This is partially solved.
It seems that linux has trouble with old displays. High resolution (1280x720) display is disabled if the screen is turned on after the linux kernal booted. I have noticed this phenomena on three different computers with Mandriva, Debian and Ubuntu linux.
So:
1. If you're having problems with high resolution on your linux machine, try booting with your screen turned on.
2. Is this a known bug? Is someone dealing with it?
