1080p worth it at 40 inches? (looking for a tv)

[raginranger]

Hello,

As part of my ongoing quest to help my Dad buy a good tv, I am once again requesting help from my fellow blu-ray.com members. He seems to be set on a 40 " LCD from either Sony or Samsung. Since some people on this site have expressed the opinion that the difference between 720p and 1080p is not important until you hit the 50 " range, I am posting this thread to ask what you all think about 40 " LCD's and if 1080p is necessary. It is quite a big price increase so if you all feel 720p is just as good at this size, then he could save some bucks and get both a 720p LCD and a blu-ray player also for about the same price as a 1080p. Also, if you feel both resolutions are more or less equal at this size, would it be better to get the Sony Bravia 40" 720p over the Samsung 1080p considering Sony has the best reputation for HDTV's?

Thanks in advance,

bryan