Certain monitors have this problem when using HDMI
Just check under
CCC -> Desktops and displays -> right click on your display, configure -> scaling options -> drag the slider to the right

Check out this 23/24" monitor round-up/reviews - DigitalVersus

Certainly the best site for monitor reviews/comparisons I've read so far, with many popular monitors that are available here. The reviews include the all important colour accuracy test, and ghosting/reverse ghosting tests.
I've used 2 of the monitor they've reviewed (AOC 2434Pw and Dell G2410), and I absolutely agree with their views, especially regarding the AOC's horrible reverse ghosting.

Reviews to note - AOC 2434pw, Samsung P2370h, Acer H243H and S243HL.

Here's a review on it - @DigitalVersus
I find the reviews there to be pretty accurate.

Acer S243HL review by Digital Versus (Link)

I'd recommend a Samsung XL2370, though that's a little over your budget.

This post has been edited by igor87: Mar 21 2010, 09:02 PM

The reverse ghosting on the AOC 2434Pw is pretty severe, just about anyone can notice it. That's what you get if you force a sub-par panel to 2ms through overdrive. The Dell G2410 and ST2410's aren't as bad, but is still noticeable if you really for look for it.

For around RM800 you can look for a Samsung P2450h (if there are any stock left), or the newer B2430 (5ms, but should still be better than 'artificial' 2ms monitors). If energy efficiency is a priority for you though, then you'll have to fork out the extra cash for the XL2370.

Agreed on the built-in speakers being lousy.
Tried plugging my consoles to a PC monitor through HDMI and optical audio to my Razer Mako, heard some really tinny sound and weak bass and I thought there was something wrong with my Mako. Turned out it was the built-in speakers ruining the sound. Turned it off and it was great again.

Yes you can do that. Trouble is, Microsoft wants you to buy their own HDMI cable 'kit', that comes with thinner component cable connector (for optical audio out). The standard component cable is purposely made fatter at the end where you plug it in into your 360, so that the 'fat' side just about covers the HDMI slot.

What you can do is take a knife and cut open the fat plastic cover. You'll see that the cover is designed to be fat specifically so that it covers the HDMI cable slot. Cheeky bastards over at Microsoft.

You can find a lot of guides/videos online on how to do this.
Mate, they're all FullHD monitors..

This post has been edited by igor87: Mar 24 2010, 06:02 AM