Setting Up s MacBook Pro as a Graphics Design Work Station - LCD? Monitor Calibrator?

[DC3400]

I bought a MacBook Pro earlier this year, that I've yet to unseal, but I am interested in finally getting to setting up a newer work station for the production of graphic files which are utilized on sites such as Zazzle. I bought the Apple model listed below, although I did not buy it from Amazon and I paid less:

http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MB471LL-15-4-Inch-Processor-SuperDrive/dp/B0017J7T7A

I have been reading various articles on correctly calibrating monitors; setting color profiles in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; adjusting your monitor profile to reflect PC settings so that you and your customers (mostly PC users) will see close to the same colors; how browsers may or may not honor embedded color profiles; and so forth, so I want to make sure I am setting up a system that will allow my design colors to actually match the printed colors.

I am looking to add a single large 32" lcd hdtv screen to my MacBook Pro or two smaller "matched" (same model) lcd screens. I've never used lcd screens before, only the big monster ctr screens so any help would be appreciated. I usually work in a 1024 x 768 screen resolution. Are lcds suited for this task? Would I be better going with a regular dedicated lcd monitor (I'd figured why not just get a TV also as the price is just a little more).

Here's a current 32" 1080p model on sale at Target for much less that similar models at other retailers that I recently saw:

http://www.vizio.com/vl320m.html

Has anyone had any actual real life experience using a screen calibrating device, as with the following example (not really sure if I believe all the stuff I read on a manufacturer's site or a shopping site, lol):

http://www.buy.com/prod/pantone-hue...meu101-monitor-color/q/loc/105/202220755.html

 

[CW Jones]

I would also be interested in the monitor calibrated that you posted.... I wonder if you can use these things more than once? If you find some local friends to split it with?

I am going to watch this thread because I am in the same boat as you!