What font size to use when using WindowsXP on a high res monitor (1920x1200)?

[shiphen]

Hi

I have just got a "high resolution" LCD monitor (a Samsung Synchmaster
244T since you ask) and its native resolution is fairly high
(1920x1200).

Although the monitor itself is something of a joy(!), a normal
settings that resolution leaves my text way too small! I am
experimenting with changing the font size.

( See: Display properties => Settings => Advanced => DPI Setting =>
Large Size [120DPI - 125% normal size] )

The problem is that many web pages look rather weird.
(e.g. http://www.computeractive.co.uk/ has the search box in the wrong
place...)

Also in Windows Outlook(2003), the names of folders on the LH of the
screen
are not showing their full names! The names are being trimmed off...

- Do you guys think that changing the DPI is a mistake?

I suppose the other option would be to set the text size back to
normal and move
the monitor a *LOT* closer.?? On my previous screen I had it at a
custom setting of "110%" I think, but that is now too small...

- Any thoughts?


Ship
Shiperton Henethe


P.S.
Very confusingly there also seem to be SEVERAL different way to change the font size
in WindowXP:

1. Display Properties > Appearance > Fontsize > Normal or Large or Extra Large

2. Display Properties > Settings > Advanced > General > DPI Setting >
... Normal Size or Large Size or Custom Size

And they dont appear to be changing the same thing!
So... which should I use?


Samsung Synchmaster 244T /SM244T, WindowsXP Pro (latest patches),
graphics card: Matrox Millennium P650 PCIe 128

[SH1]

It's a long story, but it's basically a 96 DPI world. (There are efforts underway to improve this situation, but it appears to be something that will be more realized in the future...)

At the same time, ergonomics folks, last I heard, would suggest that bringing your monitor closer might increase eye strain.

Hate to say it, but a 27" might be a better way to go...

[Rembrandt]

Sorry to say that those of us that have a high resolution monitors are still a very small group of the monitor world out there. Web pages and programs are still made for the 96 DPI world out there, like SH1 said, and we are just going to have to live with it until there is a bigger demand to correct the problems we face.

[kiajoon]

I understand your pain as it is the case of a bigger screen but more eye strain. My eyesight is not that good either and I get tired from reading anything smaller then 0.27mm dot pitch. Good high end 20 inch IPS panels at 0.255mm pitch can do my head in though screen quality is superb. Size and quality is two very different matter.

Recently I bought a 22 inch screen which makes things a lot better at 0.282mm pitch and I can sit back and relax. Quality and desktop estate is compensated but its better in terms of real world usage for me. Your best bet is a pair of 19 inch screens at 0.294 dot pitch for bigger default text resolution. These will give you 2048 by 1024 desktop pivels and save you $400, if you can live with a dual set up. I am sure this will create less strain on your eyes.

[Brook]

I took my 24" back for this very reason... and got a 27" Dell instead... it's MUCH better. I couldn't use a 24", the dot pitch is way too small.

[Manny Calavera]

96 DPI is fine at default res on my 24" Nec.No eye strain a tall. :cool: