Feh - monitors are overrated. If you really know your software you don't need one. ;-)
Actually this sounds an awful lot like my Linux experiences in the early days (it's MUCH better now). Back then if you didn't happen to know the refresh rates of your monitors the dang thing would do pretty much what is described above. Then there was recompiling the kernel, a not altogether user-friendly experience. OS fun!
I love Kubuntu, BTW. To be honest Vista's kinda growing on me too, most unexpectedly. Always have liked OS/X. YMMV.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL