Matrox Parhelia HR256

Setting up the T221 to work with the Parhelia isn't child's play. The IBM is so far out of the normal operating envelope that industry-standard resolution and timing settings haven't been defined. Consequently it uses the VESA (Video Electronic Standards Association) DDC/EDID protocol to communicate its abilities to the graphics card. This requires setting a correct card-specific EDID profile in the monitor's OSD and, in the case of the Parhelia, upgrading the monitor firmware via the special video cable, which incorporates a USB data interface.

Looking to the long term, Windows needs to catch up with hardware at this level. Before it's feasible for everyday use, the underlying bitmap-based structure of Windows screen furniture needs updating. When Windows takes a vector-based approach, allowing you to scale up icons without pixellation, and take advantage of the high resolution without the attendant headache, devices like this will be ready for the big time. Until then, it's hardware to dream about.

Author: David Fearon