Why does it seem like computer displays have gone DOWN in resolution?  You used to be able to get a 1920×1200 laptop relatively easily, but other than the 17″ Macbook Pro, the current choices are slim if even existent.  After finding scant information on the subject, I dug up a bit of data.

It’s been disappointing to see the higher resolution displays stagnate in the second half of this decade.  Market evolution works in both directions, though, and higher resolution displays will be back.  It’s just a matter of time.  The lower-resolution displays are hitting a plateau and will trend down, while 1080P and newer, even higher resolutions will continue to trend up.

Based on what I culled from statcounter, most people aren’t too picky about computer displays at present.  The weird uptick in 2011 for the old XGA 1024×768 is perhaps due to the iPad 2’s release.

For those few who do appreciate a nice display (the dotted liners), you can commiserate here, and take solace in the new iPad.

Update 7/2012: The new Macbook Pro with Retina Display at 2880×1800.