Customers can now watch television and use their personal computer on the same display introduced today by Dell.

The Dell W1700 17" LCD TV enables customers to watch television or DVDs, play video games and use computer systems applications on one device by combining a traditional flat panel monitor and television tuner. It will be available in the United States and Canada on Oct. 28 for $699.

"The W1700 is the first in what will be a full line of LCD TVs," said Tim Mattox, vice president of client product marketing for Dell.

The W1700 17" LCD TV features both VGA and DVI inputs for use with a computer system, as well as an integrated tuner and S-video, component video and composite video inputs for use as a television, whether or not it is connected to a PC. The remote control enables users to choose whether to use the display as a monitor or television and access its many features.

The new display is HDTV ready and includes integrated speakers that deliver up to 5 watts per channel. This wide screen display, capable of 16:9 aspect ratio format, is ideal for video applications and, combined with the picture-in-picture feature, makes it easier to multitask by simultaneously viewing images from the PC and video inputs.

The Dell W1700 17" LCD TV will initially be available in the United States and Canada, with additional countries to follow over the next few months.