install/59485: sysinst unusable on smaller framebuffer resolutions

[uwe%stderr.spb.ru@localhost]

>Number:         59485
>Category:       install
>Synopsis:       sysinst unusable on smaller framebuffer resolutions
>Confidential:   no
>Severity:       serious
>Priority:       medium
>Responsible:    install-manager
>State:          open
>Class:          sw-bug
>Submitter-Id:   net
>Arrival-Date:   Tue Jun 24 23:05:00 +0000 2025
>Originator:     Valery Ushakov
>Release:        NetBSD 10.1
>Organization:
>Environment:
>Description:
I was trying to install netbsd on an old intel mac mini.  Since x86
doesn't have the usual comforts of a serial console, like most
civilized machines, I had to use a monitor.  I don't have much space
on my table, but luckily I have a cute little 10" monitor that can do
1024x768, so I am using that when I need a monitor for something.

NetBSD install USB boots and attaches intelfb0 and uses it with the
8x16 font for kernel messages.  When it comes to the userland though,
it switches to a font twice as large, b/c of proliferation of hi-res
displays, but at 1024x768 it's only 64x24 terminal and that is not
enough for larger sysinst menus (e.g. paritioning), so sysinst fails
eventually, when you reach one of those.

>How-To-Repeat:
Try to use sysinst on a lower resolution monitor.
>Fix:
May be hi-res workaround in the driver should not be applied if the
resulting terminal will be less than 80 columns?

One can always drop to the shell prompt and do

    wsconsctl -dw font=...

and use either that 8x16 font or may be use appropriately sized
Terminus, so that you get large enough characters, but still at least
80 columns.  So it's not insurmountable for someone familiar with
NetBSD.  But potentially quite confusing to someone new.