Thinkpads Forum

I'm trying to use an external 1280x1024 display with my x300 and port replicator.

I want the port replicator to always identify and adjust for the 1280x1024 regardless of whether I've removed and reattached the computer, booted up separately, etc.

This is what my old x41 used to do with the docking station, no problem

With the x300, if I reboot with the port replicator and ex display attached, the port replicator software automatically finds and adjusts for the 1280x1024. When I look in display properties, there are about 10 different resolution settings to choose from, including 1280x1024.

However, if I reboot away from the port replicator or just use the computer separately for a while and re-connect (while in hibernate/stand-by) then it no longer recognizes the 1280x1024 resolution anymore and 1280x1024 is no longer an option in display properties. In fact there are then only about half as many resolution choices. It forces 1440x900 on my ex display which obviously doesn't fit.

Very obnoxious. Anyone else having this issue.

I don't want to have to reboot every time I re-attach my computer to the port replicator just so it can recognize my 1280x1024. It should automatically find it regardless of whether I booted separately, used the computer separately, etc.

Any help/suggestions more than welcome.

Thanks........

I only have a partial answer, but perhaps this will help a bit. In Windows Display Properties / Settings / Advanced... / Monitor there should be a tick box somewhere to the effect of "Hide modes that this monitor cannot display", which is normally checked. Uncheck that and the screen area slider should always include all weird and wonderful resolutions that the graphics card can do, regardless of the monitor. You will probably still have to adjust the slider when docking, but it might save you the reboot.

Sweet..!

That works. So simple. At least now if the port replicator doesn't automatically find 1280x1024, I can just manually choose it and avoid a constant reboot.

Perfect.

Thanks much..!!