Many people, both personally and professionally use dual monitors when computing. This concept has been around since the 90s and is becoming more commonly used. There is; however, a new approach to this concept that could make some lives easier or at least less cluttered.

Samsung has released a dual monitor set that has a 22″ monitor along with an attachable 7″ monitor – the SyncMaster 2263DX. This is a great setup for those who like the concept of dual monitoring. It is especially beneficial for individuals whom have limited desk space, and cannot fit two full sized monitors on their desk. The 7″ monitor is perfect for secondary applications like instant messaging, while the 22″ monitor is ideal for running your standard applications.

The larger monitor is the primary monitor. With a 1680 x 1050 resolution, 1000:1 contrast ration, and 5ms response time, this monitor is no different from a standard standalone unit. The one difference is that you must use a USB 2.0 port along with a DVI, HDMI, or VGA connection to connect the monitor to your computer.

The smaller monitor, expectedly, has a much lower resolution and contrast ration along with a slower response time. (Res: 800 x 480, Con: 400:1, RT: 30ms) For a secondary monitor that supports secondary applications, these numbers are definitely sufficient for productivity.

Through the use of a swivel arm, the smaller monitor is attached to the larger one on either the left or right side, or even on the top. The smaller unit is flexible in its position as users can rotate the unit to their desired position. The unit can also be manipulated to stay in either landscape or portrait layout.

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.

For around $550 you can purchase one of these new SyncMaster 2263DXs. If you have priced monitors, you know that this is a bit of a steep price for a 22-inch monitor. You could easily pick up two separate full sized monitors for the same price.

The bottom line is whether you are looking for space saver technology or budget friendly answers. If you have the space, purchasing two monitors is obviously the way to go. If your desk space is slim, you may just have to spend the extra cash. If you are into toys, and just need to have the latest and greatest, the Samsung SyncMaster 2263DX is a must have.