Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Resolved Question

Question re: Difference visually between display resolutions

Aug 2, 2011 7:31AM PDT

We've been told by a Lenovo rep that if we purchase a Lenovo with an NIvidia graphics card we will need a display with a resolution of 1600 x 900. If we stick to an integrated Intel graphics we would only need a display with a resolution of 1366 x 768.

Does this make sense?

If so, will the 1600 x 900 resolution reduce the size of the icons? WIll it reduce the size of the typefonts?

Thanks in advance for your advice or comments!
Alex

Discussion is locked

NorthBeachnik has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

- Collapse -
No. The resolution is set by the LCD and not the chipset.
Aug 2, 2011 1:32PM PDT

I'd find another rep!

- Collapse -
Thanks! That's what I thought
Aug 2, 2011 2:24PM PDT

I've seen several laptops with NVidia or Radeon Graphics with an advertised resolution of 1366 x 768. And I was sure the resolution was set by the LCD. The rep's statement really seemed screwy to me but I'm not an expert so I knew to check with the CNET community. Thanks!

- Collapse -
Answer
Resolution is
Aug 2, 2011 9:48PM PDT

dots in the screen. The larger the numbers at dots are closer together and the better the picture. Higher resolution things are actually smaller on the screen and its better if you have multiple documents open at the same time. Also when it comes to Hi-DEF the bottom number is the important one. 1920 x 1080 = 1080p while 1600 x 900 and 1366 x 768 are both still Hi-def 720P.

To answer your question yes fonts will appear smaller on the higher resolution.

Typically the graphics cards are capable of reaching higher resolutions and thew screen is the limiting factor. Thats why on some system if you use an external monitor you can get at least the same resolution or higher resolution or a then on the laptop screen.