13 in MBP TV Monitor

[A Hebrew]

Hi, I am going to college soon and I am getting a 13" MBP. I will be majoring in computer science so I need a nice display according to people in CS. I am wondering what a good TV is that I can double up as aMonitor that works nicely with a MBP. I would prefer around 22" with a price under 200 USD if possible.

I also have no idea what the best hook up method would be for an adapter (USB, FIREWIRE, THUNDERBOLT) since a MBP does not have a HDMI.

 

[GGJstudios]

Most TVs make poor monitors, as they're of much lower resolution. While it may work fine for movies, it won't be so good for reading text.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

If 200 USD is your budget, maybe have a look at 23"/24" displays with 1920 x 1080/1200 pixel as resolution, as TVs of that size (22") have a much lower resolution (1366 x 768 or something similar idiotic).
And you use the Thunderbolt port for connecting an external display device (TV, monitor, ...).

Mini DisplayPort (MDP) / Thunderbolt

Mini DisplayPort is the current digital standard on all current Macs to transfer video to an external display or TV. It has been introduced in 10/2008 with the release of the Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pros and has gradually been adopted on all other Macs.
MDP is capable of transmitting video, and since 2010, audio too. MDP is a miniaturised version of DisplayPort. It is also license free and can support resolutions of up to 2560 x 1600, which Mini DVI and Micro DVI are not able to do.
Since 2011, all Macs come with a Thunderbolt port, which is meant for fast data transfer and also as means to connect to an external display device to mirror or extend the Mac's screen.

To learn more about Thunderbolt (TB) and its compatibility with Mini DisplayPort (MDP): Introducing Thunderbolt​

MDP adapters can be bought online from:

MDP to VGA adapter from Apple
MDP to DVI adapter from Apple
MDP to Dual-Link-DVI adapter from Apple

Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support adapter from the Apple Online Store

Mini DisplayPort + USB to Dual-Link DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA adapter from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI adapter from Monoprice
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male/Toslink Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice
Mini Displayport Male and USB Male Audio to HDMI Female Converting adapter from Monoprice - *NOTE* Will only support 2 channel stereo. Will not support 5.1 Dolby Surround like the above adapter.

Mini DisplayPort to Mini DisplayPort Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to VGA Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to DVI Cables from Monoprice
Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Cables from Monoprice​

Also of interest: "What is "Mini DisplayPort"? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from or better than Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?"
​

from

Most common video interfaces on external computer displays and TVs

Common video interfaces on Macs and the appropriate adapters to connect to other display devices

Most common audio interfaces on external computer displays, TVs and the Mac​

 

[iThinkergoiMac]

Most TVs make poor monitors, as they're of much lower resolution. While it may work fine for movies, it won't be so good for reading text.

Any 1080p TV will have fine resolution, the color is generally the bigger issue than the resolution, though not applicable in OP's case since computer science doesn't generally have to deal with accurate color reproduction.

I am wondering what a good TV is that I can double up as aMonitor that works nicely with a MBP. I would prefer around 22" with a price under 200 USD if possible.

If you can find a 22" 1080p TV, that would be decent. If you can't find a 1080p TV in your price range, don't bother. Your MBP has a higher resolution than 720p. And, make sure the TV actually has a resolution of 1920x1080. My 19" TV is labeled 1080p, but it's really 1320x768, which isn't very good.

I also have no idea what the best hook up method would be for an adapter (USB, FIREWIRE, THUNDERBOLT) since a MBP does not have a HDMI.

You're going to want a Thunderbolt/MiniDisplay Port to HDMI adaptor.

As for color, if color accuracy is important for what you're going to do then do NOT get a TV as a monitor. TVs are set up for good color for TV signals, but do not accurately reproduce color from computer signals.

 

[d88co88]

Hi, I am going to college soon and I am getting a 13" MBP. I will be majoring in computer science so I need a nice display according to people in CS. I am wondering what a good TV is that I can double up as aMonitor that works nicely with a MBP. I would prefer around 22" with a price under 200 USD if possible.

I also have no idea what the best hook up method would be for an adapter (USB, FIREWIRE, THUNDERBOLT) since a MBP does not have a HDMI.

Why not get something like this?:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040B81NI...e=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0040B81NI

 

[A Hebrew]

Why not get something like this?:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040B81NI...e=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0040B81NI

That is sort of what I was talking about...something that works as a monitor and a TV. I still would like between 150-250 dollars for one that actually has decent quality if possible...

 

[D.T.]

You can potentially use any monitor as a "TV" ... assuming you have some kind of external box supplying the signal, and you account for dealing with the audio.

Really, most TVs are monitor+audio/speakers+tuner, and anyone using an external/STB are bypassing the tuner portion.

I'd just keep an eye out for a decent 22-24" display (NewEgg.com is a great source, they send a daily/weekly sales e-flyer).

I use a Kanex DP(TB) to HDMI adapter, it's nice because it lets you connect to a TV (and pass through audio), or use an HDMI to DVI cable for computer monitors (using a Viewsonic 2428wm, 24" 1920x1080).

I highly recommend Monoprice when/if you need some cables.

 

[A Hebrew]

So I could just take a monitor, say the HP w2007, hook it up to my MPB when I want a monitor for doing stuff on a computer. Then when I want to watch TV use a tuner box with an HDMI OUT hookup and I would be completely set?

 

[iThinkergoiMac]

So I could just take a monitor, say the HP w2007, hook it up to my MPB when I want a monitor for doing stuff on a computer. Then when I want to watch TV use a tuner box with an HDMI OUT hookup and I would be completely set?

Yup, assuming that monitor has HDMI in for sound as well as video, or you have a set of speakers you can hook up to the tuner box. The best part of that is that your colors would look correct.

If you can fit it in your budget, that would be the best solution.

 

[A Hebrew]

Does anyone have any cheap combos for a monitor (20"+) and tv tuner

Also: Is doing this at all bad for the battery of the MBP long term? Does it heat up a lot more?

 

[d88co88]

Does anyone have any cheap combos for a monitor (20"+) and tv tuner

What's wrong with buying the regular monitor and using the HDMI for the cable box and the VGA/DVI for the macbook?

Otherwise, here's one a bit cheaper that I think is mostly the same:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040BDOA8...e=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0040BDOA8

EDIT: Or perhaps a TV like this (even though it's not the best brand) with an HDMI adapter? Just an idea.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/RCA+-+2...ombo/2877134.p?id=1218359084920&skuId=2877134

 

[iThinkergoiMac]

Also: Is doing this at all bad for the battery of the MBP long term? Does it heat up a lot more?

No, why would it be? Apple wouldn't put a video out on the computer if actually using it damaged it... that would be like an automobile manufacturer putting a sign on the gas tank saying "Put water in here" when that would ruin the engine.