use a notebook as TV?

I am moving to a smaller place and need a TV, and I am wondering if it is economical to convert my notebook (eMachines M6811) to a TV. I figure that I need:

1) A TV tuner card or equivalent USB device that can be controlled with my wireless mouse through windows interface

2) external flatscreen monitor, ideally in widescreen format

3) external 6.1 compatible speaker set

Please feel free to recommend some products. I was at FutureShop and had a hard time finding a TV tuner device. Also does such a setup make any sense considering that small TVs are fairly cheap these days (and that I for one will appreciate theater like sound and recording to HD capabilities as bonus).

 

Your really not going to be able to get and record HD so you can pretty much rule that out. I think ati makes an over the air tuner. beyond TV works well and MCE if you want tivo abilities. and hauppage however you spell it makes good tuners. But im not sure if USB tuners are MCE compatable im sure they are by now though. And you want to make sure your tuner has hardware encoding and its not done by software.

 

Well, technically, you only need the tuner card. Here's a partial list:
http://www.techadvice.com/help/Products/u/usb-tvtuner.asp

Look for support for cable if you need it, and some come w/ remotes, FM radio tuners, etc... as well. I would recommend the ATI TV Wonder USB 2.0 or the Hauppauge WinTV USB2.

I also wouldn't bother w/ 6.1 for audio. Go 5.1, or go 7.1, but if you research the audio websites on the web, many people feel that 6.1 actually takes away from the accoustics. For PC-style speakers, the Logitech Z-5450s are pretty good (my brother has them), and the Z-5500 are about the same and a little cheaper because the rears aren't wireless.

If you really want a larger flat-panel, check out the Dell 24" LCD monitors, or the 21" Gateway w/ the Faroudja video processor.