I replaced a Iiyama 19" VisionMaster 454 Pro with a Viewsonic VP2030b and was concerned that the LCD would disappoint, but is is way better than the CRT as far as I am concerned - and no geometry problems. It swivels for landscap / portrait display and has good colour calibration software and the ability to instantly switch between saved profiles.
I don't think a 19" LCD will cut it though at 1280 * 1024 - your dad will need better resolution than that - 1600 * 1200 (my VP2030) is now very affordable - it has come down over a ton since I bought mine a few months ago. Check out what resolution does he run the Iiyama at.