Need a bit of advice...

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Well, my cheapo e-Machine bargain basement computer (the gal has got some years, and MUCH use under her belt) has just about crapped out.


The only reason I bought her at $299 (with a nice 20" monitor) from The WalMart is because the horrid experiment gone wrong, known as Vista, was what the box sellers were loading...and she was the only one I could find handily (was badly in need, as my Compaq had crapped out...leaving me unable to take care of mine, and Daddy's business) that came equipped with XP.  All our business junk was set up on XP, and I was NOT in the mood to take my chances, or lose any more hair over a stupid piece of electronic junk.


She has done a fine job these years, but it has become evident that she's showing her age, and cheapness.  So, Andy is shopping around for a new comprutuh.  My boys have already given me the details about what processor, ram, hard drive specs that I MUST HAVE.  And, I'm pleasantly surprised that my Works 8 database & Office 2003 will (mostly) work with Windows 7.  


Pleasantly surprised.


Just one hiccup with my necessary programs from what I understand...but there is an Open Office deal that I can switch to which should work just fine.  So, I'm getting a new something.  Don't know what just yet, but I'll run it past the experts before I hit the "buy now" button anywhere.


The question I have for y'all is this.  Now, my current 20" monitor is just fine.  There's not a dang thing in the world wrong with it.  But, what's the fun of buying a fancy new comprutuh without a new monitor?


NO FUN, I tell ya'!  So, while I'm sinking bucks in a box, I'm getting a new screen too, because, because...well, just because.  What I'm wondering is what y'all think about me getting a TV instead of a regular monitor.  From what I'm finding, a very nice 26" TV with HD & HDMI plug-in junk is roughly similar in price to a monitor.  I was thinking that if I was gonna spend the money for a monitor, I may as well go ahead on and get a TV instead that would allow me to look at programs if I wanted to (like switch back and forth between the 'net, and college football games).  


Heck, the cable is right here at the desk hooked up to the cable modem, so that's no problem.


What I'm wondering is if any of y'all know of a problem doing that.  I mean...is the quality of the comprutuh image degraded in any way?  Will the video output of my computer match up with the screen size of a TV?  Will I be disappointed if I go that route, or will it be okay?


I figure some of y'all probably use a TV for a monitor, and just hope for a little input.


Y'all don't have to advise me publicly if you don't want to.  You can write your techno-retarded buddy at justandysplace@gmail.com if you'd rather.  I really would like to know if you've got pros, or cons on this.

BTW, if you've got recommendations on new hardware, I'm all ears on that, too.


Thank y'all!