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    Question re required resolution for external monitor

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by y_serenity, Aug 31, 2008.

  1. y_serenity

    y_serenity Newbie

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    Hi all,

    I have a Samsung 226BW external monitor and would like to hook it up with my laptop. My understanding is that the laptop has to have a res of 1680x1050 in order to get the max out of the monitor. Now, and here is the newbie question, when I want to buy a laptop and I look at the display specs and it says e.g. WSXGA 1280x800, that means that this is the max res this laptop can show on its own screen or on an external monitor? Is there a difference?
    I would be very grateful if someone has the patience to explain to me how that works.
    I have been looking only at laptops that say WSXGA 1680x1050 which are of course considerably more expensive.

    Regards,
    y_serenity
     
    y_serenity, Aug 31, 2008
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  2. amoney3

    amoney3 Notebook Consultant

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    The indicate resolution for the laptop is the max res it can display on its own monitor. The external monitor has its own set of readable resolutions. Your 1280x800 laptop can display what the GPU allows it to on a external monitor. Ex: I have an ASUS Lamborghini VX2s that displays at a native 1680x1050, but on my external LCD I can bump up to 1920x1080, since that's the MAX the TV supports. The GPU itself might support even higher. I have an 8600m GT for reference.
     
    amoney3, Aug 31, 2008
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  3. y_serenity

    y_serenity Newbie

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    Thanks for your reply amoney3. Ok, so I know that my monitor can do a max of 1680x1050. When the specs for the notebook say 1280x800 native res how do I find out what the output for an external monitor is? Should I check the graphics card and check out their respective homepage?

    I am sorry if I am asking the obvious but I just dont know much about computers and want to make sure I buy don't buy a notebook that can't take advantage of my monitor...
     
    y_serenity, Aug 31, 2008
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  4. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

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    All modern graphics cards support external resolutions up to and including 1080p. For detailed information, check the manufacturer's website of the GPU in question for full technical specifications.
     
    Budding, Aug 31, 2008
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  5. amoney3

    amoney3 Notebook Consultant

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    You would have to check the GPU page, most of the GPUs out now support 2***x1***. So you dont need to worry.
     
    amoney3, Aug 31, 2008
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  6. y_serenity

    y_serenity Newbie

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    Thank you very much to everyone. That will make my hunt for a new laptop much easier. Thanks heaps! :)
     
    y_serenity, Aug 31, 2008
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