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I don't want a cheap TV that has lots of HDMI outputs, but will only last a couple of subpar years. I was thinking Samsung, since they seem to have good reviews. I like Sony, but I can get a bigger TV for the same price with Samsung. LG has mixed reviews, so I don't know what to think.

It always comes down to Sammy vs Panny when it comes to the best HDTV's. I prefer Panny's because they have unparalleled contrast ratios and infinite black levels. Samsung, however, makes incredible LCD's and LED's.

I am looking to stay under $400, and the further the better. I think 42" would be just about right size-wise. I would like a "smart" TV that has Wi-Fi, or some way to access Netflix without a computer. If I can get one that has computer connections, like a monitor port or Ethernet, that would be nice too. I would like at least two HDMI ports, but preferably more.

I do NOT want 3D. They give me a headache. And I don't want a plasma TV because of the awkward lighting in my living room.

You will find this incredibly useful for what you're looking for. Please be aware $400 for something around a 40 inch is on the extreme low-end for a decent quality HDTV, so you will probably have to compromise with some of the options you wanted. As others have mentioned, a HDTV with Wi-fi and ethernet ports are in most cases completely unnecessary, so I wouldn't worry about that at all. And while you have a preference for Samsung, it wouldn't hurt to look at other tv models either, especially if they're recommended by an expert at CNET that has thousands of hours testing HDTVs and over a decade of experience doing it on CNET. About the only preference I would say to not compromise on is the choice of plasma...plasmas are usually known to not do well under certain lighting conditions, so I would say stick with an LCD or LED as you mentioned.

After looking through all these TV's and doing some extensive research myself, you've got some good options here. If you want to strictly stick to your budget, I've narrowed it down to 3 TV's you should definitely look into, with some quick summaries:

TCL L40FHDP60
TV Type: LCD
Screen Size: 40 inches
Refresh Rate: 60hz
Cheapest brand new in-store price: Best Buy/Home Depot - $399 + tax
Cheapest brand new online price: Ebay - $399 + free shipping

Toshiba 40E220U
LCD
40
60hz
Store: Kmart - $369 + tax
Online: Kmart - $369 + tax + free shipping, Ebay - $429 + free shipping

Toshiba 40L5200U
LED
40
120hz
Store: Walmart - $449 + tax
Online: Ebay - $399 + $19 shipping


If I had to pick only one and give you a decision straight from the gut...I'd probably go with the L5200U. LED and that tasty refresh rate is what draws me to it. But honestly, you really can't beat any of these tv's in absolute value and the most bang for your buck. I encourage you to very very very very very THOROUGHLY review each of these tv's on the CNET website...each review is a literal goldmine of information, offering a review of every single minute detail about the tv, even ranging to pre and post calibration tests. I read the reviews myself, but wish to read them more in-depth later so I can give a more reasoned judgment on which one has the prestigious MKC Seal of Approval. I also plan to do a synopsis on the other tv's on that list that are just a bit outside your initial price point, as from what I looked at I believe there are some killer steals there if you drop just a little more cash...for instance, I do know some of those are indeed Smart tv's. For now, I must sleep...I've spent close to 3 hours on this, and I still haven't gone to sleep yet from yesterday. But this was fun. I shall return!

All my research...my beautiful research...in vain...

TCL is China's largest HDTV manufacturer. While that does not hold true at all over here, you can usually find them at Best Buy buried in the corner with the other 'lesser-known' brands, like Westinghouse.

Well this whole Dell scenario makes your decision a whole lot easier then. Here is the CNET review for the TV you have picked out: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un40eh5300/4505-6482_7-35159629.html.

There are two TV's from the CNET list that are in the Dell store:

Samsung UN40ES6500
CNET Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un40es6500/4505-6482_7-35117946.html
Dell Store: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A6795221&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch

Samsung UN40EH6000
CNET Review: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/samsung-un46eh6000/4505-6482_7-35159621.html
Dell Store: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A5733314&baynote_bnrank=1&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=baynoteSearch


Now, there is something very interesting about the HDTV you originally picked. Take this excerpt from the CNET review of the tv you picked, which I linked above:

CNET did not review the Samsung UNEH5300 series, but we did review a similar product, the UNEH6000 series.

According to Samsung's site, the main difference between the two is that the UNEH5300 has Samsung's Smart TV suite, whereas the UNEH6000 has a 120Hz refresh rate and slightly better picture quality specifications. Based on our review of the UNEH6000, however, we don't expect those improved specs to make much difference in the overall picture quality of the two TVs -- in other words, we expect the UNEH5300 and UNEH6000 to have roughly the same picture quality.

It goes into further detail on how largely identical both tv's are, and even how the 5300 series beats the 6000 series in some aspects (yes, the 6000 has a better refresh rate, but the added smoothness makes it look more artificial in this case.) Anyways, it just amazed me how you were able to essentially pick one of the top rated HDTVs in its class on CNET. By pure luck. Or was it...?

I would encourage you to read the first CNET link I provided for you on the 5300, as it goes more in-depth on the differences and vast similarities between it and the 6000. One big thing is the 5300 has the Smart TV suite while the 6000 does not. It also has more HDMI and USB ports than the 6000 as well. I would read over the 6000 review too, as you will see more technical specs and reviews that will of course directly relate to the 5300 as well. You might also want to look at the other tv on the list, the ES6500...but as it is 3D capable and a higher pricepoint, I don't expect you to give it much thought.

Couldn't wait for the S4, could ya...

FWIW the new HTC One is being reviewed as everything people were expecting the S4 to be.

"Oooo... ahhhh.... That's how it always is at first. Then later comes the running...  and screaming..."

-Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park: The Lost World

"Oooo... ahhhh.... That's how it always is at first. Then later comes the running...  and screaming..."

-Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park: The Lost World

You know companies change over time right? HTC has been getting nothing but positive reviews for most of their new phones. Even the ones running windows phone 8.

Nah, I'm typically not a "have to have the latest and greatest" person. Like I said, this is my first smartphone so I'm just going to get used to utilizing one before going all out for the absolute top of the line. I've heard so many good things about the S3 and I was perfectly content to go with something I knew was a quality product. 

Might have been a good idea to wait till the S4 just for the price drop on the S3 though, although it may have already happened after the S4 announcement.