security makes it a better tool for public places like cybercafes, stations etc. Since there isn't a whole set of applications and services running as with a complete PC, the monitor offers a smaller area of exposure to security threats.
I don't see the home VoIP communicator to be a typical user for this type of phone-monitor, although there might a handful of curious or technology-savvy users, or heavy users of high-quality video conferencing, that will get interested and buy if they have the money.
Speaking of money - the price is another obstacle. It hovers around the thousand dollars.
Since there is no provision for hardware-based VoIP services, the device is somewhat shielded from the eventual cost benefits that can be derived from VoIP service providers. It has to reply solely on software-based services, which might have different behaviors towards its embedded VoIP client.
