I need a new monitor

well my samsung syncmaster 216bw is failing after 2 years, [how convenient, right after the warranty expires]

the on/off button doesn't work... it;s on right now, but once the power goes out, it;s done for.

so my budget is $300, the less the better. I will be doing anything expected from a college student. I want at LEAST a resolution of 1680x1050, and although I would not like to spend all $300, if the monitor is worth the premium, I'll buy it. I'm just looking for something with great value, image quality, and no stupid ass logo when i press the on button like my brother's acer monitor.

thanks for any and all suggestions =]

*edit*
speakers are welcome, DVI is a MUST

the reason i said $300 is because i'd like to keep my options open, I wanted this samsung to last me until OLED's became mainstream, but seeing how that won't happen for a few more years, I think I should put down the money for something nice until it happens.

but again, im going for value... if a $300 monitor only has minimal gains over a $250 monitor, i will go for the cheaper solution

one question for you huntsman... does the monitor sometimes not detect a signal? i know my brothers monitor goes stupid on him like that sometimes, and requires a few restarts for the monitor to detect a signal