In normal conditions 250 nits is way too bright (my one is set at 34%)
unless the monitor is in a very bright room or possibly hit by direct
sunlight.
Contrast is very important if you do image editing or watch DVD movies or
TV. CRTs achieve 900:1 so 450:1 is going to look a lot better than 350:1.
Response time is also very important. My 17" NEC achieves 16ms and that
means no noticeable smearing on fast moving objects.


Thanks much. Most of the units I've looked at are in the 450:1 contrast ratio,
and = 250 nits brigthness.

However, I have't seen many units in my price range with a response rate 25ms.
I guess I'll have to look a bit further.