Low resolution on ubuntu linux?

Question

Hey guys,
I'm a linux newbie and just installed the latest Ubuntu. I have a 22" monitor that runs 1680x1050 @ 60 Hz. However, when I try to change the resolution, the highest I can go is 1280x1024. I've tried basically everything. I've used the "sudo dpkg-reconfigure xserver-xorg" command, modified the xorg.conf file directly, tried adding Modelines, etc. Nothing seems to work. Please help me out, since I feel like I'm about to go crazy and just say to hell with Linux.

Thanks. I tried that route, and it doesn't work for me. What ends up happening is ~1/3 of the screen is a giant black bar across the bottom, and the rest is squished (and distorted) into the top ~2/3. I even tried downloading my monitor's driver from the Hanns-G website, and it didn't work either. Any other ideas?

Answer 1

Are you using the default Ubuntu video drivers?

You may be better off if you download the restricted version of the driver for your specific video chipset.

System->Administration->Restricted Drivers Manager

The NVidia drivers are a definite improvement over the default drivers, giving better plug-n-play and some hardware acceleration.

Searching the Ubuntu support forums is a good starting point.

http://ubuntuforums.org/

Answer 2

Good, I'm glad you got the latest version. You should be able to go to System-Administration-Screens and Graphics to change the resolution.

Once there, click on the Model for your screen. In the window that opens up, check the Widescreen checkbox. Then under Manufacturer choose Generic, and under Model choose LCD 1680x1050. Click OK on both windows, and it should switch to the new resolution. If it works, click on Keep Resolution.