Samsung Syncmaster 2263DX

When one screen just isn't enough

With lots of 22in monitors available, it can be difficult to choose one over others. Samsung’s Syncmaster 2263DX literally stands out from the rest by including an additional 7in side monitor attached to the main one.

The main 22in display is everything we’ve come to expect from a high-quality monitor. Inputs include DVI and VGA for connecting a computer and HDMI so it can accommodate a games console or Blu-ray player, as well as headphone and microphone sockets.

The attractive polished black bezel houses a top-notch three-megapixel webcam while a transparent trim at the bottom conceals the speakers, although these produced a disappointingly tinny and quiet sound. Picture quality, by contrast, was bright and vibrant.

The 7in display actually has its own name, Ubisync7, engraved in its bezel. Its name reflects the Ubisync technology powering it, whereby the video signal is sent over a USB cable (with a second USB connection required to supply additional power).

Cable clutter is kept to a minimum by using one USB cable between the main monitor and the PC (carrying video to the Ubisync7 screen and sound to the main monitor’s speakers) and then two USB connections between the main monitor and the smaller one.

A crane-arm lets the 7in display swing into any position around the monitor and the Samsung Ubisync software, which must be installed before the 7in monitor can work, then offers portrait and landscape orientation.

We found the Ubisync7 most useful when used with static windows and smaller applications such as instant messaging clients, music playlists or email software.

The 7in screen is not just some useless gadget, then, but two flaws affect the overall package. Firstly, the touch-sensitive controls were very unresponsive and, secondly, the stand doesn't allow for height adjustment so it can be difficult to get it into the right place for your desk posture.

Despite the 2263DX’s high recommended price, it is readily available only for around £270 online, which is not too far above the average for a 22in display. So if you can forgive the stubborn controls and are willing to place it on a stack of books to get the right viewing angle, then the Syncmaster 2263DX is an attractive proposition.