htpc for everyday computing

[soundnovice]

hi all
i am planning to buy/build a HTPC. budget can go upto 20k. i will be connecting it to wall mounted 32" full HD tv using HDMI. how about using the same setup for everyday computing such as browsing, working on MSoffice etc. and not just for watching movies. will it be comfortable? have anybody used their tv for everyday computing work? or should i consider seperate desktop/laptop for this?

 

[vaibhavyagnik]

every day computing..hmmm, that can be strenuous on a TV. I would suggest you go for a dedicated smaller monitor

 

[josephjohnt]

I have tried my 40" LCD with my computer and it was not a good experience. I was trying to see if i can get more room on the screen, but the resolution supported by TV was less than my 19" monitor.

 

[spirovious]

You can use two monitors simultaneously.One for video & other for browsing/gaming or other.

 

[Kannan_madhu]

i think you can build a decent pc with monitor and a cheapo card like ATI5450 for 20K , you can use the onboard card for monitor and additional Graphics card for playing HD movies on your LCD TV .

 

[aakashr]

hi all
i am planning to buy/build a HTPC. budget can go upto 20k. i will be connecting it to wall mounted 32" full HD tv using HDMI. how about using the same setup for everyday computing such as browsing, working on MSoffice etc. and not just for watching movies. will it be comfortable? have anybody used their tv for everyday computing work? or should i consider seperate desktop/laptop for this?

Hi, great idea.........I have a similiar setup. I have 2 displays, a 50inch plasma to watch my HD movies and also a smaller 24inch LED monitor for general computing. Using a TV for both can also work, provided you go and demo some tvs. You might find some tv's causing lot of eye strain for general computing while are perfect for watching movies. Suggest you to carry a laptop to the store and hook it up to the tvs and then sit at a comfortable distance and execute some general computing tasks.
Also, try to get a HDMI graphics card that also supports audio, will save the hassle of cabling. You can use a single HDMI cable for both audio and video from the HTPC to the TV. Once you setup your HTPC, you should get XMBC for a much better viewing experience.

 

[matbhuvi]

I am using 26" Panny for everyday computing. I am using it as desktop monitor. Using 32" wall mounted will cause good amount of stress to your eyes. It could be fun. But, not useful reading/working for long hours.

 

[soundnovice]

thanks guys for sharing ur experience with such setup. i just wanted to see if i can avoid pc monitor. but i guess going for a dual screen setup as aakash told is a better option