Desktop monitors aren’t exactly sexy, but most of us use one every day. And Samsung is really striving for some innovation with its new range. The edge-lit LED line up includes the SA 9 series (3D capable), TA 9 series (Smart Hub-enabled), and the CA 5 Series with ‘Central Station’ aka laptop docking features.
Each series comes in 23-inch and 27-inch falvours, except the TA 9, which only comes in the larger size. Full HD (1920 x 1080), a wide viewing angle (170°/160°), and Samsung’s ‘Mega DCR’ contrast boost is common across the range. Full specs below.
The SA 9 monitors have a distinctive design, and can handle both 2D (standard monitor use) and 3D (Blu-ray, consoles, Foxtel, etc), though you’ll still need shutter glasses. The 23-incher (SA23950) costs $550, while the 27-inch model is $700 (SA27950).
The 27-inch TA27950 costs $800, and apart from being a monitor is also an internet connected Smart TV with full HD tuner and two HDMi ports. It’s also 3D enabled.
Finally, the CA 5 has its own tilt-adjustable design, and is basically able to act as a hub or dock for laptops. Here’s how Samsung explains it: “After the initial setup, when the user connects LAN and audio cables to the Central Station monitor, all the user has to do is link his or her laptop to the Central Station using a single USB connection.” The 27-inch CA27550 is priced at $600, while the 23-inch CA23550 is $430. [Samsung]
BMac
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 5:20 PMPretty good monitors indeed, the only drawback being for PC games these monitors do NOT support nVidia’s 3D Vision, but will support AMDs 3D version.
poedgirl
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 5:27 PMI don’t see why the SA 9 wouldn’t support 3D Vision, it connects via dual-link DVI and is 120Hz native. Granted the TA 9 might not.
b9
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:44 PMwrong. but you need to pay for nvidia compatibility.
http://www.nvidia.com/object/3dtv-play.html
pimento
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 6:39 PMShame there’s no resolution jump when you go to the 27″. Seems expensive for a (relatively) low res monitor.
Luke
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 7:35 PMHave had the S27A950 for a few weeks now. Nice monitor but the 3d makes me feel sick very quick :|
Frosty
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 12:52 PMThe s27a950 which I’ve owned for bout 1 month now is great, it can do the 3d changeover for games or movies all via the monitor controls and no need for any software installed on the PC. Does need some fine tuning to display correctly though, especially the depth of viewing so no ghosting is present. Love the 120hz. Weirdly I get the best colour display when i change the viewing mode to “standing”
Dinghy Plans
Friday, August 19, 2011 at 10:07 AMThink i’ll wait til the price comes down.