New Projector Lamp vs. 37" used HDTV

[TheGizmo]

My projector lamp burned out yesterday.. I have no tv or monitor so it is my tv and monitor for my computer. Needless to say I'm pissed... stuck with my dinky old laptop for now.

I have about 500 bux to spend.

so either a new projector lamp ($400)

or

Used westinghouse 37" tv from craigslist or similar ($500ish)
--I'm guessing I'll have to purchase a wall mount with the tv as well so maybe it will cost $600 total.

Which would you do get? vote please, any input is appreciated.

I personally tend to lean towards the lamp since i get about a 120" screen, but, it sucks buying a $400 bulb every year or so. I dont even have the money for either of these things lol nor do i start my job til next week... but I do have a credit card :evil:

 

[Mike2002]

i looooooooove my westinghouse 37 inch so that gets my vote

 

[waggy]

that will buy a lot of blow. wich will keep you entertained for a while!


otherwise i think i would vote for the lamp. though i have a 37 vizio that i love.

 

[RossMAN]

Is the Westy 37" 720p or 1080p?

This was a smokin' hot deal while it lasted ---> http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=40&threadid=2091513

 

[TheGizmo]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Is the Westy 37" 720p or 1080p?

This was a smokin' hot deal while it lasted ---> http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=40&threadid=2091513

i was gonna try to get a 1080p if i can find one.. i see one on craigslist that was listed today but i probably won't make my buy for a week or so

 

[TheGizmo]

anyone know if an ati 9800 pro would even support wide screen resolutions... and for that matter 1080p?

 

[KB]

It depends. How big were you getting your projector picture? Did it have clear colors or did you have to use it only in the dark? If greater than 60 inches and good picture then stick with the lamp.

 

[waggy]

hmm thought for 37 inch 1080p was worthless?

 

[weeber]

Originally posted by: waggy
hmm thought for 37 inch 1080p was worthless?

Since he's using it as a computer monitor as well, it matters a little more. 1080p will help improve the clarity of text even on a screen this size.

 

[TheGizmo]

Originally posted by: KB
It depends. How big were you getting your projector picture? Did it have clear colors or did you have to use it only in the dark? If greater than 60 inches and good picture then stick with the lamp.

yea the screen was ~110 - 120" and its a 2600 lumen projector so it worked during the daytime and whatnot but for movies id have to make it dark in the room. the clarity/colors are excellent

 

[Steve]

Originally posted by: TheGizmo
anyone know if an ati 9800 pro would even support wide screen resolutions... and for that matter 1080p?

Absolutely, I've driven 1920x1200 on cards as old as a Radeon 7500, and over PCI even.

 

[thepd7]

OP, I am confused. You have a laptop but the screen doesn't work? You mentioned you don't have a monitor, you used the projector for your desktop monitor but your laptop screen does work? I am curious.

Also, why don't you get a cheap-o 17" CRT for $20 at a thrift store or something. Picture will be just fine and then you can either save the money or get a new bulb.

 

[TheGizmo]

Originally posted by: thepd7
OP, I am confused. You have a laptop but the screen doesn't work? You mentioned you don't have a monitor, you used the projector for your desktop monitor but your laptop screen does work? I am curious.

Also, why don't you get a cheap-o 17" CRT for $20 at a thrift store or something. Picture will be just fine and then you can either save the money or get a new bulb.

Yes my laptop screen does work, I just want something bigger than a 17".. as I don't have a TV either. Just need something to watch stuff on.

 

[TheGizmo]

ttt

 

[CorCentral]

Off Topic is not where you want to post this.

Here's the best place on the Forum to ask.

 

[TheGizmo]

Originally posted by: CorCentral
Off Topic is not where you want to post this.

Here's the best place on the Forum to ask.

I thought about that, but I was going on the theory that I should be asking technical questions there, this is kinda just an off-top opinion.

 

[TheGizmo]

bumparooni.. still can't decide

 

[mwmorph]

it sucks buying a $400 bulb every year or so. I dont even have the money for either of these things lol nor do i start my job til next week... but I do have a credit card

Theres your answer, if $400 a year stretches your budget, get the TV. It's more versatile, more reliable and im going to guess higher res.

 

[TheGizmo]

bump because i still havent decided.. tho im much more leaning towards the bulb still

 

[Chunkee]

Originally posted by: TheGizmo
bump because i still havent decided.. tho im much more leaning towards the bulb still

you name is gizmo waffle onthefence

jC

 

[echow87]

the bulb is much better

 

[RossMAN]

Don't CL listings expire after 7 days?

Do you have the sellers contact information?