Apple Event: May 7th at 7 am PT

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

MacBook Pro 17" Screen resolution really small, how change?

Hi,

I just received my new MacBook Pro 17" computer and it's beautiful. The only problem I have is that the only screen resolution that is sharp enough is the 1920 X 1200 and then everything is so small. I have tried changing the resolution to a higher one but then everything is blurry.

I know I can change the size of the text in browsers etc. But that is not what I want. Is there any way one could change the resolution and keep it sharp?

Thankful for help...

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Feb 9, 2011 9:11 AM

Reply
4 replies

Feb 9, 2011 11:45 AM in response to CathyBates

No, there isn't. On any LCD display, every resolution other than the maximum is unavoidably blurry. It's the nature of the technology: the LCD contains a fixed, unchangeable number of pixels (the native resolution), and using them to simulate any lower resolution results in an approximation, which is inherently only approximate — and "approximate" means blurry. This is true of every flat-screen display.

You have joined the club of sight-unseen buyers who learn, to their dismay, that they should have looked at the high-resolution screen before ordering. If you can't use it comfortably, return it while you still can, and order a 15" MBP with the standard-resolution (1440 x 900) display. The high-res 15" display makes things very nearly as small as your 17" does. There's absolutely no point in paying extra for a high-resolution screen if you don't want to use it at its highest resolution.

May 17, 2011 7:46 PM in response to Hawaii Web Designer

No, that's not possible. Even the earliest 17" MBPs (April-October 2006) had 1680 x 1050 displays, and all 17" unibody MBP displays have been 1920 x 1200. The older-style 1680 x 1050 screen assemblies can't be mounted on a unibody machine.


I hate to say it, but this is what you get for buying an expensive computer sight unseen.

MacBook Pro 17" Screen resolution really small, how change?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.