External Display Options with Macbook Pro

Hi i have a macbook pro, but found i need to use an external display as i work long hours at the computer.

my question what is the best option for me?

1) get a 23" display and connect to the laptop

2) get a mac mini and a display and then mount the laptop


i dont have a budget in mind so any suggestions or type of setup to use would be great.

thanks

 

so what would be better an HP or DELL?

 

for the display i would say around 450euro

 

well i will be using it for photo editing, video editing, flash, photoshop & Illustrator etc..