Eizo monitors are the ones we prefer for high end photo retouching and color critical design work. the Color Edge CG241W for instance, is a 24" widescreen with excellent resolution and fidelity.

But they are not cheap.

I know you think the apple monitors are are overpriced, but they do perform well - they are actually our budget option...

The Samsung NC240 also performs well, and is a bit cheaper.

edit - not the NC240 - my mistake. It was the Samsung 214T.

For "architecture," I would just look at an IPS model at your most comfortable size. For me that changes everytime I go bigger, ha. Currently I am using the 27" IMac at work and the screen is incredible.

Thank you for the responses. I've heard that IPS matrix is the good one. What other options do I have besides the Cinema Screen?

This is a really good thread:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=39226

I second the choice of an IPS type... I believe the Apple Cinema screens are IPS, which accounts for their price. There have been some cheaper (but still good) IPS monitors recently, too.

zoroaster, thanx.

to everyone who uses Cinema screen:

don't you feel bad about glossy display? I've been using matted ones for ages.

The 6 cinema displays we have in the studio are all matte screen, so I cannot comment on the new glossy displays.

We love them overall. We still head to the Eizo for final color work tho.

You might consider this for a budget IPS screen:

Dell UltraSharp eIPS 1080p LCD Monitors w/ DVI & DisplayPort: U2211H 21.5" $223, U2311H 23" $239 - SlickDeals.net Forums
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=2025298

streetlevelfoto,
what Apple model do you have?

I'm trying to go super cheapskate on getting a display, and I saw this 1080p 21" from HP.

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=TS-21M5-R&cat=MON

I know it's not going to be professional grade exactly, but can any display wizards tell me anything about HP displays or the specs on this unit?

BTW, what are the display inputs that I should be looking for? DVI, HDMI, VGA, WTF, ROFL, ETC........

^^^^ The HP is 139.00 USD.

Buy it at Costco. They got a 3 month return policy.

archiwhat -

we are one generation back from the current black bordered glossy screens... we have the silver bordered matte screens - 20 inch monitors in dual monitor set ups.

Like these:
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Cinema-20-inch-Flat-Panel-Display/dp/B0002ILKMW

bump.

looking at adding a 2nd monitor to the new MBP i just bought.. after lots of digging through reviews and talking to people, it seems that LED is the most important feature, and IPS seems to not be so mainstream, at least on sub $400 monitors, which is what I'm looking at. I am looking specifically at the Asus VH238H for $169 and the Acer S231HLbid. Both are LED 23" monitors, but I think they are both TN, although it doesn't actually say on their product descriptions. Alternately, I found the LG IPS231P as a slightly more expensive (and less reviewed) monitor that is both LED and IPS, although some reviews say the LED lighting is lackluster, but decent for the price. Anybody else doing monitor research at the moment?

recently released: http://www.wacom.asia/cintiq24hd