I replaced the 15″ monitor on my desktop PC today, with a new 22″ Samsung SyncMaster T220 model.

The T220 monitor has two connection interfaces, a DVI interface (HDCP supported) and standard analogue SVGA .  My last monitor was only analogue but my Hercules Radeon 9000 Series graphics card does have a DVI output so I’ve switched over to using that.

The monitor stands on an oval base and is adjustable to approx 30 degrees of backwards tilt.  The black frame has slightly curved edges along the top and bottom and the bezel has a translucent rose red finish which is most noticeable along the bottom edge.  The bezel is covered with a clear plastic coating which extends past the display’s frame to create a narrow border around all four sides.  This design mirrors that of Samsung’s current LCD TV range.

The on/off button is located on the panel’s front righthand corner and is touch sensitive.  A set of more conventional buttons are located on the right edge of the screen and can be used to adjust the brightness, switch between analog and digital inputs, and select among seven image presets - Custom, Text, Internet, Game, Sport, Movie, and Dynamic Contrast.  Choosing further settings can be achieved with these buttons once you’ve entered the On Screen Display. 

The screen boasts a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio (meaning the backlight is automatically manipulated to improve black levels in dark images).  The static contrast ratio is rated at 1,000:1.  Brightness is 300cd/m² and maximum resolution is 1680 x 1050 pixels.  To reduce blurring of fast moving images, the response time is only 2ms.  Samsung claims the T220 consumes only 65-70W in operation mode, and a mere 0.3W when on standby.

I really like this monitor, and the extra screen size is great for working with photos in Paint Shop Pro.

The move from steel wheels with plastic covers to aftermarket alloys for my Ibiza in August last year, made the front disc brake calipers and rear brake drums visible.  The calipers were no longer silver and the drums were matt grey with surface rust - not a good look.

So, last week I bought a yellow Foliatec brake caliper lacquer kit and a spray can of smooth finish gloss black Hammerite.  I brushed on a couple of coats of the caliper lacquer and sprayed the drums with a couple of coats of Hammerite.

The following photos were taken today whilst the sun shone.