This is some information about Dell monitors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_monitors

If you live near a Best Buy or Staples, go into a store, and look at a monitor.

You can find manuals.

 http://support.dell.com/support/systemsinfo/documentation.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~cat=3#3

The 22" is larger but has a lower resolution and a cheaper panel.

2007FP

area: 194.13 sq. in.

resolution: 1600x1200=1,920,000px

pixel pitch: .255mm

panel: S-IPS or S-PVA

2208WFP

area: 217.58 sq. in.

resolution: 1680x1050=1,764,000px

pixel pitch: .282mm

panel: TN

size comparison

Interesting.

But is the 24" wide UltraSharp has 2.3 mil pixels, but the surface area is much larger. Does the PQ is necessarily lower if the pixel count is lower?

Is there any 22" wide monitor you can get that has a higher resolution than 1600x1050?

It's the pixel pitch that is important, ie how many pixels you have in a given area. Smaller pixel pitch means the image is sharper, but smaller. Higher resolution means more viewable image area.

Other factors, like panel type, are important for overall quality.

The Lenovo ThinkVision L220x (S-PVA panel) has a 1920x1200 resolution and .247mm pixel pitch (a 1920x1200 24" has a pixel pitch of .27mm).

I have a 20" 1680x1050 widescreen. I wouldn't consider a 22" at that resolution. A 24" 1920x1200 is a better option IMO (it will also handle 1080 HD video without downscaling).

While comparing specs is very helpful, the main point is your use of the monitor and at what resolution. Are you planning to use it as a tv or just web pages?

The narrow monitor may give you more lines displayed while the widescreen may give you more width. For your needs, the one requiring less scrolling may be the best choice.

I'm guessing you are more interested in the benefits of one over the other as you probably already had looked up the specs and do not need them repeated here. 

I decided to go with 2408WFP.

It's disappointing there are no quality monitors in the 22" wide format, with higher resolution than 1600x1050 and better panels.

The 24" wide is a  bigger than I want, but I will find something to do with that space.

My main thing is 'net browsing, I must admit.  It's too wide to have one window stretched from side to side. 

However, if I ever start doing development again, wide screen should b be real useful.

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@tr4 wrote:

I'm guessing you are more interested in the benefits of one over the other as you probably already had looked up the specs and do not need them repeated here. 

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You make a good point about intended usage, however the OP asked about picture quality. I assumed from the question he/she was not familiar with the relevant specs.

That's why the more opinions the better in most cases. To a lot of people, picture quality is not specs but clarity, viewing angles and brightness. As techies, we love specs.

The combination of replies gave the OP a chance to go in a different direction which was probably the best solution. And we have helped the many  that will be reading this thread during their own choice