No, it's not a giraffe or guillotine: When ViewSonic Corp.'s Web site refers to a "high neck and floating head," it's talking about the comfortable, elevated viewing position of its new LCD monitors, which combine slim, black bezel frames with stylish silver accents. The desk-space-saving base also holds the integrated power supply.

The 15-inch VX510 (about $425) offers 1,024 by 768 resolution with 250 nits of brightness, while the 17-inch VX715 (about $525) is a 1,280 by 1,024 display with 300 nits of brightness and dual analog (VGA) and digital (DVI) inputs. Both feature a 450:1 contrast ratio; the latter's ClearMotiv technology delivers broadcast-quality video and compatibility with high-definition 720p.