The first option is Screen resolution
No Comments
Written by Atila on July 27, 2008 – 5:28 pm
Windows will have automatically detected the built-in LCD and list it in the Display window. The first option is Screen resolution, which determines how many picture elements (pixels) the adapter shoehorns across the width and height of the screen.
On my widescreen laptop, the highest resolution is set at 1200 × 800 pixels and the system is optimized to work best at that setting. If you find you cannot work comfortably with the screen at that setting, you can reduce the resolution by moving the slider with the mouse. The lower the resolution, the less information is presented onscreen, but some people like it that way.
The choices presented here are the native, or recommended, settings for your particular monitor and graphic adapter combination; although you can use advanced tools to choose a different resolution, it’s not a good idea. At best, nonstandard resolutions result in misshapen characters and images; at worst, they can damage the electronics.
Screen brightness
This is an adjustment of the screen made from outside Windows; on most laptops a Fn key combination increases or decreases the brightness. Feel free to try turning the illumination up or down until you see an image that’s best for your eyes. You may find it necessary to adjust the screen in rooms that are overly bright or dimly lit. You should also be aware that most modern laptops attempt to eke out the most battery life by dimming the screen slightly anytime the machine isn’t connected to an AC source. You can enable or disable this feature from the power mode software supplied by the manufacturer.
Screen angle
This is the most direct manipulation of the computer possible: The angle at which you view the LCD affects the brightness and sharpness of the image you see. On most machines, the screen is designed to present the best image when the clamshell is open to a slightly obtuse angle, wider than a perfectly upright, 90-degree L. Take care not to overextend the angle of the screen; that can put strain on the connectors between the upper and lower parts of the laptop. (And watch out for a too-wide angle anytime you use your laptop on an airplane’s seatback tray table; if the screen is tilted too far back, it could be damaged if the passenger in front lowers the seat.)
