Debating between 14" XGA and 15.4" WXGA

I plan to wait until Lenovo releases the new Thinkpads in the coming months, but I am trying to decide what display size would be best for me. The notebook would be primarily used for Office work and web browsing, so I like vertical space, which makes me enjoy a 14" screen. But I am wondering if the Vista OS caters to the widescreen aspect ratio. Also, how much smaller is average text on the 15.4" WXGA vs the 14" XGA? I'm currently leaning towards the 14" XGA, but I worry that 1024x768 might be getting too dated for new applications. For example, what does Vista Aero look like and does it benefit from a wide aspect ratio?

 

really, the text on the XGA and WXGA will appear identical. The WXGA if I recall will be 1280x800, which is essentially the same for viewing purposes as the 768. This is because the depth of the 14" T60 is identical to that of the 15.4 wide. For example, SXGA+ is 1400x1050 and WSXGA+ is 1680x1050, which are the higher res respectively for the two machines.

I think you would be fine using 1280x800, even with vista, as I believe this res is not too dated. Just personally speaking, however, I go bat nuts crazy staring at a 1024x768 screen, and can't really live with anything lower than my 1680x1050 T60. On my old 19" CRT I had it at 1600x1200 which was pushing some boarders of visibility. Of course, I am 20 years old and realize not everyone's eyes are what they used to be. I am sure I will suffer in the long run for my impertinence.

but to answer the question, again i guess, the text WILL NOT appear noticeably different. further, i think the WXGA res will suit your needs better than pure XGA. In fact, the WXGA has a wopping 32 extra pixels of vertical space, for your viewing pleasure during web browsing

 

I run my T60 14.1" 1400x1050 SXGA+ at 1280x1024.

 

And dont forget, Vista have the capability of fonts and icons scalling. So 1680X1050 wont hurt your eyes, because you can set the dpi setting without jeopardize the structure of the layout like in XP.

I think better choose highest resolution available, especially in Vista. It will make the screen look sharper and vivid. You may have some problems in some programs such as Excell. But you can always enlarge it, if it feel too small to view.

 

Gah, I can't imagine having lower than 1680x1050 on a 15.4 screen. I thought it might be too high, I mean my 20.1" (Visible) LCD screen runs at that resolution, but nope, seems perfect.

 

I might go to BestBuy tomorrow to check out some screens at that resolution. I've never used Vista before. What steps do I need to go through to change the DPI?

 

In desktop, right click, choose personalization. On the left pane choose "Adjust Font Size (DPI)".