Designing for the future

For technology powerhouse Samsung Electronics, design – and not just functionality – rules.

Samsung recently showcased its latest premium notebooks and LCD monitors, which are a fusion of efficiency, revolutionary functionality, and – the D-word – designs to meet the increasing demands of today’s executives. These days the power players are not just satisfied with office equipment that is efficient but built like cumbersome monoliths, just like the mysterious black object in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, or Spinal Tap’s misguided attempt at making Stonehenge props.

They demand dependable IT products that are sleek, stylish and geared for the post-postmodern world we live in.

"As a leader in digital convergence, Samsung stands at the forefront of marrying innovative design with advanced technology to transform lifestyles," said Samsung president and CEO Spencer Shim at the company’s IT Roadshow 2006. "We have developed premium LCD monitors that feature sophisticated design and revolutionary user-centric functions, delivering unparalleled performance for business computing."

Shim also said that Samsung’s vision is for digital convergence in the workplace.

Charles Choi was also present at the Samsung IT Roadshow. Choi heads the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Division. In his role as VP for ICT, Choi has successfully steered the distribution management direction, putting emphasis on the importance of customer relationship management (CRM). According to Choi, Samsung is all about pushing the boundaries of technology and at the same time coming up with innovatively stunning designs.

There is the sophisticated Samsung SyncMaster 971P Premium LCD Monitor, which features an asymmetrical stand that allows a 180-degree rotation and 65-degree back-and-front tilting for a more convenient computer session, "making the workstation as comfortable as possible." (The head-rotating Linda Blair has got nothing on this baby.) The monitor’s exterior is enhanced by a unique molding technology that creates a "sleek and glossy look." A contemporary, non-obtrusive cable slot ensures all cables are neatly kept from view.

The Samsung Sync Mastermagic 711ND Monitor features the brand’s MagicNet technology, which enables a single PC to centrally control multiple monitors connected to a network. A USB keyboard connected to this monitor allows users to access content from remote servers.

The Samsung SyncMaster 931BA Well-Being Monitor is a revolutionary "green" monitor that emits anions to help "clean the air, reduce stress and even increase body resistance." Its minimalist design appeals to the "young fashion- and health-conscious generation," and it also features a fast response time of 5ms, making it ideal for multimedia users and gamers.

Other LCD monitors include the 215W (with multi-screen function and embedded speakers), the 244T (featuring an ultra-narrow bezel, a high-contrast ratio of 1000:1 and a wide viewing angle of 178 degress/178 degrees), the 931BF (its fast response time is best for game and entertainment usage), and the 940MG (a multi-functional HDTV-ready 19-inch LCD monitor that is wall- and arm-mountable). Each is an example of how technological reliability and visually arresting designs could come in one package.

"With Samsung, it’s not that hard to imagine," concluded Shim.