I'm hoping to buy an LCD soon, what are your recommendations? what should I avoid? what are the specific questions to ask sales people?

my needs: I'm the average college student computer user. some school work, some games, computer stays on 24/7 (although goes to screen saver and dark if/when I leave it long enough to). It needs to last me through a few moves, cause I have some of those before I'm settled. looking between the $400-$600 range. are good LCDs that cheap yet?

T.I.A.