27" iMac + 21" iMac as Secondary Display or Other IPS Panel?

Hello,
I've been on the hunt for a replacement setup to my 24" Intel iMac + 20" Cinema Display for quite some time, and after some trail and error, believe I have the best of both worlds. From a workflow perspective, I prefer to focus on a single display centered in my light of sight, with the secondary display to my left (head turn is acceptable for me) and plays host to Internet browser windows, IM chats, and other overflow type stuff that I'd prefer not to minimize and/or close when working.
My challenge has been pairing the 27" iMac with a comparable IPS display at a relatively similar DPI with a glossy finish. Other than the 21.5" iMac, there doesn't seem to be another display out there with these properties. A second 27" Cinema Display is not only overkill for my needs, but at nearly the cost of the smaller 21.5" iMac doesn't net me any gains beyond screen real estate. Since the advent of display input capabilities that are identical to the previous generation 27" iMac, the extra few hundred bucks nets me the display I want with a bonus computer behind the bezel!
Question 1: On paper this appears to be totally feasible, but has anyone tried this configuration and can comment on how they are making out?
Question 2: Has anyone found a 21.5" or similar display size with the properties that match the 27" Cinema Display (glossy finish, IPS, and similar DPI)?
As a side bonus, my wife and kids would get full rights to run rampant on the 21.5" without compromising my 27" iMac environment, so as a side benefit this may be the winning combo, but I thought I'd ask to be sure.
Thanks in advance!

You can easiliy connect an external display to your imac. All you need is the correct adapter. In your case you would need a mini-display port to VGA or if the external display has HDMI or VGA, mini-display port to either of those connections. Your 2011 21.5" display can support up to 1 external display and you can buy the adapters at Apple's on-line store.

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