Monitor experts please comment

It's really optimized for HD video. It has low resolution which will really stand out when used for other than video. TN rather than IPS panel which has a reduced viewing angle. The large cited contrast range is done by dimming the screen backlight with dark content, which is a reasonable trick for video but would be totally annoying for computer use.

 

I agree with everything Talmy has said apart from the resolution. It isnt low resolution. In comparison to a 27" ACD, or 27" Dell Ultrasharp, yeh ok then its low. but Full HD resolution is good enough for you uses. I know an entire Design Company using AutoCAD and Alias, there isnt a single monitor there with better resolution than Full HD because they dont need it!!
For that price its pretty good!!

 

If your willing to spend a little extra, I'd check out the HP ZR22. It's a little bit smaller but you get what you pay for. IPS, Full HD, All the ports you need.

 

possibly worth looking at is the BenQ V2420 LED Screen, or the LG LED screens. Both good, both under 200. i have the BenQ, its good considering the price, nothing compared to the 23" ACD, 24" or 27" ACD, but of course they are atleast 3x the price.