MONITOR:

I convinced this guy to go with a Wells-Gardner D9200 27" arcade monitor. Why? Because it's AWESOME. No really, because it plugs right into the computer's VGA port, eliminating the need to adjust refresh rates and all - standard arcade monitors could be damaged without some special hardware or software - it's just a big pain.

The picture is better than a TV, IMO, and WAY better than a computer monitor. Very bright and clean. Max resolution is 800x600 which is great for MAME and even newer 3d FPS. Unfortunately i'ts a little pricey, coming to about $540 after shipping compared to a $230 s-video TV. But playing on a TV strains my eyes, I did some tests.

To see the monitor just go to Wells-Gardner website. here it is all shiny and new on my garage floor covered to keep the dust off: