Exceptional 15" monitors

I've found several good choices in laptops in terms of speed performance and lighter weight. However, I can't seem to find one that also has a truly exceptional screen. Among many other uses, I work with digital photography, and also paint from the photos, so I want the photos to come through clean, sharp and with great color definition. I will also use it for watching DVDs. I won't be using it for gaming, and I suspect that gaming does not require the depth of color and clarity that working with digi photos does.

Don't want to go to a 17" if I can avoid it, although the 17" monitor on the IBM Thinkpad T42 was incredible - my problem was with the IBM keyboard. Still, I was impressed with that machien. For one thing, in spite of the huge 17" screen and its great clarity, the battery life was excellent.

Am I imagining it or are the 15" monitors treated with very little more than mediocre attention by the those who are designing and manufacturing these things? I certainly don't need to go any larger to get the power and features I am seeking but I will if the 17" screens are getting all the attention and best technical features.

So far, I have ruled out a Dell Inspiron and a Sony Vaio VGN-S690, both with the 15" screen which was unacceptable for my standards. IN both cases I ordered the top of the line available installed graphics card with maximum memory. The Sony screen is better than the Dell, but it still is only slightly better than my old 11" Fujitsu S series Lifebook. For 4" more, I expect fantastic improvements in what I can see in photos.

Thanks

Angel