Laptop/notebook display differences

[schultzey11]

What is the difference between these display types; WXGA, WXGA+ and SXGA+?

 

[fbrdphreak]

WXGA = widescreen XGA, usually 1280x768 or 1280x800
WXGA+ = typically found on 17" widescreens, 1440x900
SXGA+ = standard screen ratio (i.e. 14", 15", not widescreen), 1400x1050

Resolution Guide

 

[schultzey11]

Thanks. Are there any other formats available?

 

[fbrdphreak]

Are you referring to desktop monitors or laptop LCD screens?
Laptop screens typically come in XGA, WXGA, SXGA+, WSXGA+, WXGA+, WUXGA, UXGA........I don't think I'm missing any

 

[schultzey11]

I'm looking to purchase a laptop for occasional use in automotive settings. Ex: Fixed to a tripod in the front seat. I do encounter sunlight on occasion. I would preferably like a 15-17" monitor. What do you recomend for screen type and what do the other screen types (laptop only) stand for that I didn't list?

 

[fbrdphreak]

For something that is easier to see in sunlight, I would say you probably want a transreflective (glossy) screen. These do produce some glare issues due to the glossy coating, but are usually much brighter in sunlight than transmissive (matte) displays. Some matte displays are okay in direct sunlight, but most really fade out.
If it is going to be mounted in a vehicle, you probably want a 15.4" or 15" screen. 17" notebooks are HUGE and you might have difficulty mounting it. In terms of screen resolution, it depends on your usage. Higher resoulutions like SXGA+/WSXGA+ or UXGA/WUXGA are nice for regular usage, but if you're trying to read text a couple feet away from the screen it will probably be difficult to make out. I wouldn't go with any type of UXGA screen in that setting, SXGA+/WSXGA+ at most. In fact, a regular XGA/WXGA might be ideal as it would be VERY easy to read. If you need to do a lot of browsing in your usage, you will have to scroll more as less text will fit on a screen, but it will be very easily readable.