Apparent resolution restriction on Macbooks?

jon86

jon86

jon86

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Hi.

As a Windows-based PC user, I have come to appreciate the design and sheer elegance of Macs. What I don't really understand is why there is a (n apparent) restriction of the resolution that the Macbook screens can handle. For example, 13.3" Macbook native seems to be 1280 x 800, 15.4" Macbook Pro, 1440 x 900 (I think) and 17" Macbook Pro, 1680 x 1050.

I was wondering, why is it that Dells (and others) can handle 1680 x 1050 and higher resolutions on 15.4" screens but Macs don't seem to be able to? I use quite an old Dell 15.4" laptop and it's native resolution is 1680 x 1050. Is there a software restriction that can be unlocked (without breaking any rules)?

Thanks.
Jon
 
It's a good question - I've wondered that as well.

There's no kind of software restriction - the panels just physically have that many pixels.

The only semi-valid reason I can think of would be that since OS X isn't yet resolution independant, Steve Jobs Esquire has mandated that higher resolutions on laptop panels make the UI elements appear too small.

IMO the 15.4" MBP could really do with having a 1680x1050 panel.
 
The 17" MacBook Pro comes with 1920 x 1200 LCD panel by default now. It used to be 1680 x 1050 and it could be upgraded to 1920 x 1200 if you were willing to pay for it :p
 
But I want a 15.4" that does 1680 x 1050... :p

One of my housemates informs me that there is no such restriction on external monitors so I have to assume that Apple have just chosen to use monitors that are incapable of producing the higher resolutions.

EDIT: What I mean is that a 13.3" notebook can output a resolution higher than the native notebook screen resolution.
 
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Apple use a native screen res that is lower then the dell.

If you want a 1680 x 1050 then go get one that does.

If you hook the macbook to the 24" LED it will do 1920 x 1200 as that is the native res of the 24" screen. Hook to the 30" ACD and will do 2560 x 1600 with the Dual Link DVI cable.

Apple are no different to the Dell in that sense, merely that Dell ship a 1680 x 1050 screen as standard.
 
I am just a bit disappointed that I can't get a 1680 x 1050 15.4" Macbook, having got used to 1680 x 1050 on my Dell.
 
I've always had a 17" MBP portable with a 1900x1200 screen, but recently I've got a new unibody MBP (15") with the 1400x900 resolution.

I had very big concerns that the lower resolution was going to be a problem but honestly it's a complete non-issue for me.

Don't get me wrong.. a higher resolution panel would be appreciated, but I wouldn't let it affect your buying desicion :cool:
 
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