T screens for running an IDE? (Eclipse!)

[umdenken]

Hi,

I'm a software developer / independent consultant. I use Eclipse for most of my programming work these days -

Anybody out there using that or a similar IDE? What size screen do you have? Is a 14.1/SXGA+ big enough? I'd like to get that version because it's lighter and cheaper.

But I do tend to work on the laptop for hours at a time, and I don't want to kill my eyes.

I did see two SXGA+ Ts with a 14.1 and 15 side by side showing the windows login screen, and the small font in the graphics was somewhat annoyingly small on the 14.1, as opposed to small but legible on the 15.

So basically, my question is whether the 14.1/SXGA+ is adequate for really working with typical programmer tools; if I were just running spreadsheets, I'm sure it would be fine.

Thanks!

[raabjerg]

Using Eclipse on a 14" XGA (T42). I don't know if this is useful for you, but a XGA res is not quite enough for serious coding in eclipse (wish I'd gotten the SXGA).

That being said, I'd go with the 14" screen rather than the 15", as the laptop is somewhat smaller, but again that's a trade-off between screen-size and computer size...

[puco]

I have 14.1" SXGA+ and working in Visual Studio.NET. Sine the resloution is better that I used on desktop (1280x1024) I can't really complain. It works very good.

[Moroner]

I have 1600x1200, and for some projects I need to use a virtual machine, which I typically set at 1400x1050. Those 1400 are sufficient to work with, as long as it does not get too heavy. The extra space on the 1600 is invaluable for all those debugging windows, or for forms design. I would not use anything less than 1400. If you are concerned about the small font size, getting a nice 20" LCD to go with your Thinkpad might be your best option.

[umdenken]

I have 14.1" SXGA+ and working in Visual Studio.NET. Sine the resloution is better that I used on desktop (1280x1024) I can't really complain. It works very good.

Yep, the 2378FVU is exactly the one I'm thinking of getting too: Because it looks like the lowest priced T42 that has SXGA+.

I've been trying to locate some kind of decent deal on a T42 w/ a 15" SXGA+ screen, but unfortunately (as far as ThinkExpress goes) these screens are bundled with very high-end laptops.

So how do you like the 2378FVU? Super-freakin' portable? I guess the "travel weight" is under 5 pounds?

Robb

[rhema83]

I have the FVU and it's an awesome machine. I have been using IDEs like Matlab and DrJava (competitor to Eclipse) and I really appreciate the SXGA+ resolution screen!

The machine is really light especially if you bring nothing but the laptop itself in a small and light case (like the Booq PowerSleeve 14).

On the entertainment side, the 64MB Radeon 9600 is more than adequate to run most games at very decent speeds and resolutions (I run older games like Warcraft 3 at max details and the system is going nice and steady). The built-in speakers are not too good but all you need is a pair of good earphones / headphones.