I've had great luck with Dell monitors. They're not sexy or anything, but they do the job and last forever (ime).
This one is a newer model and still under 300. The stand is a bit wonky from a side view, but whatever.
For nearly every monitor at this price you're going to need a MDP>DVI
adapter. You could probably find something cheaper at Monoprice, but for something so (relatively) inexpensive I generally stick with brand names (in case it's wonked I can just run to the nearest Apple Store).
Monoprice ftmfw otherwise.
* An aside: we need more thread necromancy like this one. Tech is one thing we're all passionate about and can have lively discussion.