At work, I used to have a Philips 17" 107<some letter> non-flat monitor, while my room mate had a somewhat-newer Philips 17" 107<some other letter> flat one. The flat one was sharper, but I found my monitor easier on the eyes. Being a programmer, and partially color-blind, I don't care much for color quality, only about text.
Now I have a 21" flat monitor. Is better.
-PJ