MXO2 and Samsung monitors

Hello,
I'm thinking very seriously of buying an MXO2 within the next few weeks (probably right after new years), but am a bit worried. So far I haven't been able to find any reviews about how well it works as a grading and coloring tool.

Does anyone have any ideas about how accurate it is on an HDMI computer monitor. I'm think about getting the SamsungSyncMaster 2493HM but am open to other choices.

Also, I'm wondering if the up conversion and down conversion (both HD and SD) are truly in hardware: i.e. they don't take any processing power. I work in both Pal land and NTSC, and am wondering whether the conversions cause softness and/or artefacting.

I look forward to your replies.
thanx