College TV Help

[Bubbasteve]

Hello everyone,

The second year of college is approaching for me and I'm considering purchasing a nice TV for my dorm. While browsing the internet I came across two models that stood out more than the others

First TV

I really like the look of this TV but I don't particularly like the price for it. I really like the color, in that it would match my Xbox 360 and eventual Wii.

Second TV

The first thing that stood out about this TV is the affordable (compared to others) price tag. My only concern is the size (it might be too big for my room...but where there is a will there is a way to fit it in the room).

My question to those reading this thread is, which TV would you choose between the two? Like I said, I like the first TV's space conscious design and overall look of the TV, but the price tag is what scares me (sort of). In regards to the next TV I like the affordable (compared to other HDTVs I've seen) price tag and the fact that the HD is Built in, while the flat screen is HD Ready.

Any opinions are welcome!

Thanks for reading

 

[mortey]

Couple of things.

first, Do you have a budget so you could get the 1st Tv?

The flat panel, I think, is a great buy. The only downsides to it is that it is more expensive and that it is so cool looking, someone might want to steal it.

The tube is neat too but its downsides are that it might be too big but it has a better price tag.

I think it's a matter of preference.

 

[mrweirdo]

btw I noticed the tube tv had a 4*3 aspect ration which isnt real HD anyways because its in a widscreen format 16*9. So more then like it eather leaves a black space at the top and botom of the screen or does some sort of pan and scan thing cutting off the sides. With that I also think the LCD would be more apt to get stolen then the tube but of corse it all depends on how secure your dorm is.

 

[Bubbasteve]

I knew the Tube's price would be too good to be true...I have the $ for either TV but I didn't know which one to get....design vs. size/price

Anyone else have a say in the discussion?

 

[xfiftyfour]

if HD is really important to you, then certainly the first tv is the obvious choice - 4:3 aspect ratio won't display HD as well as 16:9 will (you can go into any Best Buy/Circuit City and see this for yourself).

if the extra $300 in your pocket is more important, then the second tv is the obvious choice. - those two factors are a matter of personal preference and really, no one can decide that for you.

As for the dorm issue: I know our college had plenty of break-ins, but mostly because people forgot to lock their doors and then also kept their laptops/PCs/"expensives" out in the open - ie, common sense. I think if you're smart and cautious about it, then that really shouldn't be a deciding factor.

good luck and enjoy your new tv!

 

[chairguru22]

i would get the second one because its cheaper. in the next couple years, hdtvs will be standard and much nicer ones will be out there so you can use the money saved to get a top of the line one. i was gonna get a new tv now (got a macbook instead so no $ ) but figured in a year or two ill just get a really nice one with the money saved now.

and since youre a college student, and both tvs are comparable id go with the cheaper one cause who knows what might happen.

 

[h0e0h]

check the link in my sig for HD advice.

 

[puckhead193]

i wouldn't get as big of a tv. At least in my school the dorms are a nice size. A couple of my friends have 20+" and i find it to be too big. The extra space will be very nice... If you NEED a big tv, i would say get a 20 incher. A lot of people have smaller tvs -13-20 inches....
i personally i have a 16" and i find it perfect. Its big enough and small enough at the same time.

 

[Yoursh]

The only thing I would add is, watch out for the weight. HD tube TV's weigh a lot more than a non-HD one. So if you do choose to get that one make sure you have a sturdy enough place to put it. Also make sure you don't plan on moving it around much since you'll get sick of it quick. If you want something more flexible, go with the first one.

 

[xparaparafreakx]

Also make sure to read up on HD gaming lag.

 

[Keebler]

20" max

I didn't get more than a 20"er. not enough space...also, i didn't have enough time to watch it so why spend alot of cash on it. think of getting a nicer tv later.