Hi,
This is my first question on forum so hoping to get answer.

I just got Lenovo T420 which has intel HD graphics 3000 (Driver version 8.15.10.3542) installed.
But it's max resolution is only 1366*768 which looks really poor. Is there a way to increase this, either by updating graphics driver or any other means but without having to purchase anything extra?

Thanks

What type is your T420? Are you sure your display is HD+ (1600x900) capable?

Most likely it's just the 1366x768 being the maximum resolution of the internal display. On an external LCD the driver will support higher resolutions.

My Graphics card is HD not HD+ and seems HD can only support 1366*768 resolution.

There are no laptop graphics cards in the market that support only up to 1366x768. What the guys above asked you to do was to check whether your T420 has a 1366x768 screen or 1600x900 screen. The Intel HD 3000 supports up to at least 1920x1080 (even 2560x1600 on certain computers), but if your screen is only 1366x768, then of course that's the highest you can get. "HD" in "HD 3000" does not refer to the resolution 1366x768.

How do i check max resolution that my screen can support and type of T420?

In resolution drop down, max is 1366*768.

Then you probably have a 1366 x 768 display....

There might be a solution if you want higher resolution though... I've been looking around for programs/hacks that can increase the resolution beyond the hardware, and then scale it down. I see many results for newrez (http://gtk-apps.org/content/show.php/?content=134686) but it isn't for windows if that's what you need. Apparently there is some application that does that for netbooks, but I haven't gotten them to work with my laptop yet.

To find out what type you have, shut down Windows, disconnect all cables, turn the notebook over. On the bottom you'll find "Type/Model", it's a seven character code plus a hyphen. Then go to the Lenovo support site
http://support.lenovo.com/en_US/
Click "Quick Path", enter your Type/Model. You will then see the notebook's specs, including the display panel's native (and at the same time maximum) resolution.

It shows following

ThinkPad T420 (4236-BR7)
i5-2520M(2.5GHz) 4GB RAM 320GB 7200rpm HD 14in 1366x768 LCD Intel HD Graphics CDRW/DVDRW Intel 802.11agn wireless WWAN option 1Gb Ethernet UltraNav Secure Chip Camera 6c Li-Ion Win7 Pro 64

Well, you learned a lesson. Next time buy something with a higher resolution.

I just received a T420i for work, which I guess has the 1366x768 display.

However, I also have a SynchMaster 2494HM external monitor, which can support 1920x1080 resolution.

When I hook up the DVI cable, I just get another 1366x768 monitor with the same desktop. Can I extend my desktop to it in a higher resolution, or do I first need another video card?

Yes, in an extended desktop (not cloned) you can get the maximum resolution of each monitor.

Assuming you run Windows 7, press the Win+P key combination and choose "Extend".

Got it. I had to extend the desktop and then make monitor 2 my primary monitor.

Video scrolling performance etc. is not very good, but at least it is sharp.