I've recently begun searching for a TV to replace my 27" Panasonic CRT. I'm on a student budget, so I'm currently favoring the Syntax Olevia 342i because I don't need a tuner of any kind (it will only be attached to my DVD player, Wii and computer via the VGA input). The speakers look so-so, but I've already got a surround sound system with stereo RCA inputs... I'm hoping the tv can just output to them and avoid the built-in speakers altogether.

Turns out, choosing the TV was the EASY part. I'm currently looking for a TV stand, but I can't find anything suitable. Because I'm using this TV for my Wii, it will need to be pretty close to eye level when I'm standing for bowling or playing golf, etc. I've measured this, and I think that the tv should sit, at minimum, 30" off the ground. 35" would probably be better.

I haven't found a TV stand that is both tall enough for my tastes and wide enough (44") for the 342i to sit on. I've looked through the usual local stores, walmart, target, along with online stores like amazon and racksandstands to no avail.

I'm close to building my own TV stand, but that will be difficult because I live in an apartment without a space to paint the wood or drill holes, etc. Does anyone have any ideas? Again, I'm a student so I don't think I can afford to pay more than, say, $200 on the stand. I've also considered buying a short stand and putting cinder blocks underneath it, but I'd rather avoid this ugliness if possible.

Thanks...