The perfect upgrade for your new gaming laptop.
Picking the right gaming monitor is not always just about the specs. Sure, you want to know you’re getting suitable hardware, but sometimes the extra features can make or break a deal. The Samsung C27A550U is 27in of 1,920 x 1,080 LED-backlit deliciousness with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio and 300cd/m2 brightness. While it does use a TN panel, that means the response times are nice and fast at 2ms grey-to-grey. We couldn’t see any ghosting issues and the colours are as good as you’d expect from Samsung.
The C27A5550U also sports a bunch of extras that could be mistaken for an office focus but actually really suit gaming. For a start, the base has a built-in USB 3.0 hub with four powered ports -- perfect to handle your fancy light up keyboards and gaming mice without filling up limited PC connections. It has dual-HDMI ports (as well as legacy VGA) so you can connect up a PC and console at the same time. The monitor base station also includes a LAN port that can then feed internet connectivity to your PC via USB.
All these features conspire to make the Samsung pretty much the ultimate screen for use with a high-end gaming laptop. You can leave your mouse and keyboard connected to the screen, then hook up your laptop with just two cables. At almost $500 on the street, the Samsung is an expensive option but is packed with all the features laptop gamers crave.
Special features:
- Powered USB 3.0 hub
- Internet via USB
- Excellent base
Pros : Connectivity, 2ms response, dual HDMI.
Cons : No speakers, expensive, TN panel.
Verdict : 8/10, Highly Recommended!
Available from Samsung, retailing for $599
