External Monitor Options for New SurfacePro

I'm looking into purchasing the new Surface Pro (i5/8GB RAM/256GB SSD), and am trying to decide what is the best option for an external monitor. I'm planning on using the Surface for internet browsing, video streaming, general office work, basic gaming, and some light to mild photo editing.

I've seen some reviews on various sites saying that there are issues with the proprietary surface docking system. And am looking at other potential options.

Chatting with the blue-shirts at best buy, I basically got that I could use a USB to HDMI cable, but i'm going to lose audio/video quality. I could go with the screen mirroring on a smaller smart TV, but would lose latency (which I don't have a great grasp on as far as what this is and affects), or I go with the Microsoft proprietary docking system and monitor.

I know some of this is vague, but am looking for any sort of advice to help point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.