WUXGA or WSGA+ on 15.4-inch screen better for a programmer?

Hello,

I am software programmer doing lots of web development and occasionally I do a little graphics.

I am sitting on the fense now (Dell 830 with WUXGA or T61 with WSGA+) and this is the only thing making me struggle.

Currently I am using Dell 9300 with WUXGA and I like it, but dont know how the experience will be with WSGA+ or WUXGA+ on a 15.4-inch screen. I have heard from some people which is better and which is not, but I cannot see a definitive trend. I feel it is NOT a personal preference thing. Went to a local besbuy to see it but it only has 15.4'' WXGA. I dont want to pay a 15% restocking fee. If WSGA+ is what most programmers go with, I will choose T61 and take advantage of soon-expiring fatwallet deal. Otherwise, I will go probably with D830.

Dont know why Lenovo is so late in WUXGA on 15.4''. Hate it!

An external monitor is not an option for me since I travel a lot.

Please reply only if you are a software programmer

Thanks for your help!

David

 

Same advice I gave you in the other thread: I think most software developers would agree that an external monitor in extended desktop mode with your laptop is the way to go when you want to get work done. Just about everyone I know that develops software with a laptop plugs it into an external monitor when it's go-time.

Myself, I have grown accustomed to two monitors, one widescreen, and feel hopelessly claustrophobic when I have to program with an IDE on one screen.

 

I am a web programmer, I went with a T61 with the 15.4 WSXGA+, I just couldn't turn it down with all the good things I've heard about the whole Thinkpad line. What made my transition easier was the fact that I use a 20.1" desktop monitor that I do most of my development on right now and it happens to run at 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA+) I find this PLENTY comfortable to run programs side by side on the same screen.

 

Thanks for your input....I understand the benefit of an external monitor, but I travel a lot. It is simply not my option. For example, I often do work at hotels.

 

aspekt9, are you happy with your T61 15.4-inch WSGA+ for development if not using the external monitor?

Rds,
David

 

I thought you cancelled your Thinkpad order the other day? Anyways, I personally prefer more real estate from the extra resolution, so I always go for more. I do my development in Visual Studio and mostly on a desktop, but use a notebook for the times I'm on the go, so maybe the higher res (albeit harder on the eyes) doesn't bother me as much for shorter periods of time.