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    1420 Screen prices? 1440x900 sucks..

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by vxt, Oct 20, 2007.

  1. vxt

    vxt Notebook Consultant

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    So, I want to switch to a 1280x800 screen. I bought my Inspiron 1420 with 1440x900 screen and the fonts are always so small on most web sites I always have to zoom in. I had no idea pixels could be too small for comfort when it comes to fonts.

    Anyone know how much the 1280x800 glossy screens cost? And if its an LG? I emailed Dell, they said I will have to buy it and install myself or take it to some place. Its been over 2 months since I got the lappy so no more free exchanges for me :(

    Whats the best way to get the screen changed? yourself or at a service centre?
     
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I would sell it and get the one you want.
     
  3. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Really, you feel that 1440x900 is too small? <--Not an insult, just a question. I can read 1680x1050 leaning back all the way in my chair. I would hate to have to go back to 1280x800.
     
  4. val23

    val23 Notebook Consultant

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    Hey Vxt... I don't know if this will help you or not... but you can adjust the DPI to increase the general font/icon sizes on your computer. I have a 1420 with the same screen as you. Just to save you the hassle.. you might wanna try before going through all the exchange processes.

    Control Panel > Personalization > (Then on the LEFT side of the Personalization window) Click on Adjust Font Size (DPI) and choose Larger Scale 120 DPI

    you may need to restart.... but it makes things more legible .... i put it on that setting when my mom uses the laptop.
     
  5. laptopquestions2007

    laptopquestions2007 Notebook Consultant

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  6. vxt

    vxt Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah I can read it alright but its bothersome. And flickr photos become way to small too. Hard to see details.

    @others: Yep done the DPI change and resoltion change. DPI changes make the whole OS look crazy. I'm currently at 1280x800 which isn't all that bad because the pixels are so small the text and pictures dont get too blurry. Actually pictures look just as good I think.
     
  7. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Remember, he's on a 14.1" screen and you're on a 15.4". Still, 1680x1050 on a 15.4" is slightly denser than 1440x900 on 14.1"... but not by too much.

    Anyway, I kind of agree with the OP... having used 1280x800 on a 14.1", I personally think that's just the right pixel density for me.

    Anyway, I'd post on the buy/sell/trade forum (or even the Dell forum I guess) and see if anyone with a 1420 with the lower-res screen wants to swap with you. You could either swap screens or swap machines.

    Oh yeah, vxt, are you on XP or Vista? I've heard that DPI scaling has improved in Vista.
     
  8. Waveblade

    Waveblade Notebook Deity

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    Yeah on the 15.4 inch screens, larger resolution isn't as big of a deal compared to 14 inches.
     
  9. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Like swarmer said, the pixel density is still greater on a WSXGA 15.4 than a WXGA+ 14.1. In layman's terms, things are smaller on my screen than his screen. However, since size is a personal preference, the OP has the right to say it's too small.
     
  10. vxt

    vxt Notebook Consultant

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    I'm using Vista. DPI scaling looks the same really, I haven't looked closely enough. I just don't like going that way. Is it easy to change screen yourself? I'm good with that kind of work but I don't have any idea about laptop screen installations.

    BTW, thanks everybody for tips and opinions. appreciate it.
     
  11. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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