Ok, so my first problem is that I go to West Point. I'm trying to get my 360 up here in time for GOW 2, but my roommates and I are trying to figure out how it's going to work out. As a plebe/freshman, we aren't allowed any external speakers or a screen over 22". Anyway, they issued us some dell external monitor, which I can't find the model of... but it's not widescreen. So I've run into a few problems while planning on how I am going to set it up. First off, the monitor itself:

I'm looking for a good, widescreen monitor I can use for my 360. I'm looking for one with RGB inputs (I think that's what it's called, where I can plug in the video cables for the 360 w/o using VGA). If it has speakers that would be an added bonus, but not necessary. I'll go into sound later. I'm looking for something that would be 22" or less and cost in the $150-$175 range. I saw this one:
http://www.bizrate.com/computer-monitors/aoc-2216sw-22-in.-lcd-monitor--pid707290131/
but I'm not sure if that is a good one or if it even has everything I'm looking for. I'm looking more for the RGB inputs though.

Next is the Sound:

So I'm not really allowed to play video games until the weekend and we aren't allowed to have any external speakers period. So, first I was wondering how I would get audio period if I can't have external speakers. This is where the speakers on the monitor itself would come in handy, but still it would be a nice bonus. Is there a way I could plug in some earphones and get audio that way? Someone had suggested this (http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/SearchDetail.asp?productID=4196)
Are there any other options when it comes to audio? I was thinking of investing in the Turtle Beach headset since that connects wirelessly to the 360, but that's pretty expensive. However, I do go to school for free and I have saved up a lot of money lately. Despite this, I still don't want to throw money out of the door. Turtle Beach, for those that don't know (http://www.turtlebeach.com/products/gaming-headphones.aspx) I'm not really sure what options I have for this, which is I came here. But I also want my roommates to be able to get some audio too.



I hope this is pretty clear. I'm kind of in a rush and I have to run off to classes in a bit, but if there is any additional info that you may need for me to provide just let me know. And thanks for any advice. Gotta run...

First off oora:cool:

Second, I would look at a Dell 22" widescreen monitor, with a headphone out. This is similar to what MGL kids use. Max I've seen on those is $399, but it is great for this application.

As far as the VGA in, I would simply purchase a VGA splitter. You will see what is on, whether it be the computer or 360 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10104)

Good luck with everything!

Make sure the monitor has headphones out. Some have hdmi input or component (rgb). My 28" viewsonic has hdmi and headphones. Works grat. Many monitors are 16/10 instead of 16/9. So you will have small black bars on the sides or a slight stretched image.

I'm looking for some monitors, but I'm not really sure if there is anything within my price range. Would there be anything with the capabilities I am looking for within the range of $150-$200. (RGB input, headphone jack, vga, and possibly speakers) I'm not really sure what something with all this would cost. Also one last thing, I just want to clarify that with the RGB I would in fact get a hd picture on screen with my 360. I'll continue looking, thanks for your help.

edit: I just realized that RGB input is VGA. Also, I think I may have found one Here (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236037&ATT=33-105-046&CMP=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Network+-+Routers+/+Remote-_-3Com-_-33105046) Any idea what to search for when looking for a monitor with headphones out? I haven't seen one yet with they specification.

First off oora:cool:

Second, I would look at a Dell 22" widescreen monitor, with a headphone out. This is similar to what MGL kids use. Max I've seen on those is $399, but it is great for this application.

As far as the VGA in, I would simply purchase a VGA splitter. You will see what is on, whether it be the computer or 360 (http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10104)

Good luck with everything!

As far as the VGA splitter goes, does this allow me to have my computer and 360 hooked up at the same time? That way i don't have to switch the cables in the back to go from my 360 to cpu and vice versa? Also, which one are you telling me to get on that link? The $2 adapter?

Hopefully , you will have two inputs. One vga (dsub) that is for your pc. And one component or hdmi for the 360.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VGA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_video

Here is a non 1080P monitor. It is HD, but not full 1080P. It has vga and hdmi input. Not sure about headphones.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8718505&type=product&id=1200703079995

dell 1080P for 239$
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9047541&type=product&id=1218012053333

damn, just found out my 360 doesn't have hdmi.... it's an earlier model. so i guess i'll be stuck with vga. will vga give me a good picture or even hd? this really pisses me off, i was just about to buy a monitor w/ hdmi. sorry to be such a nuisance about this, i just really want to get my 360 up here and I only have 1 shot to bring everything i need. (i go home on pass in november for the weekend)

alright, i think i found the solution! spend a little extra, but solve all my problems/issues. except i only have one concern with it, and its that i don't know if it is possible to hook up additional speakers to it in the future.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11297350&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US

I think I'm done bothering all of you, now I can get some sleep and get ready for Army Football tomorrow.

alright, i think i found the solution! spend a little extra, but solve all my problems/issues. except i only have one concern with it, and its that i don't know if it is possible to hook up additional speakers to it in the future.
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11297350&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US

I think I'm done bothering all of you, now I can get some sleep and get ready for Army Football tomorrow.

If you don't need the monitor for watching TV, only for gaming or DVD watching on the 360 this would be a better choice for you Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001273). You're paying for the tuner, HDMI and RGB inputs in the other monitor. Since your 360 doesn't have HDMI anyway you're fine with VGA input, you won't notice much of a difference between VGA and HDMI anyway. As far as adding speakers, you would need to connect the L and R (red/white) plugs that branch off from the 360's VGA cable to inputs on a receiver. If you want to use headphones or a computer speaker system you need something like this (http://cgi.ebay.com/2-RCA-Female-to-3.5mm-Female-Jack-Audio-Adapter-Y-Cable_W0QQitemZ160285899327QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20080923?IMS fp=TL080923112004r34422).

It is not a 1080P tv and the dell is. I would look for a 1080P one. Check out the dell again.

Good luck at West Point! If it's anything at all like the Naval Academy you wont have any time to play video games for at least the first two years even during weekends except during breaks.... But the Army might be more lax.. Who knows..

Bryan