I got a new computer monitor about 8 months ago, it's an led backlit lcd.
in my opinion some of the better tech, it's lighter, and potentially brighter. lower power consumption, thinner. as for brand I got a samsung but I'm not happy with the stand, it's fixed and has a slight lean in it which is quite irritating.

I'd go led lcd over plasma personally. there seems to be a new tech on the horizon, I don't know much about it, it's oled but I haven't looked into it at all and couldn't' really tell you much.