If you go for LCD, know that the specs advertised are often not useful for picking. Test drive at a friend's. I use a rock solid Hyundai Q17+. No frills, 17", 1200x1024. DVI (worth the extra cash if you can afford it). The resolution isn't mind boggling but the display is simply superb. Before that I used to work with a thinkpad that amazingly had a 1600x1200 which was a joy to use, too, but was only 15".

Dell have a (relatively) cheap 24" LCD, selling for under $900 in the States -- I know someone who is happy with his, although I heard that the image is not perfect.