Samsung's are the ones to get. Specifically the "N's" and "T's". Only two manufacturers make all the LCD flat panels sold to other's (at least last time I looked). And yes, Samsung was one of the two. I think the other was a joint venture between Sony and Hyundai.
I use the 172N models at home on my personal PC and at work. I can go one resolution higher on this 17 inch panel then I can on a 19 inch monitor so, 1280x1024 works just fine. For $230 it's hard to go wrong.
When you look at other LCD's, pay attention to contrast, off angle viewing, brightness, and the other factors. Inferior LCD panels only look good when looking straight into them, blur more with motion, and can loose color definition. You get what you pay for here so, skimp by $30 and get an inferior model or spend it and enjoy a superior monitor for many years. My panels at work have run continuously for about 5 years now with no performance degradation. The HP flat panels at work have failed due to defects, been recalled for safety, etc. and done at 3 years. YMMV.
