Switching from HTPC setup back to desktop

Since my HTPC isn't working out so well on my new plasma TV (some image retention, text is hard to read), I'm looking at shifting back to a desk + monitor setup. The question is, which monitor?

My price ceiling is $300. I've been searching around for a couple days and found these likely candidates:

$249.99 LG IPS231 (16:9 IPS)
$219.99 ASUS ML239H (16:9 IPS)
$289.99 HP LA2405wg (16:10 1920x1200 TN)

The primary use will be for gaming. I've never owned an IPS panel, so I'm not sure if it's worth choosing over 1920x1200. I'm also not crazy about Asus; I've had trouble dealing with them in the past (bad customer service, RMA'd a bad mobo at my expense that they sent back claiming it was fine; it wasn't).

Not interested in any Dell monitors (only looking at monitors I can buy from Newegg).

Thanks in advance!

with that budget, you can still get a nice monitor.

id recommend the NEC EA231WMi. u can get this refurbished direct from NEC for $200. ive had great experience with NEC refurbs.
http://www.necdisplay.com/p/desktop-monitors/ea231wmi-bk-r

What's their policy on stuck/dead pixels for refurbs?

Not really liking the idea of a refurb... I'm thinking either the LG IPS231 or PLANAR PX2710MW. Any thoughts on these? I can't find any reviews of the LG for some reason...