1080 footage + final cut pro + macbook pro = which monitor questions

[robfilms]

i use final cut pro on a 15" macbook pro. i often do my own rough cut before i start to work with an editor. but for that first pass on the footage, i'm looking to move to a larger, second monitor.

i've read great reviews of the apple cinema series along with the dell ultrasharps. lately, i've been shooting with the sony ex1/ex3 which produces a 1080 image. my questions:

if the footage is 1080 but the monitor is 720p, what happens? will the image be down-sized to fit 720 or will i lose image information on the sides?

i would like the color to be very good but i am not using this monitor to color grade the final project. does that change my ultimate decision as to which monitor?

during this holiday season, i've seen several hdtv/monitor by samsung, sony, panasonic and other brands pointed towards a consumer market, not a professional video maker. does the idea of using a hdtv/monitor change my ultimate decision as to which monitor?

i apologize in advance for my newbie-type questions.

thanks to any and all who care to share.

be well

rob