After bringing in Samsung Monitor Series 9
for review, I can tell you that I had a blast with it. Right after comes its
younger sibling, the Samsung Smart Station Series 5 (Ed: 4S! Tsk tsk!). Using
the term 'Smart Station', I can quickly tell that it offers more than just a
display. With these additional functions, this monitor does its job a poking me
to get it reviewed. Let's put all of its features to the test. Bring out the
schematics!
Samsung
Smart Station Series 5
Double edged sword
Let's start with the first two impressions
I have when I first set eyes on this Samsung Monitor. Number 1, which is looks:
A charming design from the front and a sexy back. Number 2, which is touch: Why
the use of plastic? From impression 1 and 2, you can tell it's a double-edged
blade. I like how the Samsung keep things minimal and clean. It is definitely
eye-catching. However, after attempting to hook it up, I am taken aback with
the material used and how creaky it is at the slightest touch.
An AiO monitor
When Samsung called it Smart Station, I
found out why when I noticed it had so many ports, all of which are located at
the back of the Series 5's stand. Equipped with LAN, three USB 3.0s, one USB
2.0 and a HDMI port, the Smart Station is also an All-in-One (AiO) for my
accessories. This is mighty convenient but I notice the USB ports' transfer
speeds aren’t as fast as the one I have on my desktop. Even its USB 3.0 ports
transfer speed isn’t impressive. My advice is to use these ports for keyboard
and mouse.
Internet
connection, data download and usage charges may apply
So many presets!
As usual, Samsung already prepare tonnes of
presets for users to pick from. Some of these are helpful but the changes don't
really mean a lot for those with a discerning eye. Most of the presets come
from Samsung's Magic Bright. Most of the time, it is too bright for my personal
taste. The color calibration is close to perfection, which means I don't have
to do any adjustments. Aside from that, the whites look convincing enough with
very small hints of blue tint. So miniscule that it is hardly noticeable.
Movies right here
In the past, there are complaints that LCD
monitors have uneven illumination. I can confidently tell you the Smart Station
has none of that. The backlighting looks balanced to me. In fact, it is a great
monitor for watching movies! How it renders true black and shadows slides right
behind the Samsung Monitor Series 9 in terms of performance. After watching
several movies with this, I can easily tell the difference between black and dark
greys.
The
color calibration is close to perfection, which means I don't have to do any
adjustments
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Specifications
§ Price:
$310
§ Dimensions
(HxWxD): 573.0 x 427.5 x 233.0mm
§ Weight:
4.1kg
§ Display:
24in (16:9) WVA LED Type, 16.7M color support
§ Brightness:
250cd/m2
§ Resolution:
1920 x 1080
§ Ports:
Audio In/Out, USB hub (USB 3.0 (1up / 2dn), USB 2.0 (1dn)), Ethernet
§ Features:
Mobile Control, USB 3.0 Hub, USB Display, MHL, USB Super Charging
§ Power
supply: AC 100 - 240V 50 / 60Hz
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