External Display for MacBook (Cinema or other brand?)

[will0407]

I've got a Macbook, which I use at Uni. I'm looking into getting an external monitor for it, as I'd ike to have a bigger screen. I've got 3 questions, which I hope someone can help with:

1. What cable/connector will I need? I found a cheap VGA to DVI (i think) on ebay, but not sur if that's the right one. Will the cable I need differ depending on what brand of display I get?

2. I'm tempted to save up for a 20" apple cinema display, and then pay some money towards it as an Xmas present, although to be honest, I think they're pretty expensive. If I was to get one, it would probably be off ebay, so would be more in the region of 200-350 (not quite sure what they go for, but I know it'll be around those prices taking into account condition etc). Is it worth me paying more to get an apple branded display- i.e is it justifiable by picture quality etc.

3. What other displays or brands in general would you recommend? I'm looking to get a 17" or 20", but if it's bigger and the price is OK, then I'd consider it.

Any help would be great,
cheers,
will

 

[Ugg]

Most new LCD monitors have DVI ports, so you'll need a mini DVI to DVI adapter. My PB came with one but I guess they stopped giving them away with the Macbooks.

I bought a 19" Sceptre from Costco for $180. That's less than a third of the 20" ACD. I'm very happy with it. I'm doing a lot of photo work right now and it seems to be just fine. If you're doing work where the quality is what matters most, then and ACD would be a worthwhile investment, if not, then it's just an unnecessary expense.

When I was looking for a monitor, I did a lot of research online, then I went and looked at the actual displays. There's a lot of variability out there, so if at all possible, see what it looks like before you buy one.