Hey, A simple question. Is it advisable to keep and lcd screen at optimum res? like mine's is 1280 * 1024 . Im used to 1024*760. Does it affect performance if i use at optimum? Will it last longer if i use a lower res? Plz bear with me if my question is noobish :D Thanks

LCD screens do not work the same as CRT screen. They have a fixed pixel size whereas the pixel size on a CRT screen varies in size. The effect of using the LCD at anything but its optimum resolution is a deterioration in picture quality as the hardware has to interpolate pixels to get the required resolution. It wont effect the life span or the display. It could reduce performance as the hardware has more work to do and it won't do your eyes much good. Stuart

1280x1024 is actually a different aspect ratio than 1024x768. So I would assume using 1024x768 now will not only result in a less clear picture, but also actually distort the image - making picutres and text appear stretched. Chebwa

Try some other resolutions and see for yourself. If you have a decent brand and model of monitor it may still look acceptable. I know from recent experience you don't necessarily have to use the "Native resolution" setting for a fairly recent Samsung monitor - it will still look very good at other resolutions. Turn on Clear Type in Windows XP - makes type on LCD screens look clearer http://www.microsoft.com/typography...

I invariably use 1024x768 on my 1280x1024 monitor (Acer AL1916), just to keep down the clutter on the screen. There is some slight stretching but it isn't noticeable - about 1/2" on a 19" screen. A 1280x1024 19" monitor has a dot pitch of around .29 which is comparable to a decent CRT monitor, so you won't really lose definition (even better with a 17" screen). The secret is to use a video card and monitor with DVI. That way you won't lose anything in the digital to analog conversion (and vice versa). Bryan

Oops. Link correction. Turn on Clear Type in Windows XP - makes type on LCD screens look clearer http://www.microsoft.com/typography...