Clueless! Coding + hdmi + vga + dvi (HDMI for a freeview box?)

[relax]

Hi.

I currently use a 15.4 inch laptop to do everything that i do.
(8ms / 220nit acording to the sticker - seems fine?)

I am a extreme multitasker (6 ssh windows, 10 notepads, X blahblah)and the space limitations are really stressing me out recently.

I would like a larger monitor for the desk and will be connecting (for the moment via VGA).

I would also like to buy a external freeview box and connect that up via HDMI, as i heard this was possible?

The viewing angle of this laptop is horrid for movies in the dark.


My main usage is coding and i gather 16:10 is better for the larger length, but again i am not sure and its probably not going to be an issue either way?

I also watch a lot of video on the laptop currently (simple xvids + 720p content) and most of it looks pretty horrid on the laptop screen.

Budget wise, well i was given £300 for xmas and willing to blow it all on something which will last! (please note, this does not mean i want to spend £300 on something pointless!)


I do not game CURRENTLY. But i suspect when i get the screen i will end up buying a new desktop shortly after just to watch 1080p content and games may follow. Perhaps the ps3 will end up connected also.

I am not sure what to do size wise, the largest screen i have used personally up close is a 17" and it was fine back then.

But typicaly what is the average/most size wise you can use for desktop use with out hurting your eyes or neck?



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In summary
Budget: Max £300 inc vat + delivery
Inputs: VGA HDMI and DVI
Size: Open to suggestions!
Usage: Coding + video
Location: Desktop + watching from a bed 3 or so meters away perhaps at a different angle which may cause a problem??
Would love:
-window in window for maybe watching freeview via the hdmi and the laptop on the vga?!
-Option to swivel it around on its side


Help a guy out please!

PS, Any suggestions on where to buy a cheap chunky desk?! Joke!
PPS, where is the ocuk sale!

 

[bsoltan]

Could you not get a £300 HDTV with inbuilt Freeview? If not do you have a way to hookup the audio from the Freeview box?

 

[relax]

Could you not get a £300 HDTV with inbuilt Freeview? If not do you have a way to hookup the audio from the Freeview box?

If i understand correctly, a HDTV at that price will only be 720p which is a step backwords from my laptops native res, then combined with the fact the screen would be huge it doesnt sound very attractive. Unless i have misunderstood.

So it would need to be a 1080p tv which is way out of the budget.


The freeview boxes with hdmi are only around £30-90 i assume at least one will have some audio out options for external speakers. Having freeview is not really a big deal but getting the monitor with HDMI to do this in the future would still be nice.


I am lost with the amount of choices and not ever having bought a screen before its dam complex!