[NTLUG:Discuss] wide LCD displays

[Chris Cox]

Todd Robinson wrote:
> I'm looking at replacing the family computer's 17" CRT that dominates a 
> desk with an LCD. Prices have fallen to meet my budget and I am tempted 
> to get a 16x10 aspect ratio "Wide" LCD. The family computer this will go 
> on is an ATI AIW 8500DV card. However, the resolution is not on it's 
> list of possible resolutions. The to sizes I'm considering are: 1440 x 
> 900 and 1680 x 1050.
> 

The 8500DV apparently can do 1920x1200... so even the Dell 2405FPW
and the like are not out of the question.

> Google came across one guy that said "as long as a graphics card 
> supports at least 1600 x 1200, special sizes can be coded into the 
> configuration to make a 1440 x 900 work. So for the 1680 x 1050, a card 
> supporting 1920 x 1440 should work (even though it doesn't list list the 
> wide screen's rez).

Yes.

> 
> I"d rather not have to get another card as the mb only supports AGP 4x. 
> And a new mb would mean new CPU and new ram and...
> BTW, this machine is dual-boot with the possibility of being converted 
> to VMware on Linux. Has anybody encountered issues using a wide-LCD with 
> VMware? I doubt it but thought I'd better ask.

I use a 1920x1200 display with VMware... even full screen, even
multiple guests...  I've even run dual 1920x1200 from my laptop.

> =TR=
> 
> PS: Viewsonic VX924 has a rebate this month, dropping it down to $230 
> (19" non-wide). One of the other LCDs I'm considering.
> http://www.buy.com/prod/ViewSonic_VX924_19_LCD_Display_550_1_3ms_1280_x_1024_RGB_DVI/q/loc/62329/10406559.html
> 

On the cheaper wide side is the Dell 2005FPW... I owned it at
one time... was really nice as well (1680x1050).  The 2405FPW
has more features though.