I've been batting around the idea of a second monitor for a while now. It's a matter of desiring more workspace for art things, having the ability to devote one screen to Photoshop/Sai and the other screen for my usual tasking.

I went out today to Staples and Best Buy to scope things out and was happy to find monitors well within an acceptable price range. Thing was, I was completely ignored by staff at both places and got irritated and left.

What I figured is that I can accommodate a 20" screen (with the restraints of both my home and future townhouse desk spaces), and that seems like a nice enough size for someone like me. But what I can't figure out is why some 20-inchers display in 1366x768 (which my 15" laptop does) and others in 1440x900, with one, I swear, having a 1600-by-something (I don't think 1200) reso.

Anyway.

My biggest concern is finding a monitor that'll match exactly the display I have on my laptop. By that I mean I want colors and such to be equal, because one machine have two different color outputs would be a nightmare. I need some consistency, you know.

And that's where I turn to you, my tech-savvy friends, because this is where I implore you for knowledge on the subject. What kinda of specs should I look for, how do I know if the colors will match, and are there are brands or things I should stay away from?