I already had Clear Type on, but it still didn't make a difference. I did try changing my resolution to a much higher res and used a larger dpi font. That seems to help - a little. Text is simply just not very clear. I am disappointed, as my old monitor was much sharper. Kristi

Is your resolution 1440x900?

It sure is - how did you know?

Message Edited by Sdlucylover on 12-12-2007 07:44 PM

Hi,

Switch the whole font effects (Standard or ClearType) off. Connect your display over DVI to your computer. Use the full resolution of 1440 x 900.

TFT Displays have a fix resolution. If you use in lower resolution, the "screen" will be interpolate. This means that the picture quality is getting worse. It's like digital zoom at your digital camera.

--
itszler

I am not sure what you mean by, "Connect your display over DVI to your computer." What does that mean? Thanks! Kristi

Hi,

Sorry for my awkward english. There are two ways of connecting a display to a computer. Look at your graphic card. I hope you have two connectors (VGA and DVI).

1. VGA or RGB (15 pins, blue connector) -> analog signal transmission

2. DVI (29 pins, white connector) -> digital signal transmission

Connection via DVI has a better picture quality than via VGA/RGB and there is no more adjustment necessary.

Have you switch the font enhancement off? Is it now better?

--
itszler

Message Edited by itszler on 12-13-2007 06:10 PM

Hi itszler! Your reply makes perfect sense! I am using the analog cable, and now I know why . . . when I went to switch to the other cable, I found I don't have a plug in that will take the DVI connector. They supplied me with both cables, but not both plugs on the computer. Is this something I can do - install a plug on the back that will allow the DVI connector? Or would this be something I have to call a technical person in to do? It seems like there is plenty of room to install stuff on the back . . . Thanks! Kristi

Hi,

If you have no DVI connector at the computer and you want to use DVI, than you have to buy a new graphic card with DVI. The graphic card will be installed on a free socket of your mainboard.

There are three kinds of interfaces for graphic cards.

1. PCI (old, slow)
2. AGP (fast)
3. PCIe or PCIexpress (up to date, fast) recommendation

But which type of interface you can use, depands on your mainboard.

I don't know which mainboard is in your Inspiron 531. Maybe you ask a technical experienced friend or go to your local computer store for further help.

But don't expect a wonder in picture quality via DVI.

--
itszler

Hi,

a short to-do list for installing a new graphic card.

- buy a new graphic card with DVI (AGP or PCIe)
- buy a DVI cable
- switch computer off, unplug power cord
- open the computer case
- remove the old graphic card or remove the bezel at the empty slot for the new graphic card
(if it is on-board, disable it in BIOS)
- insert the new graphic card in the right slot and screw it
- close the computer case
- unplug VGA cable und connect display and computer via DVI
- plug in the power cord and start your engine
- Windows will start in a lower resolution, install the graphic card driver and restart the computer
- after restart, check your resolution and change it to 1440 x 900 and 32 bit
- enjoy your new digital signal transmission

It's a little bit complicated.

--
itszler

Thanks for all the info! I have a tech friend, and I am going to have him help me make this change. The picture quality if fine, I just need sharper text, so I have faith this will make a difference - I don't expect miracles :^) Thanks again, itszler! Kristi

Hi,

I'm sorry, but I'm asking again? Have you switched the font enhancement off? It should be off for sharper text. Completly off, not only "standard". If it is off and the text is still blurry, than you maybe need a new graphic card with DVI.

But I don't want to induce you to get a new graphic card, if it is not neccessary. Maybe you will be disappointed if the card doesn't solve the problem.

have you tried to auto-adjust your display. Open any application, like explorer or word and press the auto adjustment key on the display. I think is better to have different colours and different brightness zones on the screen than a solid background for auto adjustment.

Where do you recognize the blurry text? In a special application or on every character on the screen, like icon text, menus, ...?

Sorry, sometimes I'm a little confused with the usage of on or at.

--
itszler