Well, I currently have a CRT and looking to get an LCD. But I don't know what are considered decent specs for an lcd monitor. In my shopping around I have seen the following that I need to consider:

Analog vs Digital?

Brightness?

Contrast Ratio?

Maximum Resolution?

I'm not into major computer design or anything. I'm just a regular user who like to play the occasionaly game of NHL hockey or maybe use Adobe Photoshop. Any direction on these specs is greatly appreciated. I don't want to get scammed on a low quality product but at the same time don't want to bust my budget.
Thanks

VGA input is analog, DVI is digital.

The higher priced displays will have both types of input. Some even have s-video and component video and PIP, such as the Dell 2407WFP or a Gateway FPD2185.

If you would like an upgrade path, find an LCD with DVI.

The majority of LCDs on the market now use panels made by one of the 3 largest panel makers, LG, Samsung and AU optronics. Of course there are other too.

For some info on panel technology, and which lcd models use them, check this link.

Use this LCD panel search for comparisons.

I am using a Dell 2405FPW and a 2007FPW, because I was looking for: S-IPS technology, height and rotate adjustment, high resolution and additional a/v inputs.

To give you an idea, the Dell 2405FPW is a 24 inch monitor with a 1920x1200 resolution. The 2007FPW is 20 inch with a 1680x1050 resolution. Both have VGA, DVI, S-video, composite video inputs. The 2405 has component video inputs. Both displays are very bright and have excellent contrast.

I paid quite a lot for the 2405 a few years ago, the 2407 is its replacement and is a lot cheaper. Plus Dell is always having sales, so it makes it a much better deal, considering all the additional features they have.

LCD prices are always dropping, so have fun shopping... lots of choices out there... :)

My understanding of LCD monitors is that the best picture quality only occurs at the "native reslution. How can a game look good on the LCD if the maximum resolution of the game is less than the native resolution? As example, Viewsonics VX2835 LCD has a native resolution of 1920x1200 while Mirosoft's Flight Sim X progam has a max resolution setting of !600x1200. The recommended FSX resolution is 1024x768. It appears that this mismatch of resolutions will create a very poor picture quality. How can this be resolved or is a LCD an inherently poor choice as display for games

In addition to what HVAC888 said, if you go with a larger monitor, or even if you go for a digital monitor first make sure your video card has a DVI connector and also make sure it will support the max resolution of the monitor. When I bought my Dell 2405FPW a few years ago I had to purchase a new video card to support it, but it was well worth it. As for the games, don't worry about that... my monitor right now runs at 1920x1200 and I have several games that don't run that high. They still look and play great.

Thank you for your immediate response and you cleared up my main concern. I have a dual-sli setup with (2) 8800GTX video cards which I know can handle the several Wide-Screen LCD's I am considering. One, the Viewsonic VX2835 has the same max resolution as your monitor, 1920x1200 and the 8800GTX card can match it. Thanks again