native resolution vs size

[reiman]

is there much of a quality difference between a 17" lcd running at its native resolution of 1280x1024 and a 20.1" lcd running at its native resolution of 1600x1200? Or is the added resolution used to compensate for the larger size?

 

[Harvey]

Resolution always relates to size. Think of it in terms of the resolution per unit if area. If the screen is bigger, you need a higher overall resolution to maintain the same resolution per square inch of screen area.

 

[reiman]

so is there a quality difference

 

[xtknight]

Resolution is to size as density is to mass.

Higher resolution=more pixels per unit

Yes, a higher resolution picture produces a higher quality..picture. It will look finer and less pixelated, but color depth will obviously not be any different unless you have some freak dithering algorithm.

 

[SexyK]

A 17 inch at 1280x1024 us ~96 dpi and 20.1 inches at 1600x1200 is around 99dpi, so you're not going to notice a difference in the "fineness" of the images - they will look about the same.

 

[xtknight]

Additionally, there are more factors that affect picture "fineness", such as pixel lining/separation. On IPS panels, the pixel lining must be darker making the image appear slightly less fine than on a PVA or TN panel. Chances are you will only notice the difference if you notice screen door effect on the IPS.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: reiman
is there much of a quality difference between a 17" lcd running at its native resolution of 1280x1024 and a 20.1" lcd running at its native resolution of 1600x1200? Or is the added resolution used to compensate for the larger size?

They have almost same pixel pitch .254 vs .263 mm. the 20" will look finer and better.. and be bigger of course.

 

[TheRyuu]

The best way I can think to explain this is with the difference between different monitors with the same resolution.

Pick either of these examples:
-17in vs 19in, both have 1280x1024 native res.

-20.1in vs 22in (WS), 1680x1050 native res.

On the 19in and the 22in the pixels are gonna be BIGGER. Some people don't mind it while some people hate it.

I think a good spot in the middle of everything is the 20.1in WS monitors that run 1680x1050.
The pixels aren't too big and I can still read the text on this thing ok at default size.

xt explained it well though.

 

[reiman]

bump

 

[postmortemIA]

17" 1280x1024 LCD has 0.264mm dot pitch, vs 0.255mm of 20.1" LCD with 160x1200 resolution. Difference is noticeable, I have both... but really insignificant. I would not advice you to buy such monitor if you have any vision problems.