Resolution. XGA=1024x768, SXGA=1400x1050

A lot of eye strain with the SXGA+ on a 14.1 screen.

Ye, basically the resolution on the SXGA makes icons and text much smaller. Think about it in terms of pixels. For SXGA, the 1400 x 1050 pixels must fit in the same physical space as the 1024 x 768 of the XGA. This means they must be made smaller, correct? So that is simply as I can put it. Whether you find that small size fine or an eye killer is really personal preference.
stu

Yes, the text/icons are a lot smaller. But this can always be compensated by increasing font sizes etc... i used to have an Inspiron 4000 with the 14" XGA. I thought it was good when i had it. Just got a new 600m with the 14" SXGA screen. It is absolutely beautiful - no regrets at all. I can fit so much more on the screen, and i can easily compensate if text is too small to read by increasing the size.

Trust me, go the SXGA.

There's no such laptop as an inspiron 800m.

Which screen is right for you depends on your needs - no one can tell you your preference.

arrrghh... i always call it the 800m when its really the 600m :]

Well comparing the screens of my old Inspiron 4000 (14.1 XGA) and my new 600m (14.1 SXGA)... to me there really is no comparison. The SXGA just rocks =) If fonts are too small it's a small matter to increase the size... i love the extra desktop space.

Yeah, the SXGA+ is fantastic just beware if you have bad eyesight or problems with seeing small text as it is a lot smaller than the XGA.

stu