[nabilanwar]

Maybe the title should have said, all LCD computer monitor noob.
So I guess i dont understand much about this concept. Due to Apple's recent pricecuts, i got a little interested in the 23inch ACD. Now I have an iMacG5 right now, but am planning to get a Macbook, in a month or two. If i get the 23inch ACD, i would like to use it for 2 things:

1. Separate Monitor for Macbook. For desktop usage purposes.
2. Cable ready TV, future proofed for HD.

First a question about Apple Laptops. Now my brother has an iBook g4, and when he closes the lid of it, the computer goes to sleep. It seems like this is an Apple proprietary choice. If my Macbook is connected to the ACD, and if i close the lid, does it put the computer to sleep or no. Also, are there any docking station solutions for the Macbook?

What would i have to do to get the ACD hooked up to a service like Comcast. I probably wont look into any HD options right now, but for the future, i want to be able to do this.

I'd would appreciate some help in the matter.

P.S. I am aware of the recent rumors of the ACD refresh. But i need to have these burning questions answered first.

[Leonard]

1.) On the older Powerbooks, if you added a external monitor, mouse and keyboard and close the lid, you could run the Powerbook with the lid closed. You had to press a key on the external keyboard to wake the Powerbook. Someone with a Mac Book or Mac Book Pro should be able to tell you if this works on them.

2.) This isn't possible. Elgato has the EyeTV 500 for HD TV input, BUT it only works with air-broadcasted HD (received via antenae) not with digital cable HDTV. Most other products have the same limitation. I and alot of other people have looked at this. As well any solution would require your computer to be on.

You would be better getting something like this Samsung SAMSUNG's Digital World - LCD - Multi-Function | 242MP-Silver Unfortunately, I've heard Samsung has recently discontinued it and most places are selling off their last ones. Good news is you can usually get a bargain. It is both a LCD monitor and TV in one. It also has a higher resolution than most HDTV LCD TVs at 1920 x 1200.

[iREZ]

if you get a dell 24" lcd, you'll be able to use it as both monitor and tv with its various inputs vs apples dvi only.

[nabilanwar]

hmm, so should i wait out for the next rumored ACDs? I dont absolutely need it right now, but it would be nice if Apple implemented TV support.

[Leonard]

I don't think any ACD updates are going to happen. The ACDs had a price drop and were quietly updated (some of the specs changed like contrast ratio, etc.) when the Mac Pro was announced.

[iREZ]

and i HIGHLY doubt the next gen acd's are gonna have any more functionality than the dvi out now.

[nabilanwar]

ok, ic.

[mduell]

I'd get a Dell LCD since they have multiple inputs support PiP/PbP. Use the DVI input for your MacBook and get a cable box (SD or HD, DVR optional) on another input for TV.
You may be able to find a computer LCD with CableCard built in, but there's no way to guarantee the local cable company will use CableCard.

[iREZ]

i gotta agree with mduell here...lots of people forget that even though apple has reduced their price to compete against dell on the 23"/24" lcd's, that dell still has multiple inputs and a card reader with a four port usb hub, while apple only has 2 usb slots and 2 firewire slots (basically one extra seeing how you have to plug in the usb and firewire cable into your computer). apple is still behind in functionality but far ahead in the aesthetics.

[bleee]

If you just want to watch TV and work at the same time the Dell LCD's 20 inch wide screen and up come with S-VIDEO/RCA inputs and Picture in Picture I have both the 20 and 24 inch wide screen lcd. I'd recommend the 24inch because it also has component video in and a handy card reader. Also both LCD's rotate vertically... if you have a video card that supports rotation you can take advantage of it. If you plan to get an iSight you'll have to find out if you can mount and iSight on a Dell LCD. I'm currently using the 24inch dell 2407WFP upgrade from the 20inch and it's a huge difference in desktop space I doubt with the 24inch you'll need your Mac Book Lcd as well for extra desktop space it's just massive. I run it with my 12inch lid closed