LG Fantasy: Stylin' monitors from the Chocolate people

LG, already basking in the successful launch of its uber-sexy Chocolate phone range, has just unveiled two new ultra-stylish ranges of computer monitors. The first of these is the Fantasy series, formerly known as the Emotion range. Concept designs for the Fantasy series first appeared at the CeBIT exhibition earlier in 2006, impressing frost-bitten journalists with their unique styling -- particularly their striking red stands which take their cue from the Chocolate phone.

The Fantasy range consists of three versions: the Ring, the Eclipse and the Jar. All are 19-inchers, all are finished in 'noble black' (read shiny) and each has its own unique base with funky embedded red LEDs that emit a nice ambient light. LG says they're designed to create a more relaxing working environment, but we reckon they're blatantly designed to make your friends hate your show-off guts. The Emotion series is expected to retail for around £260.

Crave was one of a privileged few to get a hands-on with the Fantasy series, and we reckon they're pretty good. We didn't have any of our test equipment, but image quality seemed on a par with the best 19-inchers on the market, and the technical specs make for good reading. The 1,280x1,024-pixel resolution is standard, but you get 300cd/m² brightness, a 4ms response time and a ridiculous 2,000:1 contrast ratio.

We also bore witness to the unveiling of the 60 series (aka the Artistic series). While not as outrageously sexy as the Emotion series, we defy anyone not to love its looks. Check out the circular stand and the V-shaped base. You know you want one. The Artistic series comes in 17-inch and 19-inch guises (£190 and £220 respectively), although LG also showed off a widescreen 20-inch model with an as yet unconfirmed price and release date. Both sets of monitors will go on sale in November. Watch for a full review of them shortly. -RR

Update: We now have a full review of the LG Fantasy Ring live in our Reviews channel.