Hi Mathew
42" is too much, IMHO. Also, do yourself a favor and avoid panels that are intended to be TVs. Get yourself a high quality monitor that is 22" or larger, and has a decent contrast ratio. 1200:1 just doesn't cut it.
I thought the more 'real estate' you could get the better with regards to 42"
What does the contrast ratio do? What is a good ratio?
I used to always try to get the best gear, but that habit gets expensive fast. Now, I have resigned myself to the fact that most computer equipment will have about a 24 month lifespan in its primary role (or less!), so I try to get stuff that is at the sweet spot price/performance wise.
Hey, I'm a married man with new born child, dog , huge mortgage etc etc. I need no convincing re taking the value for money route.
I always like to buy kit that has been out at least a year.