When your are still in Text mode, try to go to Xconfiguratior $ xconfigurator or might be $ setup, either one and go to the resolution settings. You may want to autoprobe your LCD device of your Dell Latitude. If it is succesfull, you can set your X Resolution to somewhere around 1024x768 or 1280x1264 Etc. I use 1024x768 on my IBM T20 Works well with me.. give a try post the result. If the Resolution doesnt get compatible try to go to much more lesser volume of X Resolution. Im sure you can play around with it.