17" laptop - Which resolution?

[MichaelD]

This is assuming a powerful (for a laptop anyway) video card like the 8600GS w/512MB memory.

Is there that much diff b/t the two? Are fonts too small? For comparision's sake, I have a 24" widescreen for my desktop and it's res is 1920x1600 and the size of icons, fonts, etc is just fine for me.

Will I be OK with the higher res on the laptop? Will it put that much more stress on the videocard? Thanks much!

 

[Brainonska511]

If it was 1920x1200 on the 17", it could be a little small for some people, but at 1680x1050, you shouldn't have that problem. You're better off on the higher resolution; it won't stress the video card (though, with some newer games, you'll either have to turn down the resolution or turn down the details).

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks much, Brainonska511; I'm strongly leaning that way. Higher res is usually better; plus, I could always run it at a lower resolution. I'm fairly sure that 14x90 would be supported on the higher res screen.

 

[abovewood]

I only like it at 1440x900

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: abovewood
I only like it at 1440x900

Is your laptop capable of resolutions higher than 14x90? Why do you like the lower res better?

 

[Rockinacoustic]

I have WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050) on my 15.4'' laptop and I love the extra screen real-estate for programs like Photoshop or even programming in notepad. I've seen 17-inchers with 1440x900 screens and don't like them as much; the screen's aren't as sharp.

As for stressing your GPU it depends what games you plan to play, as well as the rest of your computer's components. But you are correct, you could always lower the resolution to a playable setting. If money permits go for the larger resolution, you won't regret it. :thumbsup:

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks much, Rockinacoustic; that seals the deal for me. I wanted to see what others that have been in the situation have thought. Laptops are a different beast than desktops; it's important to have/hear first-hand experience before plunking down your hard-earned cash. :thumbsup:

 

[slugg]

With laptops, you're always going to have to sacrifice SOMETHING. What's more important to you? Desktop space, or running next gen games at native resolution?

Personally, I'll take the desktop space and go with the higher resolution screen. You can always deal with some fuzzy looking games while lowering the resolution, but there's no fix for inadequate screen area on your desktop. I have a 14 inch screen, but I did opt for the higher resolution (1440x900 on a 14 inch) and I'm so glad I did!

Hope this helps

 

[PowerRanger]

I currently have 1440x900 on a Dell 9300. At the time I was hoping to save a little money by going with the lower resolution, thinking it won't be a big deal. I know kind of regret that decision. I suggest going with a larger resolution.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

go with the 1680x1040, i have a 15.4 and its quite nice. they're right on the extra desktop space. i have co-workers that have a 17 with the 14x9 res and it looks a world better and sharper on mine than those.

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks very much to everyone for their input. The higher res screen it is. :thumbsup: