Replacing Alienware m7700 LCD Screen

I recently damaged my Alienware m7700 LCD screen beyond repair. I am looking to replace, but going directly through the manufacturer (who I am very displeased with, by the way) would cost way more than finding a screen and doing it myself. I have done some research and have these questions:

1) My computer's invoice lists the monitor as "17" UXGA+". However, according to Wikipedia and other sources, UXGA+ does not seem to be a viable resolution. Alienware's nomenclature must be different. I assume they mean WUXGA, correct?

2) I have been told by one parts supplier that the screen must be replaced by another LCD screen with the exact size and resolution specifications of the original. However, I read an article that someone had upgraded their Toshiba laptop screen with a higher resolution screen. Is it possible I can replace my screen with a screen of a different resolution?

3) It has been hard to come across a good supplier for my specific size/resolution of screen. I've checked out a few resources that came up when I searched "m7700 LCD replacement" on Google, and I've done the same with eBay. The prices range vastly from $150 to $600 or more, so I have no idea which screen is the correct compatible choice. Any suggestions on where to find a good supplier for these?

Any other input would be greatly appreciated. I know little about screen resolutions, or replacing laptop parts for that matter.

Thank you,
Allen

The problem is that the m7700 is a laptop, it's more of a matter of a screen that will fit and hook up properly than of resolution. Graphics cards can support multiple resolutions, assuming that the monitor's native resolution isn't higher than the GPU's max resolution

I have never done this, and this is all theory for me