Worth getting a TV Tuner?

I just got a Monitor (23" ASUS VS Series) for Xbox gaming and docking my laptop. I've been using my mouse and will be receiving a keyboard in the mail monday so this docking plan is in full force. As I head back to college this Spring semester, I don't really want to bring both my Monitor and LCD TV (even though the TV is smaller it weighs more and is thicker). However, by not bringing the TV, I lose a huge function and that is the ability to watch basic Cable.

To those that have used a TV Tuner on a laptop or do use one. What are your recomendations on a tuner? Is my only option a USB 2.0 card? How well do these function when connected to a computer vs just watching through a TV? And what software is used? If it is Windows Media Center, I actually like that idea as it would mean it is finally usefull for once.

Secondly, if a USB 2.0 Tuner is the option, I'm running low on ports or at least space inbetween these ports to actually fit things. I already will have a Razer DeathAdder connected and Logitech G110 plus my laptop cooling pad. Is using an AC powered USB 2.0 HUB connected to a USB port on a cooler which is then connected via USB to my laptop going to cause any input lag on my devices (such as the 1000Hz polling I have my DeathAdder set to)? Edit: Also I just realized I'll have a wired Xbox 360 controller hooked up too for certain games so there goes all 4 of my USB ports and this would be 5 devices total.

Thanx for any help! (also, was not sure if this was the best place to ask about TV Tuners).

 

Would you consider returning your display and ordering a new one with a TV tuner built on. Although I will go on record to to say that there is a severe lack of LCD monitors with TV tuners on the market compared to about a year or two ago...

Other options would be an ExpressCard, USB or external box TV tuner. From my initial research your looking to spend about $70+ for anything decent. Two of the latter options utilize a USB port.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/accessories/327241-avermedia-volar-max-review-ota-atsc.html

for a good experience, the AverMedia Volar(Max/hybrid if you want ClearQam) or hauppauge 950 (Q if you want ClearQAM) works pretty well. other solutions, probably works as well too

definitely use Windows Media Center (though theres not built-in encoder to reduce the file size)

usually TV Tuners need power. so im not sure if using a crowded powered USB hub would work, but you could try

 

Well I narrowed down to this one. It does all the signals I want. I don't need an antenna or software as I have Win 7 Pro. $53 + Free Shipping sounds good. Just unsure about using my USB hub. It is an AC powered hub and will make 'docking' easier though that is a mouse, keyboard, tuner, gamepad, and possible USB sticks and Harddrive all connected through one powered hub.

Newegg.com - AVerMedia AVerTV Hybrid Volar Max - TV Tuner Kit for Windows MTVHVMXSK USB 2.0 Interface

 

While that is probably easiest to use solution, having a tuner connected to the computer allows recording, timeshifting and picture-in-picture