Recommend a 26" LCD for a College Student

i cant help you much, and i dont think you will get alot of help here, as the 26" size receives little fanfare.

i have the sharp LC-26DV24U combo set and it has an awesome picture, the sound from the tv speakers could be louder, but it has analog audio outs as well as coax audio out...BB has a good price on it....

the mfgs dont put alot of r&d into these as they are not very popular and they are priced a little high.. also alot of the tv's arent made by the brand selling them, i know that is true for the sharp, but i have no complaints cept that is too small, i had to sell my 42" vizio...

mark

Buy.com has a 26 inch Westinghouse Refurbished for $300 if you are looking for a deal.

i think you would be happy and content with the vizio, if not you can take it back...

The Vizio would absolutely be my last pick of the six models presented. The Panasonic is the top rated 26" model by Consumer Reports. FWIW here is my order of preference.

1. Pansonic
2. Sony
3. Samsung
4. LG tie
4. Toshiba tie
6. Vizio

I think any of the top five are good choices. With a clear drop off in reliability and performance with the Vizio. Of course that's just my opinion, good luck with whatever you decide.

Agreed, but since this is a 26" model I'd push the Samsung ahead of the Sony. I have heard some negative comments regarding the "M."

Vizio has really improved tech-wise. I used to be a skeptic, but since getting one I am a convert. You can get a lot more bang for your buck too. If you wanted to step up to their higher performance models they just released a 32" (VO32LF, I think) that goes for around $600 and it's 1080p. I have a larger size but you can't beat the picture quality and refresh rate for the price.

Agreed, get the Vizio unless you can find a Samsung or Sony at the same price, doubtful. Put it on a CC, most double the warranty up to 1 year and be happy. The performance difference between a solid TV in a size this small just isn't there as long as you stick with a well known name and if something does happen to it after 2 years to a set this small with the way prices drop you'll probably be able to replace it for the price of gas to go back to Wallmart and pick it up.

The toshiba 502 26AV502U and the Samsung LN-26A450 are the same tv's so you can't go wrong with any of these two's.

Have the Vizio VA26L and love it. No problems. Bought from Costco.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...msung%20t260hd

-Samsung T260HD ($529.99, $499.99 after MIR).

It's a 1900x1200 26" LCD monitor, but also has a built-in speaker set and HD tuner, HDMI input(s), and full 1080P support. It can double as your HDTV and PC/laptop monitor, it's the size you requested, and within your price range. Give it a shot

Other then they are 720 & close in price they are 2 completely different sets, in looks & operation.

Stand in front of the TVs and raise yourself up and down. I try to avoid any TV whose picture seems to "solarize" or the colors seem to change to their negative image when you start looking at a level above or below the center or top/bottom edges of the screen.

I will also be going away to college this fall and looking for a good 26". I see that this thread is a little older so I would like to get some insight on newer released models.

I just picked up the VA26L from Wally World. First impression of the set, nice PQ from HD sources and the stock speakers are much better than I was expecting. My games look great on it. No stuck or dead pixels. I really like the remote and all the hook-ups too, lack of an RCA audio out is a drawback though if I want to add some speakers. It even has a full-featured program guide. Now the downside. Eye level the picture is great. But once I lie down in bed the screen loses contrast even at a very small angle. Above or to the sides the screen washes out. As long as you stay in the sweet spot, the PQ is fine. There's no way this thing has a 160 degree viewing angle as advertised.

I'm debating on whether or not to take it back for something else or live with it. The problem is in this price range, there really aren't many other options. Aside from poor viewing angles, I like the set. Does anyone know if Vizio plans to release another 26" set this year? I've heard about the VL260M at Sam's Club but wonder if they're going to release it or another 26" at any other retail stores.

Check out the Sony KDL-26L5000. Although I didn't much care for last year's 26M4000, the new 26L5000 is a great little TV that I would highly recommend. Another good panel to consider is the Samsung LN26B460. Check these TVs out (Samsung/Sony) and I think you will be happy with either one.

Question for those living in college dorms:
Do you plan on ever using these as computer monitors for schoolwork, or do you find your ~15" laptop screens adequate for studying?

Signed,
80's college grad (when PC's barely existed) who has a child attending college in the fall