Don,
some five years ago I went from my good ol´ 19inch Samsung CRT and 1280x1024 res to my 20inch NEC Multisync LCD 2080UX+ and 1600x1200 res.
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=427
I own the modell in white/light grey and I´ve never regretted the step. It still offers excellent picture quality and viewing angle with its S-IPS panel. Monitors went through a lot of improvements since then. I guess going by a well known high quality manufacturer like NEC you should find a good piece today for way less money than what I spent in 2005.
If today I´d have to make the decision for a new monitor I´m highly likely to look what NEC or EIZO has to offer in the 26-30inch league.
I guess this one would be my new favorite for the next 5-10 years:
http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors...-34108768.html
cheers
Helge