I want to just see the sample pic for absurdres

When looking at huge pictures I only want to see the sample picture because I am lazy and don't like to scroll horizontally. Is there any way to do this short of logging out and clearing cookies?

My Account -> Settings -> Resize Images [✔].

Is that what you're looking for?

The "Show Image Samples" option there is the one he wants, I think.

It could be either. If he wants smaller file sizes (load the separate sample image instead of the original image), then he wants "Show Image Samples". If he merely wants to avoid horizontal scrolling (same image, but resized to fit your browser's width), he wants "Resize Images". Or he could want both I guess.