Samsung monitor is a stylish choice for casual use

If there's one part of any computer setup that should be attractive and without complication it's the humble monitor. For a perfect example just look at Samsung's new S27D390 (MSRP $299), a 27-inch display that's as much a fashionable desktop accessory as it is a useful tool.

These new "Samsung Simple" monitors revive the company's ToC (Touch of Color) aesthetic from years back, blending Samsung's new tech with old style.

At $300, the S27D390 is a bit on the pricey side but it offers users strong color accuracy, easy-to-use features, and a wide viewing angle — perfect whether you're getting work done or kicking back and watching Netflix.
Despite the large size, it's worth noting that this isn't a monitor for creative professionals. The screen is 1080p HD, but that's actually a little on the lower end for a display this big. It also lacks support for the Adobe RGB color space, which is important if you do graphic design or professional photo editing.

Otherwise, if you're looking for a solid general-use display, the fashionable S27D390 breaks the black-plastic mold and offers good value to boot. It's affordable without looking cheap or boring.

That said, the S27D390 doesn't try to be fancy. It doesn't include a ton of high-end features, but it also doesn't have any massive performance flaws. Users can expect rich, detailed color and good overall contrast. At normal viewing distances, the 1080p resolution is sharp enough for content with lots of dense text (like most websites), though picky eyes may find it a little blurry.

The S27D390 is also well-suited to TV and movie content, which not all monitors can say. And because the color standard for monitors is roughly identical to the color standard for HDTVs, content will match the hues your eyes are used to.

It's also not a bad choice for playing games. Though if you've got a screaming-fast gaming setup you'll want to go with something with more resolution, the S27D390 is perfectly suited for last-generation consoles like the PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii U.

Last, but not least, there are a couple of extra software features worth mentioning. In the full menu, you'll find options for settings called Samsung MAGIC Bright and Samsung MAGIC Angle.

Samsung MAGIC Bright contains pre-sets for various kinds of content, and will attempt to set the best contrast and luminance for when you're watching a movie vs. browsing the Web. Samsung MAGIC Angle attempts to optimize the screen for different viewing situations, offering pre-sets like "Lean Back mode" or "Stand mode."

At $300, the Samsung S27D390 is about on par with what most monitors this size cost. But while it may not be an outstanding value, the S27D390 grabs attention with its unique look and interface. It's sexier than the average monitor, and you're expected to pay a little more for that.

For general tasks — browsing the Web, watching Netflix, or playing console games — the S27D390 is a perfect choice. Just keep in mind that more specialized tasks — graphic design and pro-level photo editing — will require higher resolution or wider color production. That's a little beyond this "simple" monitor's abilities.