LN40A550 vs LN40A650: So, is the extra $355 or so more for the A650 a justifiable purchase decision over the A550 in your opinion?
2002256
This is EXACTLY the issue with me as well. Ironically, I also do not watch TV that much, and currently have a 27 inch (Panasonic) CRT that I am looking to replace. I have pretty much decided to go with the 550 model. I looked at the two side-by-side in a store and could not notice the difference (a common cable feed -- probably 720p or 1080i -- was going to both). I don't know if the 120 Hz was on for the 650, but reading many comments here and other sites, it seems like this isn't worth it unless you watch alot of sports (alot of people seem to keep it off). As for the better contrast ratio for the 650 (50000:1 compared to 30000:1), I don't believe I could tell the difference. Aside from video, the extras for the 650 don't really seem worth it. You get the so-called Infolink which gives you capability of RSS feeds (presumably a limited number, possibly more in the future). But I am a news junky and like to look at all the various newspapers on the internet -- I'll stick with my computer. If I want, I'll just hook my computer up to the TV to look on the big screen. Extra HDMI port -- big deal, can always buy a switch box for cheaper than the difference. Other extras, if they exist, usually can be gotten around by buying external devices, if you want or need them. Bottom line, if you're like me, go for the cheaper 550. addendum to my previous post: Got the 550 and it's beautiful. Will not fret over whether I should have gotten the 650 (gotta get on with life). I avoided paying an extra ~$300 by doing this.
614910
If TV-based sound is important to you then the LN52A750 is the right model to purchase. That model has subwoofers in the 2-speaker system and it has the best sound of the 6,7,8-series samsung models. In my opinion, you are getting your money's worth (DLNA and USB interfaces, better sound) for the extra $100 over the 650 model. Also, check out the $150 blue-ray discount feature, you can get a blue-ray player with the TV for net-net, $50 extra !!
1711317
TeeVoo thanks for the explanation. I just picked up the a950 at best buy for $3600 and no interest for 3 years. My Best Buy was even giving premium home delivery and setup for free on it as well. I compared the two tvs. There is just something about the a950's picture that makes you go "wow." The only wow factor I received from the new LEDs was how thin they were. At the end of the day, I watch what's on the screen and not how thin the actual tv set is so I went with the a950.
2010352
I own the a65. And it fits and works great. Have not done any serious testing yet. But from what I have seen I am glad I got it.
1601360
Warren,I cannot decipher any difference between the 2 models listed. I think they are one in the same. That said, if the merchant told you that it is better than its predecessor, that may indeed be true--if he is comparing it the 61/71 series or the 65 series from last year's model line. But even Samsung's website doesn't mention the S2F being any sort of an upgrade or anything like that.I've been looking at the A860 for a while. The slim depth plus its couple extra features make it a bit more attractive than the 6 or 7 series lines.
964367
I've had both TV's. The B550 replaced my A550 which was broken. The PIP was on A550 but the screen was so small it wasn't worth it. The sound on the B550 is supposed to be better but I'm unconvinced. I think it's worse. But I do admit that the accident that broke my A550 could have caused a problem on the HDMI port on my cable box. I'm not ready to blame Samsung yet. But I have also read reviews where sound was mentioned as an issue.But the picture on the B550 is a lot better.
697833
I am certainly no TV guru but, I had purchased the LN40A550 & returned it & bought the LN40A650 & could not be happier! We noticed immediately that the picture looked faded on the 550 & went to one of the local retailers & found that this is a common complaint on these units. They actually had a LN40A550 & LN40A650 side by side in the store & there is a huge difference. We are very impressed with the picture quality regardless of what we are watching. We have had many friends commenting on the awesome picture on this TV. Hope this helps. Les
1617977
The differences are The A65 has a plastic body vs a magnesium alloy plastic combo on the A77, The A77 shoots at 12fps vs 10 for the A65. A77 has a Max shutter speed of 1/8000th vs 1/4000th on the A65. The major differences are mostly cosmetic. If you go to www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonyslta65 you will find a listing of the differences. As far as a recommendation I think either camera is a good choice. Choosing will depend on budget and the features you need the most.
605685
The A5+ is a newer model with certain improvements over the older and now discontinued A5. It's probably "better" because of the improvements, so if the price difference is not a factor to you, definitely go with it. Otherwise, the A5 is still very good.
1051819
Hi Dave,Sorry, my writing style isn't always clear - I wrote a review of the LN52B750 only. My encouragement was meant to say, read all the user reviews on the various models that one is interested in, because that is what helped me.BTW - that's some company you've got there Dave, sounds like I've benefited more than I know as a viewer - many thanks for your good work!
1673297
I just bought the A570IS a few days ago without seeing this alternative, so I hope I'm not wasting my money by not getting a better camera for pennies more! We shall see, I guess. Sometime next week I'll let u know if I was impressed with the A570IS.. (all of my friends have told me it's great, btw).
1147779
MV Schmidt,Yeah you are right, The LN40B750 price was last week and the B650 price is this week, I just went to the same Renton store and got the B650.
2215947
I think it depends on what your main priority is, if it's Smart features this new TV looks better but I usually look at picture quality first and then the added features; for example I would buy a car for the way it drives not how good it's sat nav is! From experience with this TV and I know there are issues with the 65" version but the 55" seems to be a lot better so screen size is also an issue, if going for 55" I would certainly buy last years version.
119291
after spending 2 weeks of research both on the internet and in store, i decided to pull the plug on the same sung 55b650 for both picture quality and price. you can buy either one of the 2 above tv's and you won't be disappointed with the picture quality. but for the current deal at beachcamera.com, you can have the 55b650 for $ 1479.00 shipped with the use of coupon code " ln55b650". you can't go wrong with this price and tv deal. sdechpross
825721
They are both well regarded at this price level but only your ears will tell you how they compare. I have heard it said that if your cartridge suits the PP2 loading then its not bad at all. Technically the 651 is a much better design with better overload margin. Audition both and see what you think.
2116708
In my opinion A8-4500M is better. It has 4 MB of L2 cache which doubles the 2 MB of the A4-6210. And the graphics card are faster. You can see it here: http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/896/AMD_A4-Series_for_Notebooks_A4-6210_vs_AMD_A8-Series_for_Notebooks_A8-4500M.html
1147777
The Renton WA store says the LN40B750 is $1434.00 thru 6/18/09. The B650 is $1199.00 thru 6/18.