Max Resolution 2560x1600 on external Monitor with Vaio FW21L?

[wobbutt]

I am looking to buy a large external monitor to use with my Sony Vaio VGN-FW21L.

Please can you tell me what maximum resolution this laptop will allow me to use on the external monitor?

From the graphics card (RAD MOB HD3470) spec I gather 1920x1080 is the maximum through the HDMI, but greater resolution is possible from a dual-link DVI. However my Vaio only has an HDMI and VGA port, so will I be able to get 2560x1600 resolution using a HDMI to DVI-D adaptor?

[wobbutt]

I contacted Sony customer support and they said:

"Kindly be informed that the maximum resolution for the VAIO is: 1600x900. However, the maximum resolution for an external screen through HDMI is: 1920x1080. I am afraid to inform you that there is no output through DVI- D for your VAIO."

So assuming this is correct it seems I have a graphics card up to the job, but because the laptop only has an HDMI and VGA port I'm unable to make use of it.

I would still like to try it on a large screen with an HDMI to DVI adaptor cable to be sure, but it sounds unlikely to increase the max resolution.

Does anyone know for sure?

[romulus.]

exactly the same issue here;

"i am trying to connect the VGN-Z21ZN/X  sony laptop to the Dell U2711  2560 x 1440 ; the laptop has NVIDIA GeForce 9300M GS but only has VGA  and HDMI outout/connectors, will i therefore be able to use this  external monitor at full native 2560x1440 resolution (i do NOT plan to  use it for gaming, just the text editing, internet, java development in  eclipse & rational rose UML, where i want lots of desktop space),  thanx"

This monitor has HDMI / DVI input; not sure if a cable HDMI to DVI would do;

i need to know for sure, as using such high res monitors at below their native res does not look good,

also need the hight res.

thanx

[wobbutt]

Hi Romulus

Please let me know if you find out the definitive answer to this question. Thanks