Dell M2010, PP03X Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate, Dual Independent Display Mode

Press <Fn><F8> to switch the video image between the display only, the external device only, or the display and the external device simultaneously. Highlight your display choice and the display is selected when you release the keys.

Setting Display Resolution and Refresh Rate

NOTE: If you change the display resolution from the current settings, the image may appear blurry or text may be hard to read. Before you change any of the display settings, make a note of the current settings for future reference.

To display a program at a specific resolution, both the graphics card and the display must support the program, and the necessary video drivers must be installed.

NOTE: Use only the Dell-installed video drivers, which are designed to offer the best performance with your Dell- installed operating system.

If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values.

1Click Start→ Control Panel→ Display.

2In the Display Properties window, click the Settings tab.

3Try different settings for Color quality and Screen resolution.

NOTE: As the resolution increases, icons and text appear smaller on the screen.

If the video resolution setting is higher than that supported by the display, the computer enters pan mode. In pan mode, the entire screen cannot be displayed at one time. For example, the taskbar that usually appears at the bottom of the desktop may no longer be visible. To view the rest of the screen, use the touch pad to pan up, down, left, and right.

NOTICE: You can damage an external monitor by using an unsupported refresh rate. Before adjusting the refresh rate on an external monitor, see the user’s guide for the monitor.

Dual Independent Display Mode

You can attach an external monitor or projector to your computer and use it as an extension of your display (known as "dual independent display" or "extended desktop" mode). This mode allows you to use both screens independently and drag objects from one screen to the other, effectively doubling the amount of viewable work space.

1Connect the external monitor, TV, or projector to the computer.

2Click Start→ Control Panel→ Display.

3In the Display Properties window, click the Settings tab.

NOTE: If you choose a resolution or color palette that is higher than the display supports, the settings adjust automatically to the closest supported values. For more information, see your operating system documentation.

4Click the monitor 2 icon, click the Extend my Windows desktop... check box, and then click Apply.

Using the Display

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