the *image was clearer*? ... i've never seen an lcd with an _unclear_ image so far - unless the resolution was not the native one, of course. they basically differ in the color quality, possible viewing angles and the brightness/contrast (which of course look very different in a showroom than a t home or at work, unless you live or work in a showroom).
btw., while my tibook's lcd looks VERY bad when i have it next to my 17" cheapo LCD (~600$ here in switzerland), it's still a very good screen when i use it without the other one on next to it. so, even a screen that looks a bit dim next to a brighter one (that might cost you between 100$ and 200$ more) you won't HAVE that brighter one next to it when you take the cheaper one home.
of course, better is still better, can't change that. but it's often more expensive, too. i'd go with apple's style if you have the money or buy the cheapest one that has an acceptable quality.