XGA vs SXGA

[ddutta]

I want to know whether SXGA is really better than XGA for activities other than photo editing etc. It has bothered me during my decision to buy thinkpads. I see most people raving about SXGA displays but here is a simple test that I performed:

I compared a LG XGA screen on a T42 2379R1U with a Hydis SXGA+ from 2373M3U and the XGA was brighter than the SXGA+ for sure. The clarity was also a little better if the screen was kept 1.5ft away from the eyes. I used both the screens in their native resolutions. I studied the screens for 1 hr very closely. I even rinsed my eyes to get rid of fatigue ... just in case.

On the SXGA+. the screen was less bright, the fonts look smaller, well formed but a little fuzzy/faded, the color saturation is worse (a little faded). The XGA uses a cheaper card (7500) and I am experienced with decent cards and monitors (eg 20" LCD from Dell) so I also compared the quality with my X300 on the 20"LCD.

Well it could be that the new T42 with SXGA+ has some defect. Also, I am sure that the SXGA is a great resolution for a 15". I use a 18" 1280x1024 and a 20" 1600x1200 so I have got to used to larger sizes so that could lead to a possible bias.

Any comments?

[ddutta]

No one seems to any comments! Wow!!!!

[leo221]

No one seems to any comments! Wow!!!!

xga on a 14.1 inch is very pixely. on a sxga, you see alot more. if things look small, you can always enlarge them.(fonts, windows, icons, etc.) but on xga, you can't do anything but live with the pixely screen. I just ordered my t43 with sxga to replace my t41. any1 wants to buy?

[whosjohnny]

Without a question, higher resolution 1400+ is definately BETTER! Hit CTRL-SPACE for the blind and the old, instantly enlarge your screen if you have to. 1024x768 is obsolete.

[Jona]

I agree that a SXGA screen gives you much more desktop space and makes things much sharper compared to XGA screens. But I don't think XGA should be called obsolete. XGA just gives you enough space for most things you could do on your thinkpad and makes everything more readable. Ok you can enlarge everything on a SXGA screen but it is doesn't make it look better and it depends on the program. Especially on a 14" screen XGA works just fine. And I would certainly not call it pixely.

But I admit, if I had the choice I would choose a SXGA screen. The space and the sharpness just does if for me

BTW I work at home on a 1900x1200 screen and my T41 has just XGA but I have no problems adjusting when I come home, like you think you will. But it does make me appreciate my screen at home more

[ddutta]

I got a T43 with a SXGA screen. It is taking for me to get adjusted to the small fonts. I get headaches at times after working for 2-3 hrs. But the screen is very sharp so its great for photo editing.

XGA isnt bad at all. It is cheaper and better for people who have weaker eyes.

[daeojkim]

THe best screen is one that you feel most comfortable, not because someone else tells you so.

If you do not really need a high resolution screen and you are happy using XGA and feel most comfortable, by all means go with XGA.

I had to go with SXGA+ because I need to use multiple windows, read a lot of documents and look at microscopic slides.