With LCD panels seemingly constantly falling in price, and increasing in both size and response time, there are probably fewer reasons to buy a 17" display than there were not long ago. But the Samsung 720N is not only affordable (even taking into account the low prices of some 19" monitors available), but has a native resolution of 1280x1024; significantly higher a resolution than any 17" CRT monitor could support and large enough to give most users more than enough "elbow room" on screen.

The monitor's other specifications are more than adequate, if not particularly notable; an 8ms respond time, analogue (standard) and DVI connectors, and various configuration options and extra features provided by Samsung's bundled software and drivers. The drivers on the included CD aren't needed to install the monitor -- installation was indeed as simple as attaching the cables and switching it on -- and the software Samsung provide is only likely to be worthwhile for someone who wants great control over the image being displayed. I uninstalled it after a short time and have found the default display, achieved simply by switching the monitor on, to be perfectly acceptable.

The monitor itself is ergonomically very well-designed, solidly-made and generally easy on the eye; black, brushed silver, and with a relatively subtle "Samsung" at the bottom of the panel beside the menu buttons, it neither stands out nor looks at all out of place on a desk. Its small power on light is somewhat bright, but certainly not distracting, and the aforementioned OSD buttons are firm but easily pressed; the on-screen display itself is easy to navigate, clear, and functional. Its small, circular, sturdy base suffers from very limited adjustability, but it is solid and, like the panel itself, obviously well-made. All cables and connectors, including an adapter for those with Macs rather than PCs, were included with the very well-packaged monitor.

The 720N's actual image quality is, overall, impressive for a monitor at this price range. Viewing angle is not good; correct colouring and contrast is quickly lost when it is viewed from very much of an angle. A small amount of white backlight "bleed" is noticeable when viewing a white picture on the right-hand edge of the monitor, and its default setting may be a little too bright for some users, but these issues are either minor or easily remedied with the monitor's extensive adjustment options. With an 8ms response time, little ghosting should be evident, and it is -- in fast-paced games a small amount of ghosting is noticeable, but as with the viewing angle and backlight issues, only the most discerning users are likely to be troubled by it. Text is displayed sharply and clearly, colours are bright and even, and the picture offered by the 720N is generally very good. The monitor arrived with no dead pixels, and at the time of writing has functioned reliably for several weeks.

Pros:
* Generally good image quality
* Lightweight, aesthetically pleasing design
* Excellent range of adjustment options
* All cables included
* Price

Cons:
* Minor image quality flaws
* Poor viewing angle range