T500 External LCD

[Harryc]

I have a new T500 with the Intel GMA 4500 MHD GPU. It outputs DVI through an Advanced Minidock, as well as through a displayport. I also have a 1600x900 Samsung 2033SW LCD that I love, but Thinkpads with non-ATI GPU's hate it. I can never get the 1600x900 resolution to work, and the T500 is no exception. I opened an older thread here about an X200 (GMA 4500 HD) with the same issue. So, I am basically throwing my hands up in the air as far as ever getting this LCD to work. I will be selling it on the forum. It's really sweet for ATI Thinkpads. Anyway, I am looking for recommendations for an external Widescreen LCD that is not through the roof expensive that definitely works with the DVI port on advanced mini dock and a T500 with Intel graphics. Anyone?

[yak]

Have you tried PowerStrip yet? Or Intel graphics drivers (instead of Lenovo ones)?

Using Intel drivers let me get a 2048x1152 resolution on my external display.

[Harryc]

Yak, thanks for the reply...am trying this Intel driver right now.
http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_ ... *&lang=eng

[yak]

If it doesn't help, try PowerStrip. It will let you add custom resolutions to your graphics drivers.

Installing the Intel driver helped me on my T60 with GMA 950 so the issue may be different in your case (4500 MHD) but it is worth trying anyway of course. Note that I had to uninstall the Lenovo drivers first, otherwise the new ones would complain about compatibility (a dialog box appeared saying I should get the Lenovo drivers instead).

I'm also assuming your problem is the lack of 1600x900 resolution in the Display Properties. Is that correct?

[Harryc]

Yes, that is the problem. The Intel drivers did not help. I'll try Powerstrip.

[Harryc]

Powerstrip will not let me create or use a resolution higher than 1440x900.

[Harryc]

Just as another data point for this issue. Linux Mint 6 and 7 work 100% with this T500 and external LCD. Both versions recognize the internal and external LCD's and set them up correctly. Another reason why MS is far worse than Linux at hardware recognition and compatibility ... so this will be my new 'Mint' machine.