The desktop might not be around for much longer for most people, but the monitor appears to be staying put, and Samsung has a couple of curved choices on the way for people who like to take in all of their computer in one gaze.
Two curved screens will be arriving in Australian electronics and computer stores shortly aimed at delivering big screens with wide field of views that can be brought in with one glance, as the curve makes its way from the living room (televisions) to the desk (computers).
“The release of the new curved monitor range demonstrates Samsung’s continued commitment to address the diverse requirements that Australians have with their displays,” said Todd Lynton, Director of Business Solutions at Samsung Australia.
“Curved monitors will change the way people interact with content on a Samsung screen and represents an incredibly exciting stage in the way we design products to enhance customer experiences.”
The two curved displays are different sizes, with the 27 inch (above) delivering a 16:9 aspect ratio and resolution of 1920×1080, while a 34 inch curved screen will arrive in the more cinema friendly and less common 21:9 aspect ratio, relying on a resolution of 3440×1440. That last one isn’t 4K either, providing more of a middle ground and a cinema equivalent of WQHD, with the 1440 pixel height seen on WQHD 2560×1440 screens, but with more length to boot.
With this much width, owners of a 34 inch 3440×1440 display could split the screen into two for different applications or, indeed, different sources, showing off two 4:3 sources at once, like they were using the older square computer size with two images on the same screen.
Picture-in-picture mode is also included, offering yet another way of displaying information and video, while two speakers have been built into the design, also.
The curve could also be useful, as the arc of the screen might make it easier for people to look at the display all at once, with the corners in view as the display essentially wrap around the perspective.
Of particular note, at least from our point of view, is that Samsung has gone with VA or “Vertical Alignment” panels, which while aren’t necessarily as high-end as the In-Plane Switching displays greeting people on the iPad, still offer excellent angles and colour recreation, and are far better than the TN (Twisted Nematic) panels seen on many other monitors and laptop screens, displays which are easily identified thanks to the colour washout seen at angles.
Pricing for the monitors starts at $549 for the 27 inch display (LS27D590CS), while the 34 inch model comes in at over a thousand more with a recommended retail price of $1649 (LS34E790CNS).
We’ll reserve judgement until we see either, but while the 27 inch doesn’t seem too far off where it should be, Samsung’s 34 inch might be playing in 4K space, and is clearly targeted at a similar model by LG.
As we said, we’ll reserve our opinion until we play with one first hand, but if you’re in the market for a big monitor, we’d see what matters most — curved or 4K — because that’s where the choice hits here.
