The Samsung Syncmaster 730BLCD display comes across very plain, and very black, which makes it as suitable for use in the office as in the home. The screen is surrounded by a very thin (~20mm) bezel that provokes the 'thin' impression that LCD displays are known for. The only labeling of any distraction is the model name at the upper left, and Samsung logo at dead center on the bottom just above the control panel.

The five-button control panel allows the user to enter and navigate through the on screen menu system, control contrast and brightness when in analog mode, cycle through Samsung's magic bright presets, Auto Adjust the LCD screen (again while in analog), or power it on. The icons and lables for the control panel are difficult to read since they are simply moulded into the plastic, and under dim lighting the black on black characters are essentially invisible. The power button is flanked with a small status LED.

To keep up a clean appearance, the Syncmaster 730B conceals its power and video connectors behind a removable plastic panel. With this back panel installed, the rear of the 730B display is very clean and and there are no noticeable features aside from the Samsung name moulded into the casing. Upon removing the back panel we find an AC power socket, DVI, and Analog video connectors.

Should you need to claim warranty on the monitor ever, the device details (serial number, build date, etc) are also found here. Another nice feature is the Kensington lock integrated into the chassis just below the VESA mount points. If you're concerned about an LCD display 'walking away,' a good preventative measure is to install one of those notebook style locks into the small rectangular hole here, and tie off the other end of the cable around something secure.

The base can be removed on the 730B for zero-footprint wall mounting, which is another nice option LCD displays boast over their CRT counterparts. The VESA mounting points are spaced 75mm apart, so if you're buying a wall bracket (not included), make sure to get one that is compatible with that spacing.

The Syncmaster 730B comes packed in the box with the base separate, but connecting it to the body is dead simple. There is one large Phillips screw at the bottom which just needs to be tightened; use a screwdriver or flip down the catch and lock things in place by hand. To accommodate users, the Samsung 730B display tilts back about 25 degrees. There is no swivel or vertical adjustment built into the unit. Not a big deal though, the monitor is light enough that you can simply turn the whole display. The SyncMaster 730B also tilts forwards about 5 degrees should you need it to.