[mcgsxr]

Well, my old (4 years) Dell 17 inch LCD panel died last week.

So, I went out and bought a new 22 inch widescreen BenQ monitor (FP222W).

I followed the setup cd instructions, and loaded the new driver etc.

The issue is now my video card.  It does not have a DVI output, so I have to use the analog outputs.  The card's max analog output is 1600x1000 (by memory, I can check at home later) but the native resolution of the screen exceeds that (1680x1050).

Text is not that easy to read - is this normal?

Link to unit here - I bought it at Tigerdirect.ca - http://www.directdial.com/FP222W.html

[mcullinan]

Im pretty sure that those 50 pixels are screwing your ability to read text up. Also DVI is a much higher quality signal. Time for a new video card...
Mike

[mcgsxr]

So the best solution would be to buy a new video card, one with a DVI output?

[mcullinan]

I think it should be much clearer when you run the screen at a native resolution. DVI is on most graphic cards now.
Mike

[WGH]

I would try tuning up text using the free ClearType Tuner from the Microsoft Power Toy for Windows XP site.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

ClearType Tuner
This PowerToy lets you use ClearType technology to make it easier to read text on your screen, and installs in the Control Panel for easy access.

Wayne

[bpape]

Just make sure if you do a new card to set your driver back to a stock generic driver before shutting the machine down.  Then replace the card and reboot.  If the manufacturer says so, install the new video software, then do the reset to the generic driver, then replace and start up.

You shouldn't have to worry but I've had times in the past where incompatible video boards wouldn't drive right unless you did it.  It's 1 extra minute - well worth making sure there is no hassle.

Bryan

[woodsyi]

Getting a new video card with DVI out is probably the best.  In the mean time, have you tried different (lower) resolutions that works?  You can also click the view button and increase the text size on your browser. 

[mgalusha]

It will definitely be better at it's native resolution. I have two dell FPW205's on my desk at work at they are both running at 1680 x 1050 and are very clear and sharp. Both are running with analog video as the machine is about 3 yrs old. As others have mentioned, pop for a new video card and life should be good. I love the wide screen monitors.

And Bryan is right on about resetting the video driver. I've had the same trouble and setting it to a generic VGA before installing the new card is a very good idea.

[jqp]

running non-native resolutions can be devastating -- get a new card, see my recommendation in you other topic