Screen Resolution

[ephex]

Is 1024x768 usable? I know Expose must make things better, but does it help enough to make it as useable as 1280x1024 [which I'm currently used to ]?

If anyone has any experience using Propellerhead's Reason 2.5 [or Cubase SX, which I may buy in the future] on 1024x768, I would really appreciate your input. I'm currently looking into getting a laptop, and that insanely small resolution is scaring me away from anything less than a 15" PB . I have had first hand experience using Reason on my pc at 1024x768, and it's a nightmare .

 

[Jsmit]

I have a 12" PB. Yes it does get cluttered at times, but it is still usable. I still don't use expose to its potential, it always take me a moment to remember which key does what. I should note that I have never had display over 1024X768, I would imagine that it would be hard to downgrade though.

If your current machine is a Mac, you could try and reduce the resolution and see for yourself. If you don't then you'll have to find a friend with a mac (preferably with an iBook or 12B), or go to a retail store with Macs on display.

 

[Chip NoVaMac]

I have a PB 12" too. I had said that the resolution was just fine. Now that I have a 20" LCD connected to it, I am more mindful of what others have posted here.

For almost a year I did all my design work on the 12" screen. It can be done. Now how ever, I find it "harder" to go back to the lower resolution after working a while with the 20".

What size screen notebook would I buy again though? It would be the 12", hands down. For my 12" PB fits into a leather legal pad case. Traveling is a joy with it.

 

[Poeben]

It it very difficult to go down in resolution once you get used to more space, in my experience. My 21" crt that I ran at 16x12 died a few months back and I am now stuck on a 10x7 17" display until I can afford a replacement. I have a 12" iBook though, that I use occasionally for photoshop and digital audio work. It is certainly usable, but for larger projects there can be a lot of scrolling. If you get a powerbook, you can always hook up an external monitor too (although you can hack the iBooks to do screen spanning.)

 

[Diatribe]

I still don't use expose to its potential, it always take me a moment to remember which key does what.

You should use hot corners. That's easier than using the F keys, at least I think so.
The way I have it set up: upper left(show all apps) lower left(show desktop)
Makes things so much easier on a 12".