Having hard time finding the "right" 17" notebook screen resolution

I've owned around 20 different laptops over the past 12 years so I should probably have figured this out by now, but at the risk of sounding like a moron, I'm going ask this question in the hope that someone else has had the same issue.

Hang in there with me as I explain.

I've always tried to get the highest resolution possible for my laptops as it is always my primary computer (I don't own desktops). Also, I need a big screen because I hate scrolling.

Trouble is, as websites have gotten "taller," notebook screens have gotten wider. I don't watch DVDs so I really don't care about widescreens, but it seems that's all the choice we all have anymore. Some notebooks are ridiculously short and hugely wide, making viewing websites a scrolling nightmare.

My preference is 17" (or higher) and 1920x1200 resolution. Whenever possible, I try to get a screen as tall as possible.

Here's the problem. 17" means different things for different brands. My Sony VAIO VGN-AR870 is 17" but measures 9 inches tall by 14.5 inches wide.

My new Dell 1745 is also 17" but is 8.5 inches tall by 15 inches wide.

A difference of .5 inches in height doesn't seem like much, but it's enough to make a difference.

So, both are advertised as 17" but one is preferable to me because it is taller.

So is there a way, without always being able to actually see the screens side by side, to find out the actual height and width of the screen?

Is there a right question to ask? I've tried explaining this like I just did with terrible results. (Try explaining all this to any salesperson. If your experiences are anything like mind, it is sure to be met with them looking at you like you are from crazy town).

Anyway, since 90% of my day is spent on the web, I just want a tall screen.

If anyone decides to build a standard (not tablet) laptop that allows me to go from landscape to portrait and back again by turning the screen like some desktop screens do, I'll be the first customer.

Thanks for any help in sorting this out. I hope I haven't confused (or bored) anyone to tears.

Tim

 

Your best bet is to check the aspect ratio (you want 4:3) and the physical dimensions of the notebook chassis. Also, a good picture of the notebook 'open' will give you an idea of the thickness of the bezel and you will then be much further ahead than trying to get a salesman who thinks you're wasting his time to do anything for you.

Alternately, look at the 18.4" models and even the 20" models - I think it would be hard for those to disappoint - as long as they are offering 4:3 aspect ratio resolutions.

Good luck.

 

newegg.com lets you search on screen size, layout, and resolution

 

Your Sony screen has a screen ratio of 16x10. 1920pix/1200pix = 1.6 = taller

Your Dell screen has a screen ratio of 16x9. 1600pix/900pix = 1.78 = shorter

If the ratio of the horizontal pixels divided by the vertical pixels is 1.6 you will have your taller screen.

For Examle:
1920x1200 = 1.6 = 16x10 screen (taller)
1920x1080 = 1.78 = 16x9 screen (shorter)
1600x900 = 1.78= 16x9 screen (shorter)
1280x800 = 1.6= 16x10 screen (taller)

i.e.
TELEVISION / MONITOR SCREEN SIZES (Inches)

.............(4:3).................. (16:9).................(16:10)
DIAG.......V.......... H...........V...........H...........V...........H
17..........10.2.......13.6.......8.3.........14.8.......9.0........14.4


I attached a small Excel file that will compute your screen size in 4:3, 16:9, and 16:10 by entering in just the Diag. measurement.

 

Find out the native or preferred resolution of the LCD. It's something that should be part of the LCD's (or the notebook's) specification. That's the "right" resolution for the best image quality etc.

Then you can compare those native resolutions to see which is taller.

Then you can adjust DPI in order to help your eyes.

 

Great info deeastman - thanks a million.

Thanks for everyone's replies as well.

 

Yes they do.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220618

Unfortunately it's not available right now and it's a wide screen.

I'm sure there are more, but Newegg doesn't carry all the configurations available for a laptop, which means that you have to go elsewhere to get a particular screen.