Best LCD and resolution for DVD viewing on a laptop?

[chuchichan]

Do DVD movies look better on a widescreen laptop with WSGA vs. SXGA+? If so, why? Would they still look ok on SXGA+? Would things be cut off?

 

[zerogear]

It won't be cut off, you'd just have two bars on top and bottom.

 

[Frightcrawler]

? Don't you get that with widescreen as well?

 

[ChuaChua]

PowerDVD can stretch the movie to fit the screen better.
In widescreen, the letterboxes are smaller than in regular 4:3.
The one I have has a native resolution of 1280x800. I'm not sure about the aspect ratios of the ultra widescreens.

 

[jkresh]

all the widescreen's have a 16:10 aspect ratio, so there are still bars for dvd's (small for 16:9, larger for 2.35:1)

 

[corkyg]

It really doesn't matter. PowerDVD and WinDVD, etc, will all do it just fine. DVD sets its OWN RESOLUTION regardless of your LCD settings, and it is usually AOK.

 

[jeffbui]

Look for an LCD with IPS technology for better viewing angles.

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

Widescreen vs non-widescreen aside, I went with a regular LCD over an LCD with IPS technology such as those in the 15" T42 and Sony Xbrite laptops as I've heard quite a few complaining of ghosting due to the slow 60ns response time. I do watch quite a bit of DVDs and game a little on the Thinkpad, so I shied away from that specifically.

 

[chuchichan]

Did you notice this ghosting on your Thinkpad? I might be getting a Thinkpad R series. How do you like the display? Would you recommend SXGA+ resolution (1400x1050)?

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

The display was as I expected. No ghosting, no corner dark spots (inconsistent luminoscity). Whether to go with the higher SXGA+ res or not depends on your personal preferences, as well as your eye sight. My eyes are not the greatest, but I still went with the SXGA+ as more pixels means better sharper picture. XGA 14" would be a waste imo if your eyes can afford the higher res.

 

[chuchichan]

I'll be getting a 15" display. Do you think SXGA+ should be good for that size screen? It's a difficult decision because I am not able to take a look at a Thinkpad at a store before purchasing. Do you know what brand/model the SXGA+ on the 15" display of the Thinkpad would be comparable to?

 

[PeeluckyDuckee]

Go look at the Sony Xbrite 15". It's the same screen without the coating of glare. Have them play a DVD or run a game for you and see if you can bare to stand the ghosting.

Go to a college that offers Thinkpads and you should be able to see them in person. Or ask IBM if there's any authorised IBM resellers in your area.

 

[chuchichan]

Are you saying that the IBM Thinking 15" screen will have glaring and ghosting? Or is this only found on the Sony screen?