The days of the CRT are now behind us and that leaves us with little choice, but LCD monitors. However, there are three basic technologies for making LCD monitors, TN, S-IPS, and VA, and only the S-IPS based monitors are good for photography and video production. Unfortunately, the price tag of these monitors is also rather high, beginning around $800 and climbing to a couple thousand dollars.
However, back at the beginning of the year (2009), Dell announced a new monitor, the 2209WA. Look at the specs: 1680 x 1050 resolution, VGA and HDI plugs, E-IPS based technology, 4 USB ports, fully adjustable stand, 22" widescreen, only $279! The photo boards have been buzzing and early adopters have been very pleased with the quality of this monitor. If this wasn't good enough news, Dell has twice put the monitor on sale, once for around $210 and most recently for $250.
The e-IPS is apparently an "economy" IPS technology, but the monitor supports excellent color gamut and a 178 degree viewing angle. Anyway, I bought one and will be posting a complete review shortly. I understand this monitor is only available from the Small business and Gov't section of Dell. Don't be fooled by the 2209W model, that is TN based technology, is much cheaper (around $179) and is not recommended for photography.