TechBoy

I am looking for either a 20.1" monitor that I can use at a TV and monitor for my 700m. I need one for school, or I was debating on buying a TV (maybe the Dell one) and then using that as a monitor also. However, I do not know which way I should go. I would love to go towards the monitor root because of the money situation, but what ever you recommend would be the best. Thanks guys.

ITRocks

tv if you dont care for higher resolutions (i think you'll get 720p at best). dell 20.1 wide or full screen and external tv tuner (the monitors also have various inputs if you have another way of delivering the signal) if you want high resolution for computer use, working tv and cheap price (together runs you $400). other lcd monitors have tv tuners (but are generally twice as expensive) but tv lcds generally dont go as high in resolution.

Cyborg

A monitor with a Tv-tuner would be best. I have a tv-tuner and it is awesome being able to watch TV and surf the web at the same time. With a TV doubling as a monitor means that you can either watch TV or you can be on the computer.

TechBoy

TVs make only second-rate monitors, while monitors make, well, first-rate monitors plus can make first-rate TVs (if they're big enough).

The disadvantage for monitors, of course, is that an LCD TV doesn't necessarily need a computer to tune channels, etc. while a monitor does.

ITRocks

not always. there are external tv tuners that can operate independent of the computer: when they are just operating I/O, not capturing feed. like a cable box that outputs to vga, which is also another option to go with the monitor choice. no need for a computer if you only want to watch tv.

Cyborg

Yeah, I knew about them. I just didn't want to confuse the issue--the number of tuner/monitors is alot less than the number of just plain monitors...

They usually cost a bit more, but you're right, they're probably worth looking into by the OP.

TechBoy

not tuner/monitors. they are a separate piece. checkout the kworld tvr thing, model number something. connects to your monitor by vga, usb and vga to laptop, takes in svideo, composite, and tv cable. contains a built in tv tuner and operates without turning on or being connected to a computer. anyway, op will figure it out.

cost is like 60. couple it with a dell ultrasharp with coupon deals brings total to approx. 400. a very good price for a very capable combination.

ITRocks

dell ultrasharp 20.1 widescreen, to keep the same aspect ratio of your 700m, also has pip function or also split screen (sort of, two cropped images side by side with a lot of border space). get it with deals and coupons for 350 or less. the kworld tv tuner i talked about, look on newegg?, has a remote and does just what you need. it will be the one that advertises itself as a functional standalone tv tuner.

Cyborg

First let me start off by saying thanks for all the responses. So I have come to the idea now that I am looking for a 20.1" wide screen monitor which is HUGE compared to what been staring at (I have a 700m). So my next step is a TV tuner. What I would like to be able to do is watch TV and use the monitor for my computer at the same time (is that possible? maybe spliting screens or something like that). I would also like to be able to close my laptop, and lie in bed and use the TV from the remote. Possible or am I imagining things?

TechBoy

Apparently you can do this (watch TV with computer off) with some of the external Tuners, as messenger said. As for computer + TV on the screen at the same time: you should be able to do this with just about any TV tuner box or card that hooks up to your computer--it becomes a windowed application on your desktop. Another way is to get a monitor that has PIP--or picture in picture. I think(?) that the Dell Ultrasharpt 2407 has this capability. Expensive monitor though (though cheap for a 24").