I'm running Dual Mitsubishi Diamond Pro 930sb's at 1280x960. I use it for work (3D Modeling/Graphic Design) and Gaming. For games i run it at 1600x1200 at 85hz. The clarity and color depth are awesome! You can't go wrong with Mitsubish/NEC. Sony Trinitrons are very good too, I think they tend to display sharper text at higher resolution and the Mitsubishi has better color depth (which i prefer for graphic design). Either one would be a good choice IMO.
Oh yeah.. and those two lines are because it's an Aperature Grille CRT. It is used for calibration and generally provides much better image quality than a normal CRT. After using the monitor for a couple of days you don't even see them unless you're "thinking" about them like I am now. or it's on a white background.
Stay away from ViewSonic. I have had bad experiences with them. Went through 5 of them in 3 years!