Design resolutions

[nuwanda]

I looked at some browser resolution stats over at the W3C and they indicated that around 20% of browsers visiting their site were still running at 800 x 600. Add in the fact that most visitors to W3C would be more technically minded, perhaps with better hardware running higher resoltuions, and it occurs to me that the actual percentage of web users running 800x600 would be higher.

I notice more sites running a fixed 1024x768 fixed resolution, apparently not worrying that many users are still on lower res.

I know I can design fluid layouts with CSS but I'm wondering if I should just say damn it and fix things at 1024x768.

Any thoughts?

Ross

[JAB Creations]

As much as I try to go for the highest (or hardest) realistic standards 800x600 is a given even this late in the game. You just have to code your site to work for it. If you have a fluid design then it makes it much easier with only a few minor (but typically very obnoxious) design issues to contend with.

You'd be surprised to know how many 14 inch screens just refused to die on count of the fact that they are junk screens. Only good stuff breaks! ;) Nah jk, but seriously there are lots of people using 14 inch screens.

To take 800x600 in to consideration you should have at least the basic skeleton of your site created (layout and menus). Once you're that far and it works fine at 800x600 then you shouldn't have to worry about that resolution unless you do something radical to the design/menus after that point.

Also...if you create a static layout (as in those 800 width pages I can't stand) at least center them and adapt the main background to compliment the rest of your site.

Hope this helps some!

John

[Kufu]

I always design my sites for 800X600. A fair number of users out there still use that resolution, so one has to keep that in mind when making a site.