When I run X and then run xvidtune, when I'm in 1024x768 mode, it indicates a refresh of 60 Hz. However, when I run in 800x600 mode, xvidtune thinks the refresh rate is around 90Hz, and in 640x480 mode, xvidtune thinks the refresh rate is 131 Hz(!). I'm not sure I believe it since I don't think the display can handle that (but if it is true, am I seriously overdriving the display?).
Chances are good your LCD screen is fixed at 60 Hz for all resolutions.
Also note that in the lower resolution modes, the display actually looks a tad fuzzy. I am not using anti-aliased fonts.
Is this normal for laptops or am I doing something wrong?
Most LCDs are generally meant to be run at a single resolution and will look fuzzy at less than that. Try upping it, my Dell Inspiron 8000 with 15" screen looks crisp (and correct) at 1400x1050 but gets fuzzy at 1280x1024 and less. I'm not sure the real technical details on how those suckers work, that's just my experience. Brian J. Conway bconway@wpi.edu "Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves." - Albert Einstein