If I get a monitor with HDMI, but use the DVI, is it expected that it'll still have decent contrast ratio?
This 24" Samsung fits your budget.
Newegg.com - SAMSUNG 2433BW High Glossy Black 24" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DC 20000:1(1000:1) - LCD Monitors
I saw that. But I'm kinda shooting for 1080p while I'm at it.