Samsung SA550 27"

Amraam · 6 Apr 2011 at 15:43

Does anyone know if the new 27" SA550 is out yet? Looks just like what I'm after. I can't find a definitive answer as to whether it actually out yet, or just announced. Amazon have them, but it says "1-2 months", which is why I'm puzzled.

Anyone know if these are good monitors?

PCM2 · 6 Apr 2011 at 15:55

I think if said site do have them available (and they're not just trying to drum up interest - they are, after all, a very large retailer of Samsung monitors) they are holding them until Samsung give them the 'go'. As far as I can tell Samsung are planning on releasing the 350, 550, 650, 750, 950 and possibly 850 at around the same time. They are covering a lot of ground across their new series' monitors but they aren't giving anything away regarding release date (dare I say they don't actually know themselves quite how the release is going to pan out!)

At the moment I would speculate May at the earliest or possibly June - they were originally planning a 'Spring' release date but there have may have been some set-backs.

Amraam · 6 Apr 2011 at 15:58

That sucks, I really need a new monitor now, but it would be daft not to wait I guess. That's if they're worth waiting for - are there any other 27" monitors at the £300 price range you'd recommend?

PCM2 · 6 Apr 2011 at 16:11

To be perfectly honest I haven't had much experience with 27" monitors in that price range. I'm not really a huge fan of a monitor of that size with a 1920 x 1080 resolution or that panel type - but if you're mainly gaming or watching movies then I wouldn't worry too much. Some colleagues of mine recommend the ViewSonic VX2739WM (a nice review by TFT Central here) but I haven't used it. I'm not sure if it is the case of differences in individual units but it sounds as if TFT Central had some issues with colours that could only be corrected by calibration - that's not a good sign for gamers! I am wondering if the picture was still washed out under 'default settings' but with just a reduction in brightness (and possibly a tweak to contrast)? I wouldn't worry too much about colour accuracy on such a large TN panel anyway because it's never going to be good (no matter what a reading for a small square in the center tells you) - but having a generally washed out image is never good! Having used some ViewSonic monitors like the VX2450 which were very impressive in this regard (especially given their price) this seems a bit disappointing. There are supposedly some good models from the likes of ASUS as well (the VE278Q) but they aren't available in the UK!

Really I would suggest waiting the new Samsung and seeing how it turns out - I can't help thinking the 27 inch thing is just an urge or 'nice thought' if you haven't had experience with such a monitor, though. I find them a bit like marmite to be honest and I would actually try one out (even by means of utilising DSR if I had to) before making a full commitment.

Amraam · 6 Apr 2011 at 16:20

You're right to be honest mate. I really only want a bigger screen, simply for when watching movies. Gaming wise, I don't need anything bigger tbh. A 28" TV would be ideal, but I read they're not great for PC gaming due to ghosting and motion lag.

Amraam · 6 Apr 2011 at 21:46

What do you think of the P2450H mate? Worth a shot, or would you still recommend waiting for the LED ones?

PCM2 · 6 Apr 2011 at 22:16

If you really can't wait then I very much doubt you would be disappointed by the P2450H. There is a 24-inch version of the '550' coming out and I have been pretty impressed with Samsung's LED-backlit monitors so far. I would wait myself but I can absolutely understand the urge to splurge.

WingZero30 · 6 Apr 2011 at 22:23

PCM2 said:
There is a 24-inch version of the '550' coming out and I have been pretty impressed with Samsung's LED-backlit monitors so far. I would wait myself but I can absolutely understand the urge to splurge.

How does SA550 compare against BX2450? I am still keeping my eye on the latter :cool:

.

PCM2 · 6 Apr 2011 at 23:12

Couldn't possibly say until they're released but that will certainly be a good comparison to draw. The stand of the BX50 series is certainly a feature which I very much liked when I tested them. We'll have to see how stable the stand of the SA550 turns out to be. The BX2450 also boasted very good natural colour reproduction with an apparent range of colours that most TN panels can't seem to replicate. The XL2370 also provided a strong performance (but the stand is, as one OcUK member put it, quite 'creaky') with greater image vibrancy than the BX2450. Hopefully the 550 will be able to get the balance right and match the BX and XL for responsiveness - which is certainly something that modern Samsung monitors seem to take in their stride.

Amraam · 7 Apr 2011 at 07:55

Hmm, choices choices choices lol. I always do this - I spend hours choosing the best value for money, but then there's aways a better one released days after. I should just pick the one I like, and stop faffing! haha

Do like the look of the new series, but after using a 24" for the last 3 years, being stuck with a regular 4:3 19" is going to drive me mad, so need one now!