So this is not exactly a "what monitor do you guys recommend?" type of thing, since we've pretty much decided on Dell U2412M (Newegg) - the internets say that it's pretty much close to perfect for the money we're willing to spend (costs slightly above 1000 PLN over here). Using it mostly for playing those shiny new games and a little semi-professional graphic design work (nothing too serious).

I think the question is: does anyone have that monitor and has some insight about it? Any hidden flaws? Any things I should know? Are the colors alright? Etc. etc.
Any and all useful feedback/insight welcome. :)

Oh, and this is my first non-CRT monitor (using a 17'' SyncMaster <3), so I might be a bit noobish monitor-wise.

Well i can't give you any tech advise but i got a U2312M for Christmas, It's the same as your panel only an inch smaller i believe and so far it's pretty amazing. Similar to you i had a small monitor before (17'' Xerox) but wanted to upgrade and did a lot of research online about it.

It's an IPS panel so yes, It's got much better colours than a TN Panel and since you mentioned graphical work that will suit you perfectly. I've kept the colours as default since i haven't found any need to change them and for gaming i've found nothing wrong with it either.

The only negative i heard about IPS panels was the 'Input Lag'. I will be honest, i haven't noticed any input lag at all. I've tried a multiple of games from RPGs like Witcher 2/Skyrim to fast paced FPSs (where it's suppose to be noticeable) like Nuclear Dawn and Killing Floor and didn't notice any input lag.

Overall i'm very happy with mine, If you want specifics maybe someone else can give you tech advise, but i just thought i'd share my experience of using it with you since it's always nice to get someone elses opinion who has one.

Indeed it is, thanks kindly! *brohoof*

The monitor in question has been bought and works quite well. Also JESUS CHRIST IT'S HUGE. I'm sure I'll get used to this in time though.

Do you guys recommend anything particular in terms of calibrating the brightness, gamma, contrast, color balance etc.? It seems a bit washed out at the moment. There's this page http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/ - anything else that might be useful?

If you start using it seriously get a calibrator they may be over $100 but they do get the best out of a monitor you may even be lucky and find a company that rents them out...
Something like a Datacolor S3EL100 Spyder3