X41, X40, VGA and 1600x1200 external display, 8-c vs 4-c

[dfumento]

Since X41, X40 docking solution is VGA and not DVI, can anyone tell me how well the VGA looks on a 1600x1200 display?

Also, subjectively can you tell the difference in weight from the 8-cell X41T vs the 4-cell? (0.5 lb differernce).

TIA,
David

[vhui]

Since X41, X40 docking solution is VGA and not DVI, can anyone tell me how well the VGA looks on a 1600x1200 display?

Also, subjectively can you tell the difference in weight from the 8-cell X41T vs the 4-cell? (0.5 lb differernce).

TIA,
David

I have my X41 Tablet docked in the X4 Dock connected to a Dell 2001FP 20" LCD via analog. I really wanted to use it at 1600x1200 resolution, but there is terrible ghosting and blurry-ness. There is still a bit of ghosting at 1280x1024... so I am begrudgingly using the Dell2001FP at 1024x768 which has no ghosting but is blurry... yet, it is still less blurry than at 1600x1200.

I was quite disappointed when i tested everything and figured out this was how it was going to be for me because I had previously gotten my T41 connected to the same 2001FP from the MiniDockII via DVI, and it was CRYSTAL CLEAR at 1600x1200!! (You have to use a hack to get DVI 1600x1200 though.)

As for the 4-cell vs 8-cell... yes, it is definitely noticable... in both weight & size. I love carrying it around when i have the 4-cell attached. It's like holding a regular paper notebook pad. But i only get 1.5 hours with 4cell, so i only use it when i know i'll be near an outlet.

[alant]

>Since X41, X40 docking solution is VGA and not DVI, can anyone tell me how well the VGA looks on a 1600x1200 display?

I find it unusable, with MS Word things like grid lines cause a lot of ghosting and the characters are poorly formed. Like vjui, I have a Dell 2001FP bought with the intention of docking it to an X41 (non-Tablet in my case).

From what I read, 1600x1200 is useless for text with an analog connection and this is true of all LCD panels. It is certainly the case with an analog output from a T40p or a friend's M50 desktop. To test the panel, I connected the Dell to my wife's T40p, via DVI, a non-analog connection. The panel was crisp, clear and excellent to work with. The Dell also works well with a Mac Mini, via DVI.

In my experience, the analog problem is not limited to this Dell panel. I had a similar experience with a physically larger Samsung LCD using 1600x1200. I don’t think that it is worth the effort or money to try this resolution with an analog connection. I had to buy an IBM/Lenovo L171p to run in analog. The L171p is excellent! It is very light, thin, bright and easy to rotate between portrait and landscape - giving me a full A4 page on screen. (BTW: For those who experienced it, it’s nice that the 10 dead-pixel policy has gone! - At least in Australia)

>Also, subjectively can you tell the difference in weight from the 8-cell X41T vs the 4-cell? (0.5 lb difference).

I use a 4 cell during the week when I commute between three locations. Each location has a power adapter and two have docking stations. Subjectively, the laptop is so light I sometimes stop and open the bag to check if I packed it! (No, I do not have OCD - I really don't know if it is in my bag.) On the weekends, I tend to work around the house in various locations so I use the 8 cell.

The 4-cell battery has advantages and disadvantages. Advantages are weight and that it makes the machine noticeably smaller. This gives space and weight for other items in my bag. Disadvantages are that the 4-cell can make the machine too small to handle and reduces the battery life to about an hour. With a 4-cell battery, I find it difficult to handle when lying down - the extra 1" of battery provides a good grip. A one-hour limit makes me insecure at times too.

However, when it comes to regular sub 1-hour commutes between powered locations the 4-cell is definitely the way to go.

In conclusion, I recommend getting a 17” 1280x1024 panel (saving quite a bit of money) and both batteries (costing more).