About Jason Berger Expertise I have been my company`s computer advisor for many years now. I can give you great advice on name-brand PCs as well as generic computers.
I am in the market to buy a flat panel LCD monitor for my new computer, and am confused as to whether or not a HDTV LCD TV with a PC input is better to have than just a plain old 17" or 19" flat panel pc monitor? I found a really great deal on the internet for a 17" Widescreen HDTV LCD TV that can double as a computer monitor. It has 1024x768 resolution with a contrast ratio of 450:1. It is made by GoVideo. It sounds like a great concept, that is, having a pc monitor that can double as a TV. Are there advantages or disadvantages in your expert opinion to having a LCD TV vs. a LCD monitor? Does it consume more power, or is the life expectancy less with a LCD TV? Being that the LCD TV is widescreen, would the graphics look any different than they would on a normal LCD pc monitor? I sense that watching DVD movies would be better with the TV vs. a monitor. I was comparing screen sizes of both in a store and it seems like you definitely get more the vertical way with the pc monitor? Is that better? Thanks very much for your help. It's greatly appreciated.
Dave
Answer Dave,
Ok, I'll lay these out in FAQ format.
1) Is an HDTV LCD TV with PC input better than a plain old 17" or 19" flat panel pc monitor?
Depends if the HDTV LCD TV is 17". High-Definition is a plus, especially if you are working with media. BUT I don't think you will see much difference if it is only 17" in diameter.
2) Does it consume more power, or is the life expectance less with an LCD TV?
It consumes less power than a CRT monitor, but probably more that a standard LCD monitor. Life expectancy varies by brand.
3) Since the LCD TV is widescreen, would the graphics look any different then they would on a normal LCD PC monitor?
DVD's and HDTV would look much better, but since games and computer applications are meant for computer monitors, I doubt you will see much difference.
4) Huh? Rephrase
If you have any more questions, let me know and I will get back to you.
