Wonderful 22" monitor. Review on Dell SP2208WFP

After a fair amount of study, the two 22” monitors that stood out were Samsung 2243BW and Dell SP2208WFP. The Samsung 2243BW was not available in any of the shops at the time I enquired, in Bangalore.

The other comparable Samsung model, which was available at Croma was 226BW, and the price was about 17k Rupees. The new LG 22” L226W specifications looked equally impressive. But the performance reported, was not up to the mark as Samsung or Dell monitors.

Finally I settled for Dell SP2208WFP. Booked it over phone and the price was settled for 16100/- including delivery and taxes. It took about a week to arrive, and I was able to track the status of my order each day at the Dell website.

Dell SP2208WFP:The monitor was delivered by Blue Dart and the set was neatly packed, good enough for rough handling. The package contained:

· 22” monitor with built in 2MP webcam and stereo microphones

· Stand (that only tilts and does not change height or swivel)

· 1 analogue cable

· 1 DVI cable

· 1 USB cable

· 1 power cord

· 1 installer CD

· 1 manual

· 1 quick installation poster

Warranty of 3 years and this includes a replacement warranty on dead pixels. If the monitor develops more that 6 dead pixels within the warranty period, the set will be replaced. This is a good condition, which may not be given by many other brands. In addition there's a full money back warranty for 30 days from the date of arrival of the monitor at your home. If anyone is unhappy with the set, he can send it back and get full refund.

It was a fairly easy job to assemble and connect the monitor. Installation was a breeze. The monitor in its factory settings showed a bit of extra red tinge, which I could reduce to a more pleasant level easily. The monitor setting screens are user friendly and the cable management hol.e in the stand is well thought addition.

The two USB ports on the left side of the monitor are pretty useful. There are additional two USB ports at the back of the monitor. The set provides 3 different connectivity options. Regular analogue "D-Sub", and digital "DVI" and "HDMI". The set detects automatically, which connector cable is being used. The webcam is fixed and therefore, a little problem when you need to adjust the angle. Stereo mic is great. The webcam softwares are pretty interesting too with ‘Avatars’ that can be created and used instead of your own image on a video chat.

On startup, I had to change the colours, contrast and brightness, as the monitor seemed too bright, even at 50% brightness setting. Text looked sharp and good and reading is a pleasure on this screen. Actual fitness test was while watching a movie with lot of actions scenes, and also while gaming. 2ms response time does make a difference here. The snapshots here are taken on a 6MP Cybershot with (+) or without flash (-).

The shiny screen reflects a good amount of light. Therefore, proper lighting in the room may be necessary. Though, this may not be a concern, since the monitor can be set bright enough, to minimize the viewable reflections. The viewing angle is pretty good, and there is no significant change when viewed from an angle.

HD media looks extremely good on this screen when compared with the 19” Samsung sporting 5ms response time. The webcam image quality is also pretty decent. It is a hassle free system while on a video chat.

Final verdict on Dell SP2208WFP: Excellent monitor, and a value for money. At a little extra cost compared to other brands, a decent webcam and microphones are added bonus. HDMI connector is also a plus on this set. Warranty terms are good and so is the service.

Happy viewing!

Indrajit