are these LCDs suitable, then, for critical photography work??? I really need a GOOD monitor now for my large format printer but I am torn between getting the best for the job but an obsolete technology, a CRT, and getting the current technology but not the best tool for the job, an LCD.

These monitors are getting better and looking better. It's no secret that Apple's monitors are not the best in the industry, but with these other companies now creating monitors that look nice sitting on a desk as well, it's time for Apple to step up to the plate with high quality monitors appeal.

I'd get the 24-inch or 26-inch panel if you're doing serious work, since either are the ones likely to have a full-color panel. The 22-inch one will certainly have a 6-bit color panel, and that's going to be terrible for photo work.

Contrast can help you determine whether you're looking at a "real" black, but it's usually there for presentation.

When in dynamic lightning mode these displays will underpower the backlight when displaying a dark scene and give it extra power when displaying sunny day.

Huge contrast ratio comes from comparing the brightest dot at maximum backlight power with the darkest one in lower power setting. It is good for watching the movies and maybe for playing the games. But this mode is unacceptable for any graphics/video/design professional work.

Only high STATIC contrast will give you consistent dynamic range of brightness. This thing is more like TV.

good advice there. I'm still leaning CRT despite the fact that it's a dead technology. Unless one is willing to spend thousands of dollars on a top-of-the-line LCD (and I'm not), CRT is still the way to go for highest quality for critical work.

Thanks viktorcode!

So, who makes a good LCD that's usable for professional work?

I have an old 22" Mitsubishi CRT that's gradually failing and will need to upgrade sometime soon.