Tech Advice needed, part 2.

[MaskedJackal]

Okeydoke, so in branching from my previous thread re: video switchers, I've since done a bunch of research to assemble the ultimate dorm-entertainment-system-on-a-budget for around 500 bucks.

Here's how things are planned:

Xbox 360 > Monitor

Macbook > HDMI adapter > Monitor

Monitor > Logitech z-4i Speakers

I am in need of suggestions re: the monitor because I'm currently torn between two: the Acer 24" H243 or the Hanns·G HH-251HPB. The Acer has more reviews and a higher overall rating, but since it only has one HDMI input I'd need to invest in a switcher. The Hanns is ten bucks cheaper and has two HDMI inputs, so I could cut out the switcher from the estimated costs.

SO: Should I pick one of these, or another one entirely? I'd like to stay around $500 total. I'm also looking for speaker system recommendations that won't harm the budget.

PRICE BREAKDOWN:

Xbox 360: ~$179.99 on eBay
Acer 24" H243 monitor: 249.99 on Newegg OR Hanns G 24.6" HH-251HPB: 239.99 on Newegg
3-Port HDMI switch: ~ $30 on Monoprice
Logitech z-4i speakers: ~ $45 refurbished on eBay
Macbook adapter plug: ~ $15 on eBay
HDMI cable (for the Macbook/iBook): $7 on Monoprice

Price w/Acer and HDMI switcher: $526.99
Price w/Hanns G : $486.98

Thanks so much in advance for all your help.

[DigMe]

Google those montors and something about hooking the xbox directly to them because I've heard of some people having latency issues for some reason when plugging game systems directly into LCD computer monitors.

Also have you verified that both monitors have the appropriate sound outputs to create The sound that you want?

bc

[MaskedJackal]

Huh. Haven't heard of that issue. Will do!

As for the the monitors, it's a moot point-- if sound doesn't work with the HDMI cables, I can just use the Xbox 360 cable that does both HDMI and RCA audio out, then get an RCA male-to-1/8-female jack adapter (the Logitechs use a 1/8 plug).

[MaskedJackal]

...bump? Would appreciate a few more opinions.

[Tarrbot]

I gave mine earlier on the recommendation of the Hanns-G/Hannspree lines.

We have Acers all throughout work. Granted, they're only 19" LCDs and are obviously different panels.

We have one workbench where a guy is using a 6'x4' digitizer for blueprints. He had one of these Acers there for the longest. He's an older guy (mid-50s) and not that his eyesight is bad or anything but it was pretty difficult for him using the Acer as it sat 4' to the left of the digitizer mounted on the wall.

I found the Hanns-G 28" LCD online, did a quick check at BestBuy and went and picked it up locally. Glad I did because the local stores here stopped stocking them.

After hooking it up, I could see what he was doing not only from the digitizer but also from the corner outside of his office 15' away.

Granted, it's a much bigger monitor but the difference in clarity and sharpness is worlds apart.

And I want to disclose the fact that I have actually sat down with the CEO of Acer Labs years ago and used to get Christmas cards from him. Not the current CEO but a former CEO.

This is the reason we had so many Acers to begin with. I liked them and knew of a lot of their products for the last decade or so.

[MaskedJackal]

Okay, basically sold on the Hanns between this and consulting elsewhere. Cheers folks.