Desktop Replacement Question - 17.3" or External Monitor?

[govtdog]

I have been shopping for a new desktop replacement for myself and have found that there aren't alot of choices at my price point. That said, I am wondering if I might not be better off getting a lesser priced but equally performing notebook with a smaller screen and then using the extra money towards an external (bigger) flatscreen?

I am finding that the 17.3 notebook I can afford charges an extra $150 for 1920x1080 resolution screen and wonder if notebooks with say, 15.6(1300x768) screen notebooks have capability to output 1920x1080 resolution to an external monitor?

I am also wondering if current notebooks can operate, without overheating, with the screen down while connected to a wireless keyboard, mouse and external monitor?

Hope that makes sense... Thanks for any advice you can offer me.

[govtdog]

Nevermind... have already decided to go with an external monitor and am changing my requirements for my new notebook which I will list in a new thread.

Thanks anyway!