XGA vs SXGA

[ponjovi]

Okay, so notebook shopping, and screen is important to me. I see lots of XGA screens, which always seem to list a resolution of 1024x768. Then I see SXGA or SXGA+ screens with 1280x1024.

What I don't understand, however, is whether a SXGA screen set at a lower setting, say 1024x768, is inherently clearer than an XGA screen maxed out at 1024x768. Or would they look the same?

Also, can this max. resolution be enhanced through a better video card?



Thanks for any info.

 

[Kappo]

Well, the higher the res is typically better. Lowering your res wont make it clearer. In fact, on most lcd screens you get text distortion if you use anything other than your native resolution. You cannot really change your vid card on most laptops, so that would be a no. Also, most vid cards can handle way more than what one of those screens can, so you wouldnt see an improvement from that aspect.

Your best bet is to find what screen resolution you want, then get the approrpriate notebook. Whatever it runs nativley is usually what people buy.

 

[JZilla]

A 14" laptop screen with higher resolution than XGA is always a SXGA+ which is 1400x1050, or UXGA which is 1600x1200.

A SXGA+ screen running XGA will not be as clear as a XGA running XGA. LCD's are best at their native resolution.

I am not sure I understand your final question, but the laptop will only go as high as the screen. Most laptops can however display at least 1600x1200 externally.

SXGA+ on a 14" screen is somewhat small, so I suggest that you take a look at the different screens in a shop. That IS the only way to figure out whether or not you can live with a SXGA+. This link explains a little about screen sizes.

Good luck!

 

[Confused]

You need to run the screens in a laptop (and on a desktop LCD as well for that matter) at their "native" resolution, otherwise they won't look very good.

I have had a 14.1" screen running @ 1400x1050, and I currently have a 15" screen running @ 1600x1200, and they are the best screens I have. I absolutely hate using anything with a lower resolution now, as everything it too big, and there's not enough real estate on the screen with lower resolutions.


Confused

 

[ponjovi]

Thanks everyone, great info. Glad I asked. I was thinking I should buy as high res as I could afford, and then I could always set it lower if I preferred. Now that I understand native res is going to be best, I'll definitely check out some SXGA on a 14" to make sure that it works for me.

Thanks again.