Screen Choice for M570U?

I'm undecided between getting WUXGA and WSXGA+. The former would look nicer with games, provided the machine can run it (see below for specs) but is also apparently dimmer and lacks contrast compared to the latter. Additionally, since native resolution is the way to go, further down the road when the CPU, GPU, etc. are a bit dated, they'll still have a better shot at running things on a WSXGA+, whereas the WUXGA might have to have its resolution turned down, thus losing some quality even running at the same WSXGA+ resolution.

So, should I opt for more pixels, or greater brightness, contrast, and longevity?

Should I check a local retailer to get a feel for the screens? I feel this might not be too helpful since (A) I won't be able to game on them and (B) they might not even have representatives of both display types.

The specs (I guess not all that relevant):

Processor - Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 2.16 Mobile Processor
Memory - 2GB Corsair DDR2-667 (2x1GB)
Video Card(s) - nVIDIA GeForce Go 7950 GTX 512MB GDDR3
Hard Drive 1 - 160GB 5,400 RPM SATA-150 Hard Drive
WiFi Adaptor - Intel PRO/Wireless
Operating System - Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition

 

I would recommend the WUXGA screen.

Its the best screen for any notebook, and is "future-proof" for Full HD playback (1080p).

Your specs are REALLY nice, you not not have any issues playing games.

I have a 7800 GTX videocard and a WUXGA screen in my Clevo, it runs all games at high settings and native resolution.

 

FYI - This might be helpful too:
Sager 17" WUXGA screen specs for 98xx, 97xx, 57xx
Sager 17" WSXGA+ Screen Specs NP9880/90 8790 4750 57xx

 

I would also go for the WUXGA screen, it's beautiful. You can see my comments on it in this review:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3260&review=WidowPC
While running at a WSXGA+ resolution will result in better performance in games, when you are not gaming the extra screen real estate provided by the WUXGA screen is nice to have.

 

What Chaz said. The WUXGA is amazing for desktop and web usage; I can fit two full pages of an MS Word document legibly at once. I think I'd go crazy if I had to go back to a WSXGA+ screen now...

It's what, $70 extra? Go for it. You won't be disappointed. Plus you can say you have a screen that's better than most 22 inch desktop monitors...

 

this is very helpful. thanks

 

I prefer wsxga+.... I think its the perfect size for a 17'' screen. I think WUXGA is too small for me.

 

It is personal preference, but I agree with Gophn that having WUXGA opens up the possibility of getting a HD-DVD/Blu-Ray player in the future and watch 1080i/p movies on your notebook!