1280x1024 makes no sense to me

[SPeedY_B]

...it really bugs me when games do not provide the 4:3 equivelant; 1280×960, so you have to jump all the way up to 1600×1200 and if the game does not run smoothly at that res you have to drop all the way back down to 1152×864. 1280×960 is essential to provide in games as it provides a midpoint between the highest resolution and a medium sized resolution with standard ratios...

You should try finding games that support widescreen then