Dell 2005FPW Resolution and Text Question

[GoCubsGo]

I have a 1.67ghz powerbook with the 128mb video card in it. I just hooked up a 20" WS Dell 2005FPW to it. I had it on 1600x1000 and found the text to be of adequate size. It was not super sharp though. I changed it to 1680x1050, same ratio but the text is slightly smaller and thinner. It is much sharper though. Is 1680x1050 just a better res for this powerbook, or do I have a bum monitor?

 

[ham_man]

Jessica, I pulled this text off Dell's site...

To optimize this monitor's performance, your system must be able to support WSXGA+ resolution (1680 x 1050)

Unless I am wicked dumb, 1680x1050 is the best setting for that monitor...

 

[Chrispy]

I have a 1.67ghz powerbook with the 128mb video card in it. I just hooked up a 20" WS Dell 2005FPW to it. I had it on 1600x1000 and found the text to be of adequate size. It was not super sharp though. I changed it to 1680x1050, same ratio but the text is slightly smaller and thinner. It is much sharper though. Is 1680x1050 just a better res for this powerbook, or do I have a bum monitor?

There is nothing wrong with your powerbook or monitor. The Dell 2005FPW's native resolution is 1680x1050 so it will display the best quality picture at that resolution. You have nothing to worry about so you can enjoy your monitor worry free 🙂

 

[macbaseball]

That's how all LCD monitors are. They have an optimum resolution and then all other resolutions are just a slight change to the optimum. The reason that 1600x1000 looks off is because you changed the aspect ratio from 16:9 to 16:10. If you want to run the monitor at a lower resolution that would be fine, but you just have to make sure that the aspect ratio is the same, and are willing to cope with slight quality loss.

To answer you original question, there is nothing is wrong with your Powerbook. Enjoy your monitor - I would love to have one...

 

[Nermal]

The reason that 1600x1000 looks off is because you changed the aspect ratio from 16:9 to 16:10.

1680x1050 is also 16:10 🙂