I would buy a big screen and place it at an intermediate distance.
computer usage, reading, watching tv, etc. don't cause eye damage.
Pick a computer monitor that you feel comfortable with, if you feel bothered by glare then get a glare shield or you can get an acetate filter (which depending on the color can give you enhanced contrast). If the images on the screen are still too small then you can make adjustments to the image sizes on a windows or mac OS easily enough (you might want to try this on your laptop). If that fails invest in software like zoomtext.
Dear walsca,
I would recommend that you speak with your eyeMD who is familiar with your eyes. Size and resolution are two issues which may not go together. Seek clear quality screens and use the one which feels easiest to read.
Dr. Feldman
Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California