TV as monitor for a silver surfer?

Sparky29

My mum was thinking of joining the silver surfers and buying a notebook. As her eyesight is not good I think she would struggle with a 15/17” screen. She would only be surfing and the odd bit of word processing so I think it would be a waste of money paying for a 19” notebook as they are very expensive. Her TV has also packed in so she needs to buy a new TV. She is looking at buying a Toshiba 32WLT66.

I was wondering as her new TV will have two HDMI sockets if buying a PC (without monitor) and using a wireless keyboard and mouse is a practical solution instead. I have not seen anybody use a TV as a monitor before so I would be grateful for any advice given. She said she wouldn’t watch the TV at the same time as using the PC as she is only just taking the plunge and learning how to use a PC.

Also, could anybody recommend where to look for a decent PC (about £500 max) without all the peripherals?

Many thanks

magic_pants

The Toshiba 32WLT66 has PC input as well as HDMI. You can connect your PC to the TV VGA port OR, if your PC has DVI out this can be connected to the HDMI port on your TV by means of a DVI/HDMI converter.

In terms of wireless keyboard/mouse that will certainly make it easier to surf where she likes! Sounds like a good idea!

I use my TV as a monitor on occasion and it works a treat using DVI or VGA.

MarkyMarkD

I don't see the point in a notebook in these circs - a PC (without monitor) and wireless peripherals sounds far tidier.

The notebook just incorporates a pointless screen which would just get in the way - and the notebook would be far heavier than a standalone wireless keyboard.

billywhizz

Try Novatech for a standalone base unit, never had a problem with them.

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/pcranges.html (The pics show monitors but they are all optional extras)

Ian_W

Recently equipped my 80yr old MIL with a laptop as she wants to learn how to surf the net - good for her.
Her eyes aren't bad bad - but not brill either. She has no problem at all reading the 15" laptop screen - bear in mind you're far closer to a lappy screen than most people are to their comupter monitor or their TV screen.
Let her try the laptop screen first - you'll probably find it isn't a problem and if it is use the large type and other options available for accessability.

Sparky29

Thanks for your replies. :T

She didn't really want a PC because she thought she would have to have a desk which would take up too much room when she could just use a notebook on the table. I was wondering if the distance between keyboard and TV would be a problem in anybodies experience as her typing skills are "hunt and peck" and she would probably check every letter as she does it.