Eric on 6 Oct 2007 00:52:54 -0000


[Date Prev] [Date Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]

Re: [PLUG] Re: Ubuntu 7.10 on Optiplex with i810 video - widescreen note


JP Vossen wrote:
>>
>>  CUT
>>
>>
>> FWIW, 1280x1024 is not a "Widescreen" resolution.  More likely
>> resolutions for a widescreen display would be 1680x1050 or 1280x800.
>> Both have a 16:10 aspect ratio.
> 
> You've got me there.  I don't like widescreen monitors and got this one
> sort of by accident.  It worked out well as the main use is VMware, so I
> can run the VMware console in 1280x1024, and run VMs inside that at
> 1024x786 and everything fits *really* well.
> 
> So all I know is that 1280x1024 suits my needs on that setup.

JP, I used to agree with you.  Until 2 weeks ago I had a 19' Samsung LCD that
would do 1280x1024 and all I really wanted was another one just like it to have
a dual monitor setup.  The one aspect that held me back is that I use a
single-monitor KVM so I'd be facing a kind-of devil's alternative if I bought
another monitor.

Then, 2 or 3 weeks ago I received a Tiger Direct email with a special 2-day deal
on a widescreen Acer 2216W.  I bought it for the price ($179 after $50 rebate)
and I have to tell you I am *stunned* with the benefits of the increased screen
area.  It runs 1680x1050 so I can, for example, work on things side by side,
don't have to scroll spreadsheets and documents nearly as much, work more
comfortably with The Gimp on larger pieces of images, see the full width of the
email /and/ the list of folders on the left... the list just keeps growing!

I don't know how I could adjust to plain 1280x1024 again... I'm spoiled rotten
(and more productive!) in only a few weeks :-)

The X configuration took a few minutes to get right but that's because I messed
with it months ago to try to install Beryl and then Compiz and never completely
reset to the original configuration.  It turns out this video card (Diamond
Stealth with an ATI chip) is not officially supported at all and only about 98%
supported in reality - My Bad.)

Eric
-- 
#  Eric Lucas
#
#                "Oh, I have slipped the surly bond of earth
#                 And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings...
#                                        -- John Gillespie Magee Jr
___________________________________________________________________________
Philadelphia Linux Users Group         --        http://www.phillylinux.org
Announcements - http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug-announce
General Discussion  --   http://lists.phillylinux.org/mailman/listinfo/plug