URGENT: Monitor choice for New G5s (Nov 2005)

Question

Sorry bout the "Urgent" but I need to decide on following before purchasing new G5 (Quad or Dual-Core 2.3) and Apple Monitors only have 3 year warranty if purchased with the computer.
SITUATION:
I plan to go with either the default NVidia Geforce 6600 or the NVidia 7800GT(+$350) * Both cards (PCI Express models) - only have DVI ports (1 single link, 1 dual).
--I am truly baffled at how this (DVI vs VGA) affects both features and screen image)
MY CONCERNS: (please consider these in your answers)
* Text:I stare at text for the better part of the day so Sharp Text is VITAL.
* Color: Good color (proper balance consistency & controls) but most important: Monitor to printer translation so a good color profile counts, (most of my final output via ID to local Phaser6250.)
* Compatibility: ie will I be able to take advantage of advertised features via DVI
*Lastly: I don't give a hoot about gaming, DVD playback not a big concern. I want a monitor functions well for running computer applications. Stuff like USB ports and media readers nice but not deal breakers...
SUMMARY OF ISSUES
In most ways, the HP & Dell models sound preferable (feature wise). BUT:
* Will I have the same controls & adjustments (brightness, contrast etc) available for these, (specifically since I'll be connecting via a DVI port) THIS IS VITAL. (but..don't care about Portrait mode)
* Will image/text look as good on a Mac as a PC?
* I assume there will never be Mac drivers for either of these, spooked that this will limit functions and/or could cause compatibility issues in the future.
How would I get color profiles for these?
MONITORS BEING CONSIDERED
As i can find no good advice on CRTs I've pretty much narrowed my choice to following 23" LCD's (all priced similarly $1200-1300):
Following info from misc sources (of varying in reliability) the Web, sources but specs correct.
1) Apple HD Cinema 23":(often compared poorly to Dell, but users seem to love) 25.6 dot pitch
Pros: Can count on compatibility: Firewire ports, aluminum bevel
Cons: Color issues: I hear there's a pinkish tint around edges, and generrally uneven color across the screen., greenish tint in greys. If my printouts match the screen I can live with this. **DVI ONLY
2) Dell 2405FPW: (a lotta buzz on the net, good reviews) 27 dotpitch
Pros: Better outputs: (DVI, VGA, Composite, S-Video, component video), better contrast),
Tilt, turn, Raise. (not a deal breaker)
Cons: Compatibility?. I heard this screen runs too bright even with adjustment (at least on a Mac), large dot pitch, questionable support
3) HP L2335: (editors choice MacWorld Jan 2006) .258 dot pitch
Pros: Better outputs: (DVI, VGA, Composite, S-Video, component video), better contrast)
Programmable user modes (have this on my current monitor - really nice), Tilt, swivel, Raise.
Cons: Compatibility?. questionable support, (supposed to be pretty ugly, but don't about this.
FINAL QUESTIONS:
Has anyone worked with 1 or more of these monitors ON a Mac via DVI? --comments?
Since there's no way to view PC Monitors under these circumstances...
* Can anyone comment on what questions I'd need answered to determine compatibility/feature function ability (via Mac DVI)?
* Am I being paranoid about my using PC Monitor concerns. (my greatest being, that if things poor out of box will get little to no help from manufacturers).
Sorry so long, trying to be clear, THANKS IN ADVANCE- Xandra
PMac Quicksilver, PBook G4 Titanium, iMacDV SE   Mac OS X (10.3.8)  
PMac Quicksilver, PBook G4 Titanium, iMacDV SE   Mac OS X (10.3.8)  

Answer 1

I recently purchased the 2405FPW in Canada for $900 CAD (in fact its still on sale) with free shipping. I can highly recommend it. It is certainly not too bright. I have zero dead pixels and am actually surprisingly impressed. Video playback was better than expected and reading Text is very easy at its optimal resolution of 1900x1200.
That being said, is 1900x1200 TOO sharp/small? The monitors performance does vary based on its resolution. The colour is also quite good. Not too oversaturated as with many LCD's (or washed out for that matter).
I suggest you familarize yourself with Colour Calibration Tool (go to Display Properties, Color Calibrate...)
The other big factor for me is the Component Video In that I am using to hook up a High Def signal (yes this is a capable HD TV). Don't kid yourself this is an excellent feature.
In regards to your concerns you can do ALOT of alteration of the LCD via the OSD (the on screen display). But you should make sure to setup ANY LCD via color calibration tool.
Images and text look better on a Mac than a PC in my opinion due to the nature of Quartz Extreme and Quartz font smoothing (your video cards will be excellent at utilizing these features).
In regards to drivers, NIETHER need it. You plug it in (I've used both) and the OS will automatically switch to the default resolution and the default color profile is installed (I tweaked the color profile a little via the color calibration tool...). Yes its true plug and play.
I've never used the HP but I own the Dell. I've tried the Apple. Personally, the Apple looks better physically (but you say you don't care) and it does have a smaller dot pitch (I couldn't notice a big diff and I saw them side be side). The Dell is brighter (you can turn it up or down to your preference) and has better contrast. I LOVE the component in on the dell and have a HD game system hooked up and it looks marvelous.
I also found the Dell more adjustable. Both the dell and the apple are excellent monitors and you can't go wrong. For me the addition of Component in for HD as well as a significant price difference (almost $800 CAD when taxes are added up, heck I could almost buy 2 dell for the price of 1 apple) made me buy the dell and so far I am very happy with it (although I now have to turn my head to game :D)