I never used a 1080p monitor before so i dont really understand why all the hate. Im on 1600x1200 and have been for the last 5 years. Well, now my monitor is crapping out and I'm not sure if I want to spend the extra $$ to jump from 1080p to 1200.
thoughts ?
Most of that extra cash is in the fact that almost all 1920x1200 displays are IPS panels, which are of higher color quality and better vertical viewing angles, but generally have slightly slower response times. IPS panels cost a decent bit more than a relevant TN panel, of which nearly all 1920x1080 monitors contain. Also, most of those 1920x1200 monitors also contain extra features, like additional inputs, USB hubs, rotating screens, etc.
I used to use an HP 1920x1200 24" IPS-based monitor as my main before recently getting a 120Hz Asus 23" 1920x1080 TN panel. I still run the HP monitor right above the Asus. I do notice the loss in screen real estate, but it wasn't anything all that overly signficant. If I was coming from a higher resolution than 1920x1200, I really would be put off by it. I actually notice the loss in color quality and accuracy a lot more than anything, but I'm quite enjoying the 120hz goodness.
Anyway, long story short, it's up to you. Honestly, unless you specifically want that extra screen real estate or an IPS panel, it's hard to justify spending the extra cash for most people. Especially since you can get some insane 1920x1080 open box deals. There's a good explination of panel types over in the Video Cards and Graphics subforum sticky.
Oh, side note: one thing to also look at is pixel density and dot pitch. If you're used to a smaller CRT screen (say 19-20"), going to a large monitor at 1920x1080 can be a lot more jarring than going to a smaller monitor at the same resolution.