Question about LCD monitors (PC) and resolution

[tcsenter]

I am looking to buy an LCD monitor for me Mum. Checking the maximum and recommended resolution of various 17" models, I see only 1280x1024. There is no way she is going to tolerate a resolution this high at 71 years of age. Hell, I'm a near-sighted 34 year-old and can barely tolerate 1024x768 on screens smaller than 18". I actually prefer 800x600 but everything seems to require 1024x768 in order to fit on the screen these days (90% of what I do on PC involves reading).

Should I go with a CRT or will LCD monitors display a resolution lower than the 'recommended' 1280x1024 without a loss of display quality/sharpness?

Moms will thank you for guidance.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

They CAN run at non native resolutions but you are going to lose image quality. You can always buy the LCD and the resolutions you listed and increase text size etc.

 

[Lonyo]

Get a 19" anyway, same res, but more screen space so it looks bigger (if you can afford the extra).
If eyesight is a problem it'll probably be worth it.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Originally posted by: Lonyo
Get a 19" anyway, same res, but more screen space so it looks bigger (if you can afford the extra).
If eyesight is a problem it'll probably be worth it.

This is correct larger screen LCD's display things bigger even tho you are using a higher resolution. If I took my old CRT and ran it at 1600 res like my LCD's runs at icons text etc etc are MUCH smaller.

 

[duragezic]

I'd get a decent 15" (1024x768 native) or a 17". I don't think a 19" is worth it unless your mom is all about screen space. I know that my parents never even said anything when I gave them my Samsung 900NF (19" CRT) to replace their crappy Compaq 15" CRT. So since she probably doesn't want higher than 1024x768 (and even then you may want to increase text size) a 15" would suffice.

But I notice no issues running my 2005FPW at less than native resolutions, and I really doubt your mom would be like "uhh this looks like crap at non native resolutions!" I'm sure she'd be hella happy to use any LCD, any decent one is gonna have nice brightness and clarity.

 

[tcsenter]

I'm sure she'd be hella happy to use any LCD, any decent one is gonna have nice brightness and clarity.

I have a brand new 19" ViewSonic Perfect Flat Screen CRT here, but she doesn't want it because its too bulky and heavy. So I think the more rich color reproduction, clarity, and sharpness of CRT doesn't impress her as much as dimensions and weight.

I found this hot deal @ Newegg with excellent reviews:

CMV CT-934D Silver 19" 8 ms (Tr+Tf) LCD Monitor 320 cd/m2 500:1 - $210 shipped (after rebates)

I intend to use DVI instead of analog, hopefully that will minimize any loss of sharpness or clarity when running a lower 'non-native' resolution. Thanks for all the responses.

 

[TheCanuck]

The CMV monitor is a great buy -- just got one a few days ago. Bestbuy is selling a rebranded one by Westinghouse for $299.

Text, graphics, movies, games etc all look great, no lag, and I didn't have any bad pixels. You'll want to turn on clear type though and probably turn down the brightness -- this thing'll blind you at max brightness.