On Mon, 12 Aug 1996, Robin K. Woods wrote:
> We are in the process of buying the best computer that we can afford to
> use with Corel Draw 6. This computer will be used exclusively for
> graphics. The technology changes so fast that many terms are
> confusing. If anyone could help with any of the following, it would be
> very appreciated.
>
> 1) In a 17" monitor, is .26 DP noticeably better than .28 DP?
Yes, the image on a .26 DP monitor is "noticeably" better than that of a
.28 DP, but not that much better to worry about in general. However,
since your computer will be for graphics, it would be nice.
> 2) In a 17" monitor is 1600 x 1200 noticeably better than 1280 x 1024?
There is an obvious, noticeable difference between 1600 x 1200 vs. 1280 x
1024. However, on a 17" monitor, running at the higher resolution also
tends to make things appear very small on screen. The text and buttons
in the user interfaces of programs become hard to read. My partner runs
his 17" monitor as 1280 x 1024, and outsiders often comment about how
small things look on his screen.
> 3) If one can afford only one of the two options above, which would be
> most important?
I think more important than dot pitch or resolution is the vertical
refresh rate. Low rates cause the screen to flicker which is very
bothersome. Make sure the monitor has a refresh rate of at least 75 Hz
at the highest resolution you intend to use the monitor.
To answer your question though, I think the dot pitch is more important
because you probably won't want to use a 17" monitor too often at 1600 x
1200, while the better dot pitch will always be a benefit.
> 4) How much better (faster) is synchrous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) than
> EDO RAM?
According to the article on memory, part of the speed difference is based
on the design of the computer, but SDRAM can be about 33% faster than EDO.
> 5) What is the best graphics card for drawing purposes.
Get a card with as much video memory (VRAM) as you can. Also, try to get
a 32-bit, PCI (assuming the computer you get has a PCI bus) card.
Enjoy your new computer.
Tim Armstrong
Password, Inc.
armstron@umbc7.umbc.edu