The use of two monitors, known as dual monitoring, has been around for over a decade. The idea, behind having two monitors, is to allow individuals to accomplish their work in a more efficient productive manner. One of the downfalls is the amount of space that two decent sized monitors will take up on any given desk.

Samsung is known for their high quality and variety of monitors. They have recently added, to their already popular product line, a brand new concept – a dual monitor setup in one. This system consists of a 22-inch and 7-inch monitor that takes up the space of only one 22″ unit. This new concept is to provide the same efficiency that two full sized monitors offer. The idea behind it is to use the 7-inch monitor for secondary applications like instant messaging, and the 22-inch monitor for your primary applications.

The primary monitor, 22-inch, has a resolution of 1680 x 1050, a response time of 5mx, and a contrast ration of 1000:1. If you know your monitors, you know this is an average monitor. The big difference with this monitor, from single units, is the fact that you must connect it with a USB port along with a DVI, HDMI, or VGA cable.

The secondary monitor, 7-inch, was intentionally designed as such. With a resolution of 800 x 480, response time of 30ms, and contrast ratio of 400:1, this monitor is best used with smaller applications like instant messaging or video conferencing.

The secondary monitor attaches nicely to the primary monitor, taking up much less real estate on your desk. It is attached via a pivotal arm that allows you to rotate the monitor to the perfect position. Additionally, the 7-inch monitor can be adjusted to either landscape or portrait layout, whichever you prefer.

The dual monitoring experience, that the SyncMaster 2263DX offers, is phenomenal. However, it does not stop with pure efficiency and spaciousness. The smaller monitor can actually be used as a secondary portable monitor for a laptop, or even a standalone unit on your desk. You do not have to use it as an attachment to the 22-inch monitor that it comes with.

The Syncmaster 2263DX not only offers a functional dual monitoring setup for small offices, but provides a solid platform for teleconferencing as well. There is a 3.0M webcam, 1.5W down firing speakers, and a microphone – all built right into the monitor itself. The secondary monitor, the 7-inch one, is perfect for the video aspect of a teleconference.

This unit sells for around $550. While this is a bit pricey compared to a standard 22-inch monitor, there is additional functionality and convenience in the SyncMaster 2263DX.

It all comes down to what is most important to you. If you are considering dual monitoring then you obviously, need a solution that will help you to work more productively. The big question is space and budget. If you are willing to spend the extra dough, for the latest technology, then this is a great buy. If space is not an issue and budget is, then waiting for the price to drop might be the best alternative (or purchase two separate monitors).