You should definately be able to distinguish your black and white - at bare minimum . . .

Yes - perhaps you got a dud - hopefully - you still have the receipt and box - but - if you're like me - you already tossed it. I can't tell you how many times I've had to dig through the trash - or just take the hit - all because I can't stand a mess . . .

same for rebates - good lord - i added up the amount of rebates i let expire one Christmas - and it was over $75 . . .

I just got a 17" flat for about $179 - off a website that caters to the type of computer i have - perhaps - you have one of those too? being the artistic type? if so . . . check on the web - there is a place called pcmall and also macmall - good prices and good shipping.

Color will be *especially* important in your work - and even so - you shouldn't have to calibrate your monitor right out of the box . . .

pax!