Dell 1905FP and the Native Resolution

Question

Here is what I can’t figure out... I have a new Dell 1905FP and the native resolution of 1280x1024 is just way too small. I posted here about this before, but what I really do not understand is how anyone could work with the native resolution that I am seeing and be comfortable. It is very small! I tried changing the DPI to the larger size, but it made Word and Excel and a few other programs look like everything was in bold lettering! That is not acceptable! And the sizing seemed unbalanced. Also, my eyesight is fine and so is my Wife’s. I wonder if my Video card is the problem because it’s a 5 yr old card. For my Video card I am using a NVIDIA 64MB card that is about 5 years old that came with my Dell Computer. It does have DVI, which I am using for the monitor input. I’m now running at 1024x768 and everything looks great, really it does! Maybe there is a little less clarity with graphics, but you would have to A/B the same picture to really see the difference and at that you have to look closely. I was just home for lunch and I was going through websites and both my wife and I are basically happy with what we are viewing at the lower resolution of 1024x768, but we are perplexed as to why the native resolution is so small. Guess we could just run the Monitor at the lower resolution, but I’m bugged as to why the native resolution is supposed to be 1280x1024 and if what I am seeing is the normal monitor view, then I really believe more users would be complaining! I have been to a few stores before I bought the Dell and tried some other 19' monitors and their screens looked fine. So I guess my question is this: Could there be a problem somewhere inside my computer causing the native resolution to be smaller than it should be? And if so, is there something I could look at to try and fix the possible problem. If you told me that the lower 1024x768 was the native resolution, I would have believed that without a question...LOL Thanks

BigBrother · Answer

Ken7707, The 'native resolution' of a monitor is determined by the maker of the LCD screen itself.  It is based on the physical size of the display, the size of the pixel element used in the display and the distance between pixel elements.  It is the resolution at which the images (text and graphics) will be the most clear.  Many folks (myself included) are not comfortable wth a resolution of 1280 x 1024.  I also run a 19' monitor and prefer to have the resolution set at 1024 x 768.  There is nothing wrong with your video card.  There is nothing wrong with your monitor.  There is nothing wrong at all.  Some folks want to have as much information on the screen as possible and a higher resolution will let them have this.  Your choice of screen resolution is up to you.  What the manufacturer says is the 'native' resolution may not be how you want it to be.  That is why you can easily change it to match your preferences. Steve

Akule50 · Answer

Aloha Ken,I just found this freeware download (EyeRelief for LCDs 'click here'), if you want to try it. EyeRelief's Desktop scaling is supposed to be a superior alternative to running at lower non-native resolutions. If you're really picky... then you might not mind shelling out $40 for the 'LiquidView' utility ('click here'). The '30 day Trial' download is 'here'.If you're using IE6... 'To improve the browsing experience for users with higher-resolution systems, Internet Explorer 6 and later can automatically adjust the scale of the display (Adjusting Scale for Higher DPI Screens - 'click here').'Aloha,Rod

Ken7707 · Answer

Guys,

Thanks for the information!

I did download and take a look at the programs, but after playing with those for about an hour, I still like the 1024x768 resolution!

I did stop down to the local Staples and I did check out a few of their 19" monitors, including the new Sony and I set the Resolution to the native 1280 x 1024 and they still had a readable screen and were much bigger than mine.

It may be that I still use Windows ME and that could be one issue with the 1280x1024 resolution...Just a guess.

But anyways, we are happy with the monitor at the 1024x768 resolution, so that's that! LOL

But I have to say, I do like this Forum and all the assistance a user can get with the Dell Systems...That is a real plus to actually get a chance to exchange information with other users who have experienced the same issues!

Thanks

stevez2 · Answer

I've just read through this thread...I didn't like the small text at native resolution either, but I found that by making the following adjustments, my display has been optimised to my liking:

Go to Display Properties and click the "Settings" tab.
Click "Advanced" button.
Change DPI to either 120 or to 130 using Custom Setting.
When this has been updated, click on the "Appearance" tab.
Click "Effects" button.
Make sure the "Clear Type" box is ticked and OK.
Click on the "Advanced" button.

Now comes the tricky bit...you will need to spend some time playing around with this but once you get it right, it's set!

You will see a box marked, Item: "Desktop". Click on the arrow.

Now there is a list of items and you have the option of changing the look of all these items. You can change the font size (and type if you wish), make text bolder, make icons larger, etc. You need to play around to see what they all do, but the effort is well worth it to run the screen in its native resolution while making items on the screen easier to read. Hope this helps.....Steve

Ken7707 · Answer

Steve,

Thanks for the advice...I tried that, but I still like the lower resolution for overall viewing...

I only have Windows ME, and I beleive that "clear type" is not an option for my operating system...

Ken

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