Hi, I'm in exactly the same scenario.. And cant get a straight answer also! And there are no local stockists so I can compare the then side by side.
I already have a Spyder 3 elite & 4 software, so the calibration HW is not needed.
These are the specs and conversations with Eizo and stockists that I have compared.
CG223 - Spoke to Eizo and they say for colour critical work you should be using a Colour Edge display, they do say the flexscan are nearly as good but the srceens for CG are hand picked from production line to ensure the most even and best. I think they said that the flexscan SX screens are the same as CG screens but the CG ones have been selected for being the best manufactured out of the batch.
I think essentially what you are paying more for is a slightly more uniform screen and the colour edge calibration software, and a 5yr warranty is used below 100-120cds.
The CG is VA screen which will show some colour shifting on viewing angle. Now I havent been able to see any products, but I gather there is a fair bit of colour shift in VA screens on even slight angles which I think could be annoying. Though Eizo said that they can display more tones in near blacks that some people fine more useful. But I feel the slight colour shift would be more annoying than anything, as from what I've heard it can shift from even slightly shifting your head and central viewing position.
SX2462 - IPS screen (newer technology than VA) which will definitely be nicer to view at more angles, very good if you are sitting with clients & ADs. Also the 24" extra real estate and 1900x1200 will be a bit nicer to work with, and may have slightly more crisper and contrasty feel (even when calibrated perfectly).
I guess the main factor is colour accuracy and tonal range, from the specs it appears that the newer IPS flexscans could actually show a wider colour range - SX specs say 98% adobe RGB and CG VA screens to be 95% which is confusing me (though the IPS CG are 98%)
I have also spoken to a supplier who told me that the CG software is pretty basic and the Spyder software should be a little better. He reccomended that an IPS SX using my spyder elite & software should be just as good, which had been my feeling. But I am stilled swayed by Eizos statement, which ive spoken to a couple of times now and all they will say is to be 100% confident ur using the best display for colour work then it should be a CG. But they did day the Flexscans are very good. I do get the slight feeling that they are putting that statement to lean on the CG premium series a bit.
I was also put off a Lacie as was told they are nothing like the Eizos in terms of solidness and finish quality.
In terms of colour criticalness I'm also slightly warey. I'm a photographer & retoucher and very seldom need to match pantone swatches, to me its more about tonal quality and general colour correctiveness as buy the time images go to print its often wildly different which is out of my control.
If I had a little more budget I would get the CG243W which is IPS and looks to be exactly the same specs as the Flexscan SX2462 (My guess is its the same panel config but one that has been hand picked for its uniformity)
If there are any other Photographers & retouchers using a SX242W that have also used a CG223 or similar CG VA screen - could you give you experiences and opinions please?
Regards
Steve