I have a IBM Thinkpad T23 (laptop) from work. I would like to connect
it to a Viewsonic 17" LCD monitor (model VP171b). Native resolution
for the T23 is 1280 x 768. The native resolution for the Viewsonic is
1280 x 1024. When I connect the T23 to the Viewsonic the screen looks
horrible (this is a monitor I have at home and I know it's working
fine with my Dell at the native resolution). I have tried the
following: installed the Viewsonic driver, downloaded a monitor dirver
update from the IBM website. Neither of these actions made any
difference. It seems  the graphics hardware in the T23 is not designed
for the higher resolution. Does the T23 have a removable/upgradable
graphics card? If so, where to purchase?

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Clarification of Question by mark800-ga on 06 Apr 2005 18:27 PDT

Thank you both for the comments. I think I've got me answer!

The monitor should have no problem working with the laptop.

First, make sure to connect the monitor to the laptop. You may need to
restart after doing so to make Windows detect it. What you should do
is "Add" an external moitor by going into Display Properties ->
Settings. Next, add a default display or your monitor if you have
drivers for it. You should be able to select the resolution using the
slider, regardless of what monitor you are using.

It looks like the IBM T23 will support 1280 x 1024 depending upon the
specification of the monitor.  It does not like 72 Hz or 70 Hz
monitors.  You can see the details at
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4YTG43.

The S3 Graphics' SuperSavage IXc mobile graphics processor is used
with the T23.  This chip is soldered on the board and changing or
removing it is not easily done.

LCD displays are very inexpensive these days, the best solution might
be to get an LCD buy a new or refurbished LCD display that would give
you the correct resolution you need that works ok with the T23.

Respectfully,

David Perlmutter
www.usedlaptops.com