Q: I just upgraded from a 19" HP CRT to an Acer AL1916WABD Widescreen LCD monitor which has a max resolution of 1440x900. I have a seven year old HP Pavilion 8720 computer with a Nvidia Vanta (HP) video card. I use Windows XP. The resolution options I get in Windows XP don't include 1440x900 resolution. Many new video cards I checked don't either. What do I need to do to get my computer to put out true 1440x900 resolution? I'm not a gamer, so I don't need super-duper bells and whistles if a new video card is necessary. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. I went on the HP website and downloaded an upgrade video card driver (looked like it's dated 2001 based on the ID number) and it didn't fix the problem. I set my display to 1152x864 which was the highest resolution I could set without exceeding the 900 pixel max of the monitor, but the titles at the top of my browser screen are not as clear as they could be. The monitor doesn't come with any loadable drivers. Model HP Pavilion 8720 CTO System Number D7205Y I was looking at a Nvidia GeForce 6200 for about $41 which had some good reviews along with some other cards by Nvidia but none listed 1440x900 as specifically recognized. This is a bit more than I wanted to spend but will spend this if I have to.
A: unfortunately your video card was made before the prevalence of widescreen 19" lcd...mean ing 1440x900 probably was never available...Your easiest solution would be to get a cheap video card...just about everything these days can support the 1440x900 so if games are NO consideration then just pick up something that you consider a reasonable price (be sure to first check what type of graphics card your Pc supports at that age it's likely agp...But if you need some help choosing a card just give me the model # of your computer and how much you'd like to spend a video card and i'll make a good suggestiopn for you.