One of the best treats this year is a new selection of flat-panel computer monitors. These flicker-free screens make it easy on your eyes, don't take much desktop space and are coming in larger and larger sizes.

Over the past few weeks I've been reviewing two units from Planar. And while this company may not be a household name yet, it makes great flat-panels from small to supersized. The units I tested showed great quality screens, no matter what kind of pixels I threw at them.

Planar got its "customer service" feet wet by offering customized screens for hospitals, gas pumps, automated teller machines and industrial applications.

It has developed one of the best warranty programs I've seen yet. The "customer first" service takes care of you by sending a replacement within two days. Then, the company takes back the broken unit and figures out what went wrong. It will fix it or give you a permanent replacement. Better yet, this warranty lasts for three years.

Aside from giving customers plenty of assurance, Planar provides great flat-panel screens. I tried the giant WS231 that features a 23.1-inch viewing area. This display is high-resolution capable, 1,600 pixels by 1,200 pixels, has excellent viewing angles and includes both digital and analog ports.

It's a great size for anyone who works with video editing, graphics or just spends a lot of time glued to the screen. Planar will even send you a set of Benwin GX7 flat-panel speakers, including a subwoofer, free after you register.

When I tested it, I hooked up two computers. One used its digital video port, and the other used its analog VGA port. I could switch between them easily by pushing the front access port select button. It ran problem-free -- even when I challenged it by changing to a different resolution on each computer.

This giant monitor stood up to every challenge I threw at it. It has a fast refresh rate that will keep gamers happy. Its pixel pitch is 0.294 mm by 0.294 mm, and it can display 16.7 million colors. Unlike many flat-panels that are hard to view from the side, the WS231 has 160 degrees of viewing access.

Priced at $2,499, this monitor won't fit every budget, but no doubt it will help light up your spirits. The Planar WS231 is a splendid monitor.

Now, for those with smaller budgets, Planar makes a 15-inch LCD monitor, the PL150, priced as low as $350, which offers an innovative folding desk stand and a sleek, narrow bezel design. Its razor-sharp image gives it excellent clarity. This monitor, and all sizes larger, includes the three-year warranty.

For a few dollars more, you can expand your view. The Planar 17-inch PL170M comes with integrated stereo speakers and a professional, narrow design that is 30 percent smaller and lighter than typical 17-inch LCD monitors. It sells for about $600.

Planar monitors conform to the VESA standard, which lets you use commonly available mountings to hang them on the wall. The company also sells its own wall mount kits.

So there's step one for your own holiday list. Tune in next week for more ideas.