Need Help with projector, Fn-F8

After searching I found a "workaround" of sorts.  You basically have to plug in your projector into the monitor plug, then restart your x-server (ctl-alt-backspace).  However, that leaves your screen blank, and you have to login and such using the projector.  There is no way I was going to do that at my meeting.  Why should the audience wait while I log in, wait until it comes up, and then click on my presentation?  Very unprofessional.

I did find another solution, which was to use a dual monitor using nvidia-settings.  However, for some reason it was limited to 640x480, and it would only display part of the screen.  I could not change the resolution.  So, that was an unworkable solution as well.

My solution was to pdf my presentation, and use a Windows laptop. I had hoped to provide some free and effective advertising for Linux and Dell, which obviously didn't happen. I purchased a Dell pre-installed with Linux so I wouldn't have to rip out and re-install xwindows just to give a presentation.  I've seen other presentations given using Linux.  What is the hangup with Dell and the Inspiron?

I believe that the issue is with Nvidia and not Dell.

I have seen similar issues with other systems on both Linux and Windows using Nvidia cards.