Picking out a TV for an apartment/dorm... help me decide!

[tamadrumr88]

I shop on newegg.com alot so we'll use some of the TV's on there for comparison shopping... At first I was looking at buying a TV for my bedroom (and wanted to spend no more than $300 for a decent 19" flat panel). Consider too now that I may move out in the next two years so I may also want something a tad larger that can serve both as a bedroom or living room tv (32-36" ?, not looking to go super big)

Looking for opinions on size/price/brand/etc

Here are some of my favorites:
ViewSonic 19" 16:10 5ms 720p LCD HDTV N1930w - $229 shipped after rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16889107041

ViewSonic 16" 16:9 8ms 720p LCD HDTV N1630w - $189 shipped after rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16889107040

SHARP AQUOS 32" 16:9 6ms 720p LCD HDTV LC-32D44U - $659 shipped

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16889101153

ViewSonic 37" 16:9 8ms 720p LCD HDTV N3752W - $649 shipped

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16889107017

[Groove1797]

If it's going to be an apartment I would get a projector package.... I had one in the dorm too.

[tamadrumr88]

I would too eventually but I'm looking at a TV because of simplicity and size constraints, I can't as well have a 100" viewing area in my bedroom. A 32" LCD is slim and lightweight, and it can serve as both a bedroom TV and as a decent smaller living room TV

[a4powa]

defitantly get the sharp hands down, no questions asked
best producer of LCD's on the market right ahead of sony
you will not be disapointed with that one i can tell you that
plus they are quite reliable and the picture quality is top notch

[DefiantS4]

Are you going to have a desktop or laptop? If desktop, get a TV tuner card for $75-125. Use your existing screen and save $$$ and space.

[tamadrumr88]

I ended up going with a 32" Vizio (we have a 47" Vizio and we're very happy with it when we bought it a year ago at $1399 which was about a thousand dollars cheaper than any other tv in that size). Granted it's not the top of the line TV and the black isn't as crisp but I think the difference in price more than makes up for it.

NewEgg only has a 30 day labor warranty and doesn't offer a full refund on the product. I picked up my 32" Vizio today for $539 + tax, which comes with a 1yr parts/labor warranty and I can drop it off to get work or return it anywhere in the country.


http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/VIZIO...oductDetail.do

[A4 ABT]

Sharp for sure!!

[A4A4A4]

aquos ftw

[tamadrumr88]

i know, i know. the problem is that no one locally (a) had the tv in stock, (b) could get me that good of a deal even before tax... the warranty is considerably shorter if purchased online AND if i ever had a problem with it i'd have to deal with shipping it back and forth if on-site repairs couldn't be made. i don't mind shipping flash drives or pc memory, i just don't like the prospect of having something as fragile as a tv shipped

[redline_redline]

Sharp hands down. Cheaping out on a TV is a huge mistake to make. Vizio is terrible especially if you are into gaming at all. There is a very noticeable delay from the controller to the screen. You get what you pay for. And I've never heard this viewsonic brand. Samsung, Sony, Sharp, and Panasonic are the way to go

[slimmj0k3r]

i'd go with 37' or 40'. I just picked up a Samsung 40' to replace my philips 32' and WOW what a difference, its currently used in my bedroom. and Today i just picked up another 40' for my basement/living room setup from Sony. Hands down i'd say the Samsung is better...sony makes good stuff but your gonna have to go with the Bravia XBR series which is $$$. I was just at bestbuy today they had some really good deals on full 1080p LCD's.

Reccomendations - Samsung or Sony XBR series, my philips 32' was GREAT but imo a little on the smaller side even for my bedroom setup, plus it only went up to 1080i

also checkout AVSFORUM.com great site lots of useful information.

[redline_redline]

^ The fact that you went from a Philips to a Samsung is a huge factor in the difference you're noticing. Size isnt always worth lack of resolution or clarity.
720p is even better than 1080i. Its an outdated technology. Samsung makes the best LCD TVs.