How does everyone handle different screen sizes?

[ajetrumpet]

all,

I'm wondering what the different takes are on screen size issue. Say for example, I have a form that has controls on it that takes up my entire screen on my desktop computer when it is sized appropriately but NOT maximized. what should I do if I want the application to run on another persons laptop computer that has a smaller screen on it? just let them use the scrollbars to see all the controls one part at a time? How does this play into the auto resize property of forms? I'm a tad confused on how to get around this issue as I've never dealt with it in this sense before. suggestions anyone?

 

[David Eagar]

How does everyone handle different screen sizes?

Badly!

 

[Mike375]

Module : modResizeForm
' Author : Jamie Czernik BSc {jamie@jamiessoftware.tk}
' Purpose : Resizes Microsoft Access forms to fit the current screen resolution.

I make all my forms a little smaller than screen size, about 1/4 inch gap all round. All my forms are the same size and same position. I make everthing in 1024 X 768 and the code from above.

I have a set of MoveSize macros for different resolutions and CopyObject replaces the macro that is called with the required one.

 

[Alisa]

all,

I'm wondering what the different takes are on screen size issue. Say for example, I have a form that has controls on it that takes up my entire screen on my desktop computer when it is sized appropriately but NOT maximized. what should I do if I want the application to run on another persons laptop computer that has a smaller screen on it? just let them use the scrollbars to see all the controls one part at a time? How does this play into the auto resize property of forms? I'm a tad confused on how to get around this issue as I've never dealt with it in this sense before. suggestions anyone?

I just make every screen fit to 768x1024 so no-one has to scroll (unless they are on a tiny laptop or something). If their screen is bigger, it just means there is extra empty space.

 

[shadow9449]

I do the same as Alisa. I feel that it's safe to design everything to expect a resolution at least of 1024 X 768. I rarely encounter 800 X 600 in which case they are advised to spring the $150 or so on a new screen.

SHADOW

 

[ajetrumpet]

to all,

this is not about the screen RES, but rather about the actual size of the Screen HARDWARE. does this make any difference, or am I making any sense at all?

 

[Alisa]

I don't think the hardware makes any difference, 1024x768 provides the same screen real estate regardless of the overall screen size.

 

[shadow9449]

to all,

this is not about the screen RES, but rather about the actual size of the Screen HARDWARE. does this make any difference, or am I making any sense at all?

If the question is how much of the screen will a form occupy, then we really are speaking about resolution. If someone has a 15" screen (yes, they still exist) then it will proportionately occupy as much as a 22" screen in the same resolution. However it will be difficult for many people to read at 15".

 

[gemma-the-husky]

i design to 1024 x 768, I test the resolution on startup, and warn users if they are using smaller res.

I was looking at A2007 more closely, and there are mechanisms in there to anchor controls to particular locations realtive to the screen, or other controls - which may well help improve presentation issues like this