While manufacturers advertise larger and larger screen sizes for their
laptops, the actual screen real estate has been dropping thanks to the
switch to 'widescreen' displays.
How the Scam Works
Just a few short years ago, laptop displays were similar in dimension
to standard-definition televisions. A 1024x768 display, for example,
has a 4:3 aspect ratio. In today's widescreen models, the aspect
ratio is much closer to 16:9, the ratio used in HDTVs. Since display
size is measured diagonally, you actually get less screen area for
your money with a widescreen of the same size as an old display. You
can display fewer photos (at the same visible size) on a 17"
widescreen than you can on a 17" old-style display. Here are
some examples:
17" Display, Then And Now
Old 4:3
Today's 16:9
Width (Inches)
13.6
14.82
Height (Inches)
10.2
8.34
Display Area (Square Inches)
138.72
123.59
Percent Loss In Area
-
12%
The Solution
The solution to this problem is easy. Laptop vendors should be
required to quote their screen size in square inches. Then the
benefit to them of shrinking screen size by making displays shorter and
wider would disappear.