No, they can't show a higher resolution then their native maximum resolution. (They can show parts of the higher resolutions, but the screen won't show all there is.. much like with old monitors in a higher res than supported).

But most modern LCDs can show at least up to 1280x1024 though which is often more than enough. The Samsung 226BW can show up to 1680x1050 widescreen resolution and some bigger LCDs can show even higher but those are more expensive.

Personally I really don't think you miss out on anything not being able to see higher resolutions than 1680x1050. Most games do support up to 1600x1200, but like I said.. LCDs monitors that can show those resolutions are both big and really expensive. The Samsung 226BW is probably the best buy when it comes to performance, quality and price/value though,

Cheers