What resolutions do current laptops usually output via the VGA port?

[Eug]

I'm wondering because I've been tasked with finding a replacement for our LCD projector. It accepts 1024x768 but downsamples them to 800x600. The result is ugly.

I'm looking at 1024x768 native machines, but I'm wondering if there's a need to do higher resolutions natively, or at least get a machine that will downsample well. I'm thinking I should get one that will downsample from 1600x1200.

 

[Malaclypse]

The laptop's VGA port can usually handle a much higher res than the built-in LCD. Only limited by the graphics chipset and video RAM. My old laptop, for instance, had an ATI Rage Pro chipset with a 1024x768 native screen. When hooked up to my 19" monitor I could do 1600x1200 @ 75Hz refresh.

My current laptop has a GeForce2Go w/ 32Megs video RAM. Built-in screen does 1450x1050 but the external res can go much higher (1900 something I think).

So, bottom line, if you want a higher resolution on your external display there's no need to get a high-res built-in LCD.

Good luck!
Lon

Edit: In re-reading your message I realized you're mainly asking about projectors and I totally ignore that part. Yes, downsampling is evil. Get a projector that does as high a resolution as you can afford. I would think, though, that 1024x768 will fit the needs for most presentations (if that is what you're using the projector for).

 

[Eug]

Thanks, but I don't think you understood my question.

We have lots of laptops, but need to get an external LCD projector, and I was wondering how high a resolution I need to be able to support in the projector.

However, you did partially answer my question.

 

[Malaclypse]

Yeah, I did miss the point of the message (see Edit from my original reply). Sorry.

I think a 1024x768 native projector would do fine in most cases. Avoid downsampling at all costs.

Lon