Dell 2405 newer model problems?

[Nightvision]

I've settled on getting the 2405 from Dell but after hearing some of the horror stories about dead pixels in clusters and extreme backlight leakage, I was wondering if the latest models are having those same issues.

Dell Canada offers a 30 day satisfaction gurantee, but the problem is that the monitor is going to be a Christmas gift. Sadly Dell Canada also has a "Ships 2 weeks after placing the order" So I have to plan when I order it and hit the best deal possible. In a nutshell if I order it to soon, I'll miss out on the 30 day thing. If I order it to late I miss out on getting it in time for Christmas.

So should I expect that by ordering the 2405 I'll be having to use their 30 day policy? Also how is Dell on their warrenty work on monitors?

The reason I ask is I e-mailed Dell and asked if they have any special christmas return policy but they avoid the question like the plague (Order today and we'll give you a discount and they tell me about a 3 year warrenty) Then tell me to just use the monitor once I get it, which I would love nothing more then to do that but it is a christmas gift.

I'm just worried that on Christmas Day the monitor is defective and I have to go through months of aggrevation as Dell gives me the run around on trying to fix it.

So my questions in short form are

1. Does the 2405 have a lot of problems out of the box or is it rare? Mainly the more recent ones.
2. How is Dell's warrenty service with monitors?
3. Can anyone tell me if Dell does offer some form of christmas returns?

Thank you