Help with computer monitor decision?

Pipe_Dream · #1 09-12-2009, 06:49 PM

My old monitor (4:3) died, and I found myself looking at replacement monitors that are all widescreen versions. The only two stores in this area stock NO 4:3 monitors, so I picked out the least expensive one and brought it home. It's a Dell 19". When I hooked it up it didn't look great, of course, because the display resolution for my old monitor was set at 800x600 (I think).

Disclaimer: I'm computer stupid. I don't know about operating systems, I don't download newer versions of stuff. I only use it for internet surfing, work spreadsheets, and some simple photography stuff. My motto: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Okay, so I now notice that my new monitor's "Optimal" display resolution is 1440x900. My computer's graphics driver has 8 resolution options

800x600
1024x768
1152x864
1280x720
1280x768
1280x960
1280x1024
1360x768

and of course none of them are the recommended 1440x900. I did some reading and found that most 19" monitors operate on 1280x1024, so I set the resolution at that and it didn't look very good at all. I tried every setting, and the best is the 1360x768, but still I am not liking it. My monitor's paperwork tells me that if my computer doesn't have 1440x900 as an option, I may need to update my graphics driver. I've spent an hour looking at Dell's website and trying to see what that is going to take, and it doesn't look good for me to try doing it. There are like 8 different upgrades, and I can't tell which one would give me this resolution. Finally, here's my question:

Do I

1. Suck it up and go through whatever it takes to download and install the right driver to give me 1440x900? Or
2. Do I go to the other store and buy (I saw this after I brought the Dell home and hooked it up) a Samsung monitor whose optimal resolution is 1370x768, only off by 10 pixels (horizontal) from my computer's option of 1360x768, and return the Dell? I would think that the display should look pretty fine with the resolution that close.
3. Try hard and find an old-style 4:3 aspect monitor? I was perfectly happy with the old one until it died.

What do you think?

tsubaki · #2 09-12-2009, 07:22 PM

Laptop

Pipe_Dream · #3 09-12-2009, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsubaki

Laptop

Oh, you're a BIG help.

tsubaki · #4 09-12-2009, 08:31 PM

Sorry Pipe, my wife decides what I need when it comes to computers.

joe7670 · #5 09-12-2009, 10:42 PM

You can try the driver route, but many times it's a limitation of the card and not necessarily the driver.

Although getting the latest driver is still worth a shot as it should not be so hard.

What computer brand/model is it and what type of video card is on it.

macojoe · #6 09-13-2009, 08:40 AM

Well if I was you I would down load all the updates for your computer since that is what you should have been doing any way.
Then if still no work take it back and get the Samsung. But really you need to stay up to date as best you can or this is going to be just the beginning of you problems.

RABBITFISH · #7 09-13-2009, 08:49 AM

What kind of CPU do you have? How old is it, what are the specs?
If the old monitor was a CRT display, the big old one, there are always some available for free, you can't give them away anymore...threw 3 in the dumpster last week.......
If the computer is an old model, dell has a decent selection available form their website listed under dell outlet reconditioned and used models, for better deals look for 2+ year old models..these work great, come with the operating systems, and are very cost effective,
I have purchased at least five of them, laptop and desktop, and so far have been entirely pleased with them..
The display function of the motherboards are limited by age and the only way to upgrade is to buy a new video card,..but..the motherboard and processor will have to be able to support it.....like putting a 200 hp on a 16 flat, overkill and won't be able to run right...
I hope that I have been able to offer some help..
Good luck

reelapeelin · #8 09-13-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pipe_Dream

Disclaimer: I'm computer stupid.

Boy am I glad I'm not the only one...

Pipe_Dream · #9 09-13-2009, 03:10 PM

See, I just don't see the need to install all those dang updates. Years ago when I did that religiously, I always ended up with headaches. Like I said, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

My old monitor was a Dell flat screen, maybe I need to search online for one just like it (Amazon or some such).

Computer specs? Here goes. Dell DIMENSION DIM 4550, Intel Pentium 4 CPU 2.53 GHz 256 MB of RAM, running Windows XP 5.1 Home 2002, with 55.8 GB capacity. And that's all I know about that. Like I said, I'm a simple man with simple needs.

Blue_Runner · #10 09-17-2009, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Disclaimer: I'm computer stupid. I don't know about operating systems, I don't download newer versions of stuff. I only use it for internet surfing, work spreadsheets, and some simple photography stuff. My motto: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I am a system administrator. I was a programmer for several years prior to becoming a system administrator. I feel the same way you do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! REEELY! I got fed up with my home PC so now I just use my work laptop and the company maintains it. I hate computers! Very ironic, I know considering I support hundreds of users and manage at least a dozen servers UNIX and WINDOWS. I guess since I do that sort of thing for a living I really don't want to do it during my free time.

Sorry Pipe, wish I knew what to tell ya. Hey, pro tip here - get Tsub's wife's phone number and ask her!