Get a 24-inch 1080p LCD for $179.95 shipped
ViewSonic's refurbished VX2433WM features 1080p resolution, an HDMI interface, and built-in speakers--making it a good match for a game console or media-center PC.
Still squinting at a 17- or 19-inch monitor? Heck, if you're using a laptop as your primary PC, you might be looking at a mere 15-incher. The horror!
Fortunately, loads of extra screen estate await you: PC Connection has a refurbished ViewSonic VX2433WM 24-inch LCD monitor for $179.95 shipped. (You may have to pay sales tax, which in my neck of the woods comes to about $11.)
It wasn't too long ago that a 22-inch LCD for under $200 was something to crow about, so a 24-incher for even less is mighty impressive. Based on my calculations, that extra two inches works out to about 900 percent more display area. (Why, yes, I was an English major, why do you ask?)
The VX2433WM has all the specs you're likely to want from a big LCD, including 1,920x1,080 resolution (that's 1080p if you're talking in HDTV terms), DVI and HDMI interfaces, a 5ms response time, and built-in speakers.
Are you thinking what I'm thinking? Sure, this would be a great match for a desktop or laptop, but it would also work nicely with a game console or media-center PC.
Because it's a refurb, the warranty expires after 90 days, which is normal (and, to me, acceptable). The couple dozen users reviews on PC Connection average 4.2 stars out of 5, with the main complaint being the mediocre speakers (big surprise).
This is the best price I've seen to date on a 24-inch LCD, so if you want to seriously expand your available workspace (something you'll never regret, trust me), I'd jump on this.
Update: Well, this didn't last long. Looks like PC Connection is already sold out. Sorry for the late post and short-lived deal!