External Monitor with Starling?

[Schrollini]

Dear System76 and current Starling owners,

I am considering purchasing a Starling netbook, but before I do, I would like to know how it works with external monitors, specifically projectors. I have noticed that EeePCs often end up with distorted aspect ratios when used with projectors, and I'd like to avoid this if possible.

So, how well does the Starling work with external monitors? Specifically:
Can you just plug one in and have it work, or is there some futzing required?
Does the external monitor only mirror the LCD, or can the desktop extend across both?
What screen resolutions does it support on the VGA out?
How does it deal with the aspect ratio mis-match between the 16:9 LCD and the usual 4:3 of most projectors?


Thanks in advance.

[thomasaaron]

You can switch back and forth between the monitors using the Fn-F3 key combination, and you can set up cloning and various spanning configurations by going to Preferences > Display.

The specs say it supports QXGA resolutions (i.e. up to 2048×1536 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio). We've not tested resolutions that high.

I'm sure you will get a resolution mismatch between the LCD and a projector.

[Schrollini]

Thanks for the information!

The specs say it supports QXGA resolutions (i.e. up to 2048×1536 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio). We've not tested resolutions that high.

That's quite a bit more than I'll ever need. Out of idle curiosity, how high a resolution has been tested?

I'm sure you will get a resolution mismatch between the LCD and a projector.

Just to make sure I'm understanding correctly: When the LCD is cloned, there will be some kind of distortion, but in other situations, the VGA out gives proper 4:3. Is this correct?

Thanks again!

[thomasaaron]

We only test computers with the monitors we sell as options (as those are the only ones we keep on hand)...

26" KDS Widescreen LCD (1920 x 1200)


The computer is going to detect the resolution of the projector, and it should get that correct. However, it's probably going to mess with the resolution on your LCD. This is pretty typical in Ubuntu.

Unfortunately, I do not have a projector to do detailed testing with. That's just from past experience.

[Schrollini]

Thanks for all your help, Thomas.


The computer is going to detect the resolution of the projector, and it should get that correct. However, it's probably going to mess with the resolution on your LCD. This is pretty typical in Ubuntu.

Really, all I need is for the image to be projected correctly. Having the LCD look okay too would be nice, but isn't necessary.

Can any current Starling owners offer their experience, whether with a projector or with an regular external monitor?

Thanks!