Thanks - this is cool. You're right - price ranges on the 23" or so screens seems pretty rational. Didn't go into it with a price range because I have no idea what these things cost...no special needs, no running in portrait mode - YES to the large proportion of time looking mostly at text. Basic stand works.
I measured my work computer screen - it's 27". I'd like to replicate that, it seems 27" screens have a wider price delta. The main thing is I want something that will display text clearly and sharply. I doubt any monitors these days suck and are fuzzy, given I read some reviews what should I be able to snipe a decent 27" for on a deal?
edit 1: Looks like low $200s on newegg right now
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007617%20600030628%20600030620%20600030652%20600030631&IsNodeId=1
edit 2: can that computer linked above run either of these monitors?:
$179 Gateway KX2703 27" LCD Monitor - 1920 x 1080, 16:9, LED Backlit, DVI/VGA - UM.HW3AA.003
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8870106&CatId=3774
$199 AOC 27" Class LED Backlit Monitor - 1920 x 1080, 16:9, 20000000:1 Dynamic, 2ms, HDMI, VGA, Energy Star - E2752SHE
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8183608&CatId=5469
$229 Acer H276HL bmid 27" Class IPS Monitor - 1920 x 1080 Full HD, Speakers, HDMI / DVI / VGA, Built-In - UM.HH6AA.001
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=8870111&CatId=3774