Limited Choice of Laptop Diaplays

[Beau Geste (imported)]

I have recently been shopping for a laptop computer, and I prefer the original three by four screen size, which is nicer for word processing, because you can see more of the text on the display.

But none of the new computers has a screen size in the original proportion, and the ones which have the same diagonal measurements, even in the 14.1 and 15.4 screens, actually have screens that are three quarters of an inch or more narrower from top to bottom than the old ones.

My question is, why do all the screen sizes have to be "wide screen?" There are probably enough people like myself, who like the three by four size, that somebody could profitably make computers with screens of that type. Some refurbs with three by four screens, sell for almost as much as comparable computers with the wide screens.

Another example of big manufacturers deciding that one size fits all. Some of the little twelve inch screens, that are only about seven inches high, really look pinched. But I guess people still buy them.

I'll probably wind up with a Sony refurb.

[dfinder (imported)]

BeauG:

you might consider acquiring a "new" laptop that is a couple of years old, lightly used as some business' standard laptop, sold as a lot and refurbished. Over the years I have bought 4 or 5 such on EBay and have been generally happy with the results. These are not screaming state-of-the-art systems with the latest doodads, but that's not what you are looking for, obviously.

The suppliers I've dealt with are legitimate, will make sure you're happy with the purchase, and usually throw in some form of warranty - if something goes wrong in first 3 months they'll repair it or replace it (etc. - this is just an example). I have had one hard drive replaced under such a warranty policy.

The most recent is an IBM T43 which does everything I care about doing with a laptop. It's about 4.7 lbs. with 14.1" screen. And the screen's aspect ratio of course is 4:3 as you desire. I got this one for $290 with 1GB main memory and 60GB hard drive. The seller took another $20 off for a non-working USB port (but the other one works fine). He was anxious that I submit positive feedback after the sale, so he was willing to negotiate or swap it for another laptop.

Finder

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Recently

I have recently been shopping for a laptop computer, and I prefer the original three by four screen size, which is nicer for word processing, because you can see more of the text on the display.

But none of the new computers has a screen size in the original proportion, and the ones which have the same diagonal measurements, even in the 14.1 and 15.4 screens, actually have screens that are three quarters of an inch or more narrower from top to bottom than the old ones.

My question is, why do all the screen sizes have to be "wide screen?"

[Paolo]

I miss the flat glass CRT (big ass) monitors, 4:3.

My Noritsu printer at work requires one, and color balancing on an LCD is just impossible for it to cope with. (Noritsu never has adapted to that, and the machines are too old anyway.) Pretty soon, it's gonna be a lost cause if I don't find some good ones left out there.

[twaddler (imported)]

I'd just be happy with a display that can do 100% Prophoto RGB and costs less than $300.

[Kortpeel (imported)]

...

none of the new computers has a screen size in the original proportion, and the ones which have the same diagonal measurements, even in the 14.1 and 15.4 screens, actually have screens that are three quarters of an inch or more narrower from top to bottom than the old ones.

Is it feasible to turn the wide screen on its side and have it display in portrait mode?

Such a screen would then be very good for word processing. I seem to recall some single purpose word processors from the '70s had the 4 x 3 screen used in this way.

[Riverwind (imported)]

If it is just the size of the text you wish you can adjust your screen size and not use a couple inches on each side and get the screen size you want. I have never found it to be a problem and actually love the wide screen.

River