Quick TV purchase advice?

[Less Than Liz]

My rinky dink television is "unfortunately" dying, so I'm looking to buy a new one. I'd look to do it ASAP ie. if I get enough information shortly I will probably buy it tonight (I've been casually in the market for a while now so it's not that impulsive.)

Anyway, I've boiled it down to two refurbished models. I went into this originally wanting a 32 but could live with a 27. I'm solid on those size preferences.

However, I am not very familiar with how 720 v. 1080 will play out. All I know is the latter is high quality and that the distinction between the two grows exponentially with size. So, my questions are as follows:

(1) Is it worth getting a 27 inch television at 1080 in its own right? That is, would there be a very big difference between a 27 inch 720 television and a 27 inch 1080 television, and;

(2) Is there going to be a substantial distinction in picture quality between a 27 inch 1080 and a 32 inch 720?

These are the models I'm looking at currently:

Samsung SyncMaster P2770HD 1080p 27-inch LCD HDTV (http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Samsung-SyncMaster-P2770HD-1080p-27-inch-LCD-HDTV-Refurbished/5072285/product.html)
Sony Bravia KDL-32EX301 32-inch 720p LCD TV (http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Sony-Bravia-KDL-32EX301-32-inch-720p-LCD-TV-Refurbished/5134188/product.html)

Right now I'm leaning toward the Sony Bravia. I was browsing Best Buy and didn't, at first glance, see anything lacking in 720 televisions that would make me really, really need a 1080. I'm more concerned about sharpness of picture, etc and have seen variations within 720 and within 1080 that make me err on the side of user reviews more than the numbers game. Still, I'd like your input.

Thanks, guys.

[Ges]

What's the contrast ratio on the Sony? I didn't see it on the link.

That being said, I've had a Samsung 1080p HDTV for a couple years and I haven't had a problem with it at all...save that an 8000:1 contrast ratio is shit nowadays.

Also, like Blue said, most games on PS3 aren't even run in 1080, it just downscales them to 720. Definitely get an HDMI cord, though. Everything looks horrendous without it if you've been using one and you go back to composites.

[Less Than Liz]

Blue: I will be watching loads of Blu-Rays on top of playing games. I'll probably sit real close to it most of the time.

[Phakiel]

BUY 3D!

[Less Than Liz]

I went with the Sony Bravia. Saw it in Best Buy today as well (for $120 more :P) and was impressed. Thanks for the advice!

[Polygon]

There isn't that much difference between 720p and 1080p at that size, even at 32 inches. It really only matters at about 40 and up. Also, you have a PS3 and unless you watch a lot of blu-ray, even on the 32 inch, it's not going to be much of a difference. I think only a few dozen or so games are at 1080p native resolution anyway.

Also, how far will you be sitting from it, or do you know? I think for that size range, 4-7 feet is best, if I remember correctly.

This would be my advice to a T.