i know it sounds "unpatriotic", but the Dell 20" widescreen is only $524.25 right now. That opens up another $225. I have a Dell 1901FP, and it really is a nice display. Has a 4 port USB 2.0 hub built in, too, although no Firewire.
http://tinyurl.com/bdu84
I've read of high failure rates...