Hi Frilby,

One disadvantage of the 1600x1200 resolution is that the menus etc. will be small and for some people this is not comfortable. Regarding the contrast ratio: these numbers can depending on how they are calculated. Also, response times are very misleading because different there are different types of LCD panels used in LCD displays, and for this reason you can't compare response between different types of panels (for example a PVA versus a S-IPS panel).

There are several types of flat panel displays. All of the higher end LCDs used for image editing (made by Apple, Eizo, and NEC) use the S-IPS panels. These panels are thought to give the best color gamut. The following is a link to a web site that tells the type of panels that various displays use (the site is in German, but you can still easily find the information):
http://www.prad.de/guide/hersteller_start.html

There is a good article discussing this topic: X-bit’s Guide: Contemporary LCD Monitor Parameters and Characteristics. It is located at the following web address:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/other/display/lcd-guide.html

Evaluating LCDs: I found it of limited use looking at LCD displays in stores. The displays on view are useless unless the display is hooked up to a computer that allows you to load your own test images. Make sure there is a direct short cable connection between the computer and the display. A further limitation is that the ambient lighting in the stores is not your typical workspace lighting.

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Enjoy the light,

Ken
Fourth Generation Photographer