best monitor/display for mac mini?

If the picture wasnt aligned then it sounds like a resolution issue or the actual alignment of the picture which you can adjust too.

But if you are really going to get another monitor then I would go with the 27 inch cinema display or comparable dell 27".

 

The best at a reasonable price for the best:
The NEC PA301W.
If you are on a budget, the 27 inch of NEC is the better deal:
NEC PA271W.
The last monitor you need.... Until it breaks after the 5 year warranty...

The NEC PA271W is everything the CD should be:
- Wide gamut with true AdobeRGB and sRGB covering thanks to 3D lut
- Antiglare
- Tilt/Pivot/Swivel (serious ergonomic options)
- Native support for 24Hz, 23.98Hz, 25Hz, 48Hz, 50Hz, 60Hz video footage (most LCD's just to 60Hz and nothing else)
- Built in KM switch: attach 2 computers (macbook/mini) and use the keyboard and mouse for both without replugging.
- 30 bit colour (but only with Windows 7, no Mac support for it yet)

 

ASUS makes very solid monitors for that price range. For example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236174

I have the VH222H-P model which I bought 3 years ago for $140 and it's been a pretty great monitor for me, still going strong.