Samsung outs stylish Series 9 27-inch monitor, Smart Station display

CES may not start until next week, but Samsung is already keeping everyone busy with a slew of device announcements. Audio docks was the name of the game on Wednesday, and today its monitors.

First up is the Series 9, a high-definition display offering 2560 x 1440 resolution. Samsung calls it a quad-HD monitor, which is a non-standard way of saying that the device offers a resolution that is four times what's offered by other HD monitors.

It's also absurdly nice-looking, taking most of its design elements from last year's SyncMaster T27A950D. The monitor's other notable features include built-in speakers, a pair of USB 3.0 ports, and DisplayPort, Dual Link-DVI and HDMI video ports. Sad part is that the Series 9 isn't exactly cheap and will start at $1,199.

Alongside the Series 9, Samsung also announced the Series 7 Smart Station, the second in its line of HD monitor/wireless laptop docking station hybrids.

Both the Series 9 and Smart Station offer support for Mobile High Definition Link-compatible tablets and smartphones. Right now these devices are mostly limited to more recent products like the Galaxy Nexus and HTC Rezound, but older devices like the Galaxy S II also support the technology. Using the MHL connection, owners will be able to connect and interact with their devices on their much larger monitor screens.

Pricing for the Smart Station will start at $549 when its released in March.