LCD for MacBook--Suggestions?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I currently own a 2.4Ghz MacBook with 4G of RAM. It’s perfect for my limited needs of web browsing, watching movies, and listening to tunes, along with word processing and taking notes at school. Therefore, I’m considering purchasing an external LCD for home use.

Apple tells me that the MacBook will drive up to a 1920x1200 resolution, which opens up a number of nice 24"+ widescreen LCDs for consideration. I’ve been looking closely at the ViewSonic VX2835wm, which is nicely within my price range, big, and has inputs that will allow me to use it for console gaming and, if I don’t misunderstand things, HDTV–a nice plus if I don’t want to have a separate TV. (Given the size of Manhattan apartments, I probably don’t want to have a separate TV.)

I have two concerns: First, how is the MacBook’s performance pushing a 1920x1200 resolution? It’s supported, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s pretty. I won’t be doing anything terribly graphics intensive–probably the most serious stuff will be watching movies, or perhaps even OS X’s graphic effects.

Second: How does the ViewSonic look to you all? Do you have any other suggestions for good monitors in the general price range? The Apple 23" Cinema Display is too pricey for my tastes.

Thanks all!

2

I’ve got a 24" Acer at 1900 X 1200 hooked up via DVI to my early generation MacBook. I use mine for mostly web development, and it’s a perfect setup for me. I have have XP running full-screen via Parallels on my MacBook’s monitor, which is really handy.

Anyway, yeah, the MacBook is perfectly capable of running a 24" display. The only thing a nice display won’t get you compared to a high-def TV is a remote, tuner, and good built in speakers so take that into consideration when deciding whether or not to have a TV in addition to your monitor.