Choosing a display for a new T42. Is 1400x1050 comfortable??

[xtypestereotype]

I currently own a T40 and I plan to get a T42 from Bill, probably the JXU
I've seen posts here of people complaining about the readability of the 1400x1050 resolution
I love the 1024x768 resolution on my T40
It's big, bright, invinting and very confortable
I also own an X20 which also runs at 1024x768
The X20 is not that confortable however
It is OK, but not so easy on the eyes, and I feel a bit tired after prolonged used
On my new T42 I wanted to have a more powerful graphics chip then the Radeon 7500
And it seems that by choosing the 9600 one cannot get the 1024x768 screen

So I wanted to mathematically compare the screen on my X20 to the one on my T40 to get an idea of what a resoultion of 1400x1050 would be like on a 15in screen
So here's what I did:
I divided the number of pixels on the screen by the area of the screen in inches
I then divided the result by 1000 to get a smaller number
This gave me an index which i used to compare the screens...

Kinda like this:
( 1024 x 768 ) / ( 9.6 x 7.2 ) / 1000 = 11.4
(i.e The 12in display is 9.6 long and 7.2 high...)

And this is what I've got...
12in @ 1024x768 (9.6 x 7.2) 11.4
14in @ 1024x768 (11.2 x 8.4) 8.4
14in @ 1400x1050 (11.2 x 8.4) 15.6
15in @ 1400x1050 (12.0 x 9.0) 13.6

So the screen that I am confortable with has an index of 8.4
The screen on my X20, which is not that confortable, has an index of 11.4
Finally, the screen on the 15 inch T42 has an index of 13.6, much higher than the X20
This leads me to believe that the T42 is even more unconfortable than the X20

So I wonder, is my comparison accurate? Or is it giving me the wrong impression.
Also, you guys out there that have the 15 inch screen running 1400x1050, are you happy with it? I've read of a few people complaining...

I could run the T42 on a lower resolution probably, but native is always native
Also, I could try to find a shop that has ThinkPads on display, but here where I live is not that easy
Any help and/or ideas would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

[lfeagan]

The methodology that you are using is in fact a great way to do it. It is exactly what I was going to suggest. There is one caveat I would suggest you be careful about, and that is the issue of aspect ratio. Your calculations are just fine with screens with the same aspect ratio, height / width, but might not give the quality of numbers you want otherwise.

I feel pretty confident that the 1400x1050 at 14" would be a real stretch for you. I remember my 12.1" 1024x768 display feeling pretty similiar to it. Also, I have a 15" 1400x1050 display and a 14" 1400x1050 display and have looked at them side by side and would have to say that my impression agrees with your numerical calculations. In other words, there isn't a whole lot of difference between the two.

I had never noticed that there was no way that you could get XGA + 9600. But, there are a few models I can find with a 14" XGA + Radeon 9000. Hey, at least its better than a Radeon 7500...

Here is a clip of the specs of one of them:
Model #: 2379-5VU
CPU: Pentium M 725 1.6
Memory: 512MB
Display: 14.1” XGA
Graphics: 9000
Hard Drive: 40HS
Optical: Combo
WiFi: Intel 11b/g
Modem : Yes
Security Chip: Yes
OS: XP Pro
Warranty: 3 yr

Most of them are about like that.

Its really too bad there isn't a 15"XGA + R9600 out there...kinda shocking to be honest.

Edit: Just had a somewhat nutty idea. Get a 1600x1200 display and run it at 800x600. Should look pretty perfect at that res as its divisible with no remainder.

[rocketman]

I believe I'm in a good position to answer your question. I had an A20p 15" Thinkpad for more than 4 years with the 1400x1050 resolution and to tell the truth I found it small for my eyes, I found I had to wear my glasses all the time.
When I sold it and decided to get a new Thinkpad I researched the T42 models and was going to get one with the 1024x768 resolution due to my problems seeing the A20p display but they came with either the ATI 7500 or 9000 video card which I wasn't crazy about. So I went with a model with the 1400x1050 resolution and the ATI 9600 video card hoping that I'd be able to see it without a problem. I also knew if I was not happy I could return it within the 30 day return period since I bought it direct from IBM.
I received it about two weeks ago and I have to tell you I am so glad I went with this displays resolution. I find it way better than the display I had on the A20p and I can see everything just fine without my glasses. You can always raise the DPI if you feel you need to but the Flexview display is so sharp and clear you might not even need it, I don't even use ClearType because I don't find it necessary.
I hope this helps you out from someone else who had the same concerns you do.

[lfeagan]

Other offbeat ideas include the HP/Compaq nc6000. It has a 14.1" XGA with Radeon 9600, weight is 5lbs.

[xtypestereotype]

Thanks guys
I'm inclined to give the 15 inch T42 a try
Would be good to hear more opinions though

[ian]

For what it's worth, my CWU comes with the 1400 x 1050 and I couldn't be happier - I wear glasses for reading but at this resolution I have no trouble at all with this 15 incher without having to resort to wearing them...the fact that it's Flexview helps me too - I can move around and still see the image...