Touchscreen Monitor Duel - Dell vs. Samsung

Use Windows 8 the way it’s designed to work. These huge, high-res touchscreens tilt deeply for easier interaction.

It’s amazing how quickly you can become accustomed to a touchscreen user interface. If you currently use Windows 8, you've probably experienced this phenomenon in the form of reflexively swiping your finger across your desktop monitor at least once - to no effect, if it isn't a touchscreen.

Fortunately, affordable touchscreen displays are finally making their way into the market. I recently spent some time with two such models: the Dell P2314TTouch Monitor (go.pcworld.com/p2314t) and the Samsung S24C770T 10-point Touch Monitor (go. pcworld.com/s24c770t). One is definitely better than the other.

The Dell P2314T is a 23-inch display based on an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, and the Samsung S24C770T is a 24-inch model based on MVA (Multi-domain Vertical Alignment) technology. Both use LED backlights and deliver a native resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels with ten touch points.

Dell’s 23-inch P2314T is a very responsive touchscreen monitor with lots of I/O ports.

Both monitors are mounted on easily adjustable stands that can hold the display upright, like a standard monitor, or reclined at a low angle that's easier on your arms when you use the touch features. Neither stand requires you to push any buttons to adjust the angle: You simply push or pull the screen into the angle that works better for you. Despite offering that highly desirable flexibility, both stands feel sturdy and solid when parked on a desk. The Dell lies flatter than the Samsung by a few degrees, but the Dell's stand sticks out from the front by a couple of inches - a design feature that leaves less room for a keyboard in front of the monitor, and increases the distance your arms must reach across to touch the screen.

Unfortunately, both monitors have highly reflective screens. When I put each unit in its reclined orientation, it reflected the overhead lights in my office, producing intense glare. You'll want to consider your working environment before purchasing either model.

The Samsung S24C770T has a superior stand, but its color fidelity isn't as good as the Dell model's.

Dell provides plenty of ports on its P2314T: DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA video inputs, plus two USB 3.0 downstream ports for connecting peripherals or portable storage devices. The Samsung S24C770T comes with two HDMI ports - and that's it. The Samsung monitor also lacks a USB hub. If you need speakers, though, the 3-watt pair built into the Samsung model's bezel aren't bad. Dell expects you to provide your own audio hardware, which can be a problem if you have limited space on your desk and don't want to wear headphones.

The Dell P2314Talso supports MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), a technology that enables you to connect a compatible smartphone or tablet and display video (up to 4K resolution) and stream surround sound (to a maximum of 7.1 channels, including TrueHD and DTS-HD audio formats) while simultaneously charging the attached device. In addition to manufacturing smartphones and tablets, Samsung is a member of the MHL Consortium, so it's interesting that Samsung's monitor doesn't support the technology.

Dell’s monitor offers DisplayPort, HDMI.and VGA connections, as well as a USB downstream port and MHL support.

Overall, I found the touch capabilities of the two displays to be quite similar. On both models I could use Windows 8 gestures to pinch, zoom, swipe, and type without any noticeable latency. Typing via the on-screen keyboard worked well, though I won't plan to give up the superior tactile response of a standard keyboard anytime soon.

Comparing the displays side by side, I found that images on the Samsung's MVA panel had a slightly pinkish hue. I preferred the neutral grays and colors of the Dell's IPS panel. Extreme off-axis viewing tends not to be a big issue for a touchscreen display, since you'll typically be situated front and center, but it remains important when you need to share information on the display with someone else. The Dell model looked much better when viewed at an angle. The Samsung monitor progressively lost contrast as I moved away from its center, and images gradually disappeared as I moved to the far left or right.

The Samsung S24C770T has dual HDMI ports, but the monitor's USB capabilities are upstream only (to support touch).

Text was clear and legible on both displays, but the Dell's whiter whites and slightly higher pixel density helped make text viewed on that monitor a little easier on the eyes. The Samsung has good speakers, but it costs more and has fewer I/O ports, and its colors leaned a little on the red side. Overall, I recommend the Dell P2314T with its raft of ports, its neutral grays, and its lower price.