Why not go right ahead with 1080p as it will be the standard in a few years? Perhaps you could find a 42 inches Westinghouse or Vizio set on the cheap somewhere like Wal-Mart
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10929990
look at how cheap this is
yeah...don't listen to this guy.
A) 1080p won't be a standard of any sort in a few years, just more common.
B) Whether you notice 1080p is wholly dependant on how far you sit from the TV
C) Dude is suggesting a Sanyo 
go to avsforums and search around if you want good advice and the most for your money.
errr, 1080p will most definitely become a standard with the next generation of consoles, and current 720p console games upscaled to 1080p still look pretty good, plus with 1080p you get the benefit of enjoying Blu-Ray films to their fullest resolution
you're over the top with that second claim, sure 1080p shows more on bigger screens, but there definitely is a difference, I play 1080p versions of console games on my PC and my 40 inches 1080p Bravia and there's a LOT more depth on the picture even if you sit somewhat far from the screen... plus I reckon that Himumu probably lives in a relatively small apartment
as for the last point, Himumu is a poor student with little money, so he needs the best bang for his buck... currently in my opinion, 1080p sets from brands such as Westinghouse, Vizio, Sanyo and others are the best alternative as far as that is concerned, yes they use chinese panels but people are very satisfied with them, and they'll definitely provide a good picture once the set is properly calibrated