I just went to Google and found the basic specs for the system on a HP UK site.
I've gotta tell you, it seems MIGHTY STRANGE that a 15 inch LCD display would have 1024x768 as its "native" resolution!
I know that when I tried my screen (a 15" Dell) at lower resolutions (to make the characters more readable for my eyes) the display was actually horrible and I went back to its native rsolution and used "Large Fonts" in the display settings.

I really suspect that their site has the INCORRECT spec for the resolution. I've seen it happen (confirmed after e-mailing them) on LCD manufacturer web pages (two different ones).

My 15" has native resolution of 1400x1050. At the very least I would try whatever resolutions are "offered" by the Display Properties dialogue as valid. Mine allows the following: 640x480; 800x600; 1024x768; 1280x1024; 1400x1050 and 1600x1200.

good luck


>Thanks Jim - I checked by unplugging the power supply and the screen does dim considerably (making it even worse) but I usually work with wall power anyway so I guess it just one of those things I will have to put up with.
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>I am sure spending more money would have got me a better screen, but I had a figure in mind and spent several weeks getting specs etc to make sure I got the best deal for my money. I thought 64MB graphics would mean a pretty good display but I guess it's down the actual screen they use!
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>Anyway - thanks for all your replies and suggestions!