Thinkpads Forum

Can someone please tell me the difference between
XGA , SXGA+, WXGA WXGA+, TFT, etc.....thanks
Do all thinkpads have matte screens??
thanks

heyjuliebean wrote:Can someone please tell me the difference between XGA , SXGA+, WXGA WXGA+, TFT, etc.....thanks
Do all thinkpads have matte screens??

You can find all the alphabet soup display resolutions listed on Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Display_resolution

TFT is the most common active-matrix display technology, and all current ThinkPads use one TFT variant or another. I'll pawn Wikipedia off on you on this one, too:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TFT_LCD

This graphic has a pretty good explanation of the various computer screen resolutions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Video_Standards.png

As far as the matte screens, I don't know what's available from the factory as options, but I understand that there are aftermarket screens or coatings.

Thanks,
Ok I'm not so smart....
Does more money = greater resolution??
And does anyone know if the T60's are not glossy.
The reason I am asking is I don'T want a glossy screen due to
eye issues.
Thanks again

T60's are not glossy and more resolution does raise the price, check the Lenovo configuration pages for the prices of differing resolutions, i,e. t60 xga vs. t60p, or t60 with sxga+. More resolution, more expensive graphics cards.

thank you!!
what would you recommend, I am not a gamer, would
mostly be doing school stuff and surfing the web?

My personal favorite at the moment is the SXGA+ (1400x1050) display. If you can afford it, go with the 15" version. The 14.1" is a little hard to read unless you start increasing the font size, which sorta negates the whole reason you got the SXGA+ in the first place. I own a T23 (14.1") and use an A31 (15") at work, both with the SXGA+ screens. It's a lot easier on my eyes when looking at the A31. The extra inch really makes a difference to me.

If your use is mainly web surfing and word processing (i.e., 2D graphics), then a T60 may be overkill (if that is what you are asking as a recommendation). For those kinds of use, even a low-end T2x system will do.

Completely agree with Ray.My spouse and I think that SXGA with a 15"screen is perfect.We use it on our A20p which is 6 years old.Great for web surfing.

Same here; actually, my personal preference is a SXGA+ 14.1", but the 15" UXGA should only be needed if you need the maximum amount of screen real estate with the consequence of smaller fonts. For websurfing and light wordprocessing? The 15" SXGA+ should hit the spot along with easily-read text.