Flat Panel Monitor Saves Space and Energy

Whether it's energy or space conservation, or the desire to have the latest in computer monitor technology, flat panel displays have found their place in the small or home office (SOHO) workplace. The drawback historically has been their cost. Topping $1,000, flat panel displays were not the power tool of the cash-strapped home office. The Samsung SyncMaster 760vTFT flat panel display brings a whole new look and functionality to the home office - at a reasonable price.

The unit provides the attractive looks of a flat panel display at a reasonable cost, considering TFT (or thin film transistor or active matrix LCD monitors can be the most expensive on the market). Priced under $900, the SyncMaster is one of the most cost-efficient models for the emerging home office.

The savings can even add up after purchase. Drawing only 40 watts of power (25 watts for the 15-inch model), the SyncMaster uses between 30% and 70% less energy than a traditional 17-inch CRT monitor. And less heat generated means summertime office cooling costs will drop. Out-of-the-box plug-and-use simplicity means the unit is the perfect add-on to an existing computer system. (Learn more at www.samsungusa.com/monitor)

The SyncMaster incorporates features 400:1 contrast ratio, brightness reaching of 250 cd/m², Sun Microsystems and SGI compatibility, and an option for multimedia stereo speakers, which attach to the side of the LCD panel. Both units also offer USB capability via an optional self-powered, four-port USB Hub. This cuts desktop clutter and simplifies connectivity of peripherals, including a keyboard, mouse, joystick, printer or scanner - and offers improved PC-to-peripheral performance.

Its trim dimensions and weight (18.5 pounds packed into a slim 17.3" H x 18.2" W x 7.2" D frame) make the unit ideal for either the desktop or wall mounting. As a safety benefit, its Kensington Slot cable security feature ensures the unit can't easily be heisted from the home or corporate workstation.

The only problem this home officer suffers now with the SyncMaster is what to do with all the wires that were easily hidden behind my old 17-inch CRT monitor? This may be the power tool of the 21st Century home office, but it's the bane of the clutter bum.

Jeff Zbar, the ChiefHomeOfficer.com, is a speaker, writer and expert on alternative officing. He is the author of Teleworking & Telecommuting: Strategies for Remote Workers and Their Managers (Made E-Z Products, 2002); Safe@Home: Seven Keys to Home Office Security (FirstPublish 2001) and Your Profitable Home Business (on CD-ROM from Made E-Z Products). Visit his Web site to subscribe to Home Office Success Stories, his free electronic magazine on home business and teleworking.