Based largely on what I read here, I spent $1400+ last week for the NEC 2690, the Spectraview II software, and the colorimeter. My god, I wish I'd done it ages ago. I had been suffering through all sorts of calibration and color inconsistency issues. Now I am in color management nirvana. I have only printed a couple of images thus far, but they are practically dead on matches with the image on the monitor. I set the monitor at 6500K, 2.2, and luminance at 110. Ran the software and voila, it is just wonderful. I am seeing just a bit more contrast in the image on the monitor, and I would like to be able to get a little better match in that regard (have only printed on Premium Luster so far). But I am very, very happy with the monitor and software.
Thanks to all on this forum for getting me acquainted with the 2690. It is everything you said it would be. I've said good riddance to my HP 2335 once and for all.