You said monitor - are you considering both lcd and crt? If so, you can get crt's that support 1600x1200 pretty cheap (around $200).
Here is an example.
If you are getting the monitor simply to 4 table, then you really should go 1600x1200. It will be a waste of time and money not to.
If you are looking specifically for an lcd, then save up for the Dell (and find a coupon/deal).