If you use Remote Desktop (also known as RDP or Terminal Services), the client software can sometimes set an unconventional display resolution.
For example, mstsc.exe
will only present standard resolutions, but Mocha RDP (lite and full versions) for the iPhone offer a non-standard resolution that fits the iPhone 1, 3G, and 3G[S] screen perfectly in landscape orientation (I am unsure if it supports the Retina display). I'm sure there are other apps out there that will do the same.
Also, in this case, it doesn't need to be a resolution your computer's monitor or graphics card can support. The resolution on the computer screen will stay set at your normal settings. However, it will show the locked or change user screen, and if you log back in, it will kick out the remote connection.
Also, this is only available in XP Professional, Windows Vista Business/Ultimate, and Windows 7 Professional/Enterprise/Ultimate, or Windows Server 2003 and newer. You cannot connect to a computer running XP Home, Vista Home Basic/Home Premium, or Windows 7 Starter/Home with Remote Desktop (however you can connect FROM these editions with the possible exception of Windows 7 Starter). Also, only one user can be logged on at a time (with the exception of Windows Server with a Terminal Services license). If someone else logs in (as you or any other user), you will be disconnected.
In Windows Server 2003 and newer, you can install the "Terminal Services" role, which allows multiple users to be logged in and active simultaneously over Remote Desktop, plus one active user logged on to the actual physical computer. However, the license for this is very expensive (however there is a 120-day grace period which you could use to test it out and make sure it works the way you need it to).
There are other ways to remotely work with your computer, but as far as I know, only the Remote Desktop feature built-in to Windows will let you use a different resolution than is already in use.
I think a fair amount of applications would be completely unusable at that resolution. There are remote solutions that offer a good experience even when you can't see the whole screen. Logmein Ignition is pretty good on Android. – Fosco – 2011-03-14T03:37:40.080
I think so too, but why not give it a try. I don't have Android. – Juan – 2011-03-14T16:48:02.433