#use hwinfo to find out the mode number for your choice of resolution
sudo apt-get install hwinfo
sudo hwinfo --framebuffer | grep 1440x900


#scroll to the end of /boot/grub/menu.lst
#add 'vga=SOME_MODE_NUMBER' to the end of the 'kernel' line
kernel          /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.15-26-server root=/dev/hda1 ro quiet splash vga=0x0336

#reboot into new config
sudo shutdown -r now

http://crunchbang.org/archives/2007/10/10/changing-bootup-and-console-screen-resolutions/

1440x900 (24 bit) display resolution for Ubuntu Server

server, linux, ubuntu

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