They're not. I'm scrolling around the Dell website here - depending on which model you pick, I can see 1280 x 800, 1440 x 900 and 1920 x 1200 available on several of their 15.4" lines. Now, the real question, given that Dell do offer such wide options ( especially on their more expensive lines ) is why Apple only sell 15" screens at 1440 x 900.
well all the ones available at best buy (any brand actually) at 15.4 are only at 1200x 800. Is this a windows thing?
Did you read what I posted? How could it possibly be a Windows thing when I've already explained that lots of machines with lots of resolutions are available. Shops stock what will sell to the mass market. What will sell is what is cheap. What is cheap is low res screens.
Ease of inventory stocking and control, I imagine. Plus I've used a Dell 800 with a 15.4" 1920x1200 display and the it becomes quickly tiring to read the icon text.
I had a 15" Toshiba with 1600 x 1200, and a 17" Dell with 1920 x 1200 - and every time I load photoshop or keynote on my MBP....I miss those screens dreadfully. It's an entirely subjective thing - some people like it - some don't. There would be no harm in Apple offering the option ( as they do with the 17") And sorry - inventory control story doesn't scan when they stock two flavors of 17" screen already.
That's what would keep me from going that high on a 15" screen. Going back to 1280x854 from 1440x900 makes me check my glasses though. Once resolution independent UIs are common, though, 1920x1200 will be pretty common (after the price comes down of course.)
1920 x 1200 on a 15" screen? I wonder why they didn't offer a 1680 x 1050 option, as this is the largest typical resolution available on a 15" laptop. I wish the 15" MBP had that. I'd definitely buy one if it was offered.