X220T - Blurry font when using external LCD

Hi All,

I am currently using X220T with the built-in VGA connection to 28" Hanns G monitor. I feel the font is not as sharp as what I used to have and overall screen just feel "not right". I have tried the ClearType text thing from Microsoft, but it did not really help. Prior to X220T, I used Dell XPS 1530 which has Windows XP with dedicated nVidia graphics and HDMI connection.

Now after a couple of hours of coding, eyes feel fatigue. I did not have that in the old setup. Anyone feel the same or can provide suggestion?

Thanks!

 

Try adjusting refresh rate for that monitor.

I remember having similar problem with a couple of Samsung LCD monitors + HP desktops. For some reason, changing refresh rate fixed it.

 

Two thoughts:

1. Are you duplicating your internal display onto the monitor or using only the monitor? If it is the former then the monitor will be running at your internal display's resolution and the result will be fuzzy.

2. If the external screen is high resolution then it will struggle to get a good quality signal via VGA. I would expect a screen of that size to also have a digital connector and you will get a better quality signal using the DisplayPort with a suitable adaptor and cable.

John

 

Yes, it sounds like you are not using the monitors native resolution. Try to use the highest possible setting in the resolution-tab for your graphics card (in the Control Panel).

 

Thanks for all the replies, guys!

Here is my reply:
1. I am not using duplicate of internal display to monitor. It is using the monitor only.

2. I have already set the resolution to monitor native resolution (1920 x 1200).

3. I have tried refresh rate of 59 Hz or 60 Hz. Both look the same. Which one is supposed to be better?

I will find out how to use DisplayPort to HDMI.

Thanks!

 

At 1920 x 1200 resolution I expect the analog VGA signal is degrading. Look into getting a digital connection. I would leave the refresh rate at 60Hz.

John

 

Yep, this is definitely due to the VGA connection. Using VGA to output to resolutions above 1680x1050 often results in blurry and low-quality images, which is most noticeable when reading text. Since the X220T does have DisplayPort, I would suggest using that to connect to your display instead--DP to DVI and DP to HDMI adapters are cheap (<$10) and readily available online.

Leave the refresh rate at 60Hz (although between 60 and 59, I doubt you would notice a difference).

 

This:
Clock and phase - Lagom LCD test

 

Thank you all, you guys are awesome! I will try DP to HDMI option.

 

By the way, anyone has Apple LED 27" Cinema display hooked with their lenovo (even better if it is X220 or X220T)? How is it?