[xsphat]

I have a 1.83 / 2 gig / 60 gig MacBook, Core 1 Duo, and I am thinking of buying either a 32 - 40 inch LCD TV (720p) or a 23 inch monitor. Price is not too much of an issue, neither are speakers. I plan to use it to watch movies and do homework on, but I do some freelance writing and graphic arts work as well. So my main question is this: how good would it look using a Sharp Aquos or similar quality brand TV as a monitor? And also, in Word, does the text look all weird?


Thanks in advance for your help.

[utw-Mephisto]

32-40 or 23 ?

Thats a huge difference .. I am using my MacBook via HDMI on a 26" Sony Bravia which is just fine .. nice to work with, especially movies ... but just imagine sitting in front of a 40" ... thats way too close ...

Using the standard distance calculations, you have to sit away from the TV like

26" : 6.50 feet (View Distance for 16:9 HD Capable TV)
32" : 8 feet (View Distance for 16:9 HD Capable TV)
40" : 10 feet (View Distance for 16:9 HD Capable TV)

[Goldfinger]

ANY LCD tv absolutely sucks for computing work. Even full HD ones. There just isn't enough resolution. And, they are just too big to use comfortably.

Buy a TV to watch TV. Buy a computer monitor to use with your computer.

[xsphat]

So should I get a 20" or 23"? I write with at least three docs open at the same time and usually web research as well, and I will be relatively close to the screen. Plus, I am torn between an Apple ACD and a Dell widescreen. I really don't want to give Dell any money at all, and I tend to give Apple a lot of money.

Thanks for the comment about the LCD TVs, blunt and to the point - just as I like it. I have also heard that from friend.

[Goldfinger]

I'd get the 23" if you can afford it. But be sure to get one without the pink cast. A lot of 23" have a pinkish purpleish cast which is horrible and Apple doesn't recognize it as a problem.
The Dells are exactly the same as the Apple monitors. They have more connections and are cheaper. But they don't have the good looks obviously.

I'd go to an Apple Store if I were you and try out both monitors at the distance you will be using them. It'll ease your decision. And if you want you could immediatly go home with one.

[xsphat]

THank you for all your help, 23" ACD it is.