Using Less Than Native Resolution - Does Quality Suffer?

If I get a 17" HP Pavilion dv9000t laptop with native resolution 1440x900 and run it at a lower resolution, say 1024x768, will the picture quality suffer much?
Thanks,
Randy

 

yes, in fact, your eyes might get affected if you dont run it at native or pixel-perfect resolution.

It will look stretched and blurred.

If you feel that native resolution makes things (text and icons) too small, then...
- go into Display Properties
- Settings tab, then hit the Advanced button
- (under the General tab) change the DPI setting to Large Size (120 DPI)

It should make things look much easier on the eyes.

In any case, it is always recommended to run your system at native.

 

Yup, definently will make a difference. It's hard to say how much it will suffer depending on what you are doing. I think with gaming, it's okay but for text... yuck.

 

OK, thanks to Gophn and hollownail I now understand I will need to run the laptop at native resolution.
Gophn, your suggestion to increase the DPI is appreciated also and I will certainly try it.
Thanks much to you both.
Randy

 

Since you're considering a system that is easily sampled in a retailer, you can go test it out in person and judge for yourself to see if non-native resolutions are sharp enough for you or not. HP dv9000 series are going to be available at just about any store that sells notebooks.

Some LCDs scale resolutions better than others, but running at non-native resolution will not be as sharp as native.

Increasing the DPI as Gophn mentioned is an excellent way to work at that.

 

Unless your vision is impaired, or you are very used to a low resolution, then 1440x900 should be no problem. I personally find that too small. Like chrisyano said, checking things out in person is always a good way to go.

 

OK, thanks everyone for helping me prepare. I will go to a store now and take a look for myself.

 

When that's an option, it's often the best option . You can always order online later too--to get exactly what you want.

Good luck with your decision.