Monitor v PC Compatible TV

[countrykid]

My old CRT type monitor has packed in and I now need to replace it. The Evesham tower PC is equally old, but still works fine (Windows XP). Much of the time I use a 17" new Toshiba laptop (Vista), but would like to still use the tower at times. My question is do I go for a true Monitor, or would a TV which a PC can be connected to, be just as good? What are the key benefits of a true monitor over the TV? My eyesight is not great, so I would choose around a 19". I like the look of Samsung LE19B450 if its the TV option, but really am very open minded. Most of the time it would be used as a monitor. Prepared to spend up to �200, but know there are 19" monitors for around �60 like one on offer at PC World - "Advent" I think. Thanks for any help.

[magicmerlin]

If you intend using primarily as a monitor then get a monitor. Why pay for something you are unlikely to use. Then you can spend what you save on something else.

[countrykid]

Thanks magicmerlin. I take your point. The only reason for considering the TV option was because I work in a department store which sells TVs but not monitors, and can get a discount on a TV.

Kind regards

[rojash]

The major benefit of a monitor over a TV (apart from cost) is that most monitors have a far higher resolution than even an HD TV. You can get a decent 22 Inch widescreen monitor for around 120 squiddlies.

[countrykid]

Thanks Rojash

A Monitor it wil be. I've seen a 19" Dell for �99, which I think will be fine. Someone has said I should get a monitor with VGA and DVI connections, as any new PC will almost certainly connect via DVI. Is this correct? Loads of monitors on sale only have VGA at present, so i guess you would still be able to connect a VGA monitor to a newer breed PC via some kind of plug converter???
Many thanks

[rojash]

If your PC has only a DVI socket, you can still connect a monitor that has only a VGA connector, by simply plugging it into an adaptor.

[countrykid]

Thanks again Rojash