If your looking for a new monitor and want the very best for graphic/design usage you may want to look into an IPS display. Obviously, Apples 27 inch is sweet, but unless your a dedicated Mac user, you may want to look else where. However, I think they are the only ones with a 27 incher with all those features under a grand at this time.
Anyway, here’s a few quick and decent articles to get you started.
Keep in mind, if your a gamer, you may want to stick with the standard LCD’s at this time, especially since 3D enabled ones are decently priced and will work well with your PS3 etc.
HTH