When everyone started buzzing about dual monitors, the big question on my mind was, (1) what's the point?, and (2) why not just buy a big widescreen LCD monitor?  Boy, did I have a LOT to learn!

First, there are the benefits of using dual monitors: you can view multiple documents or web site pages simultaneously without having to toggle from window to window or application to application, which can be a huge timesaver if you do much work in Word, Excel, or any Web development or graphics software.

You can configure your monitors to act as one large monitor so you can drag pages from one "side" of the screen to the other as if the two screens were one very wide screen, or you can use them as two independent screens. The choice is as simple as right-clicking on your desktop, selecting "properties", then "settings", then click on the box with the numeral "2" in it and either select the option "Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor" (to use both monitors as a single desktop space), or don't (to use them independently).

Of course, nothing is ever quite THAT easy.  You do need to either add a second video card, or make sure the video card you have has two ports (usually one for the older SVGA cable, and one for the newer DVI connector).  There are two ways to go.  You can either keep your existing card and add a second (for this, I recommend going to CNET to watch the video on installing a video card), or you can buy yourself a new video card right here on eBay for next to nothing (as I did), and make sure you pick up an SVGA-to-DVI adapter cable if neither of your monitors has a DVI connector.  Total cost: maybe fifty bucks, if you are patient and keep looking for a couple weeks until you find a great price.

Here's more good news about going "dual" with your monitors ... you do NOT need to have matched monitors.  You do not need to have flatscreens.  You do not need to have LCDs.  In fact, I managed to get a great deal on a couple Sony 21" flatscreens right here on eBay for a stunningly low price.  I paid less for two A+ condition 21" flatscreens than I would have for one 15" LCD.  Having owned both, I can tell you an LCD is very nice, but for the money, I'd go with the larger, heavier monitors every time. Yes, they are large and take up more desktop space, but for my needs, size was more important than having the latest and coolest technology.

If you've ever had to work between two documents -- referring to a spreadsheet or flowchart as you create a Word document or slide presentation, you know how nice it is to be able to see both your working document and your reference document at the same time.  Likewise, if you work in multiple applications such as graphics and development software, or networking and database management applications; again, it's no mental stretch for you to imagine how useful it is to be able to see more and switch windows less.

So what about just getting the great big widescreen LCD monitor?  I can answer this with one word: price.  The LCD equivalent of the monitor configuration I now have (two 21" monitors) is well into the $3000-$5000 range.  I paid less than $300 for everything, including the montors, video card, and the extra cables I wanted here on eBay by doing my research and being patient in waiting for the right price.

If you can afford a pair of ultrasharp LCD monitors, by all means, GO FOR IT!  I have used both Dell and IBM/Lenovo versions of these monitors, and they wonderful.  They are easier on the eye in terms of fatigue, they're lighter weight, and take up far less desk space.  Most can also be purchased with adapter stands specifically designed for dual monitor configurations.  There's no question these are the Rolls Royces of monitors, but they are not MANDATORY if you want to take advantage of dual monitor computing.

Use the monitor you already have. Acquire a second monitor -- any type you prefer will work.  The important factor is the video card and making sure your card and your cords are compatible.  There are workarounds for virtually everything (such as the SVGA-to-DVI adapter cord I mentioned above).

The skill level required to complete the dual monitor configuration yourself is "basic".  If you can open your PC case and identify your video card, unscrew it, pull it out, and replace it, you can do this.  The whole process takes about twenty minutes once you have your parts assembled and you are ready to begin work.

One final piece of advice for those who have never taken on a project like this before: make sure the video card you buy is NOT an "OEM" card.  "OEM" stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer", and typically means it comes without an instruction manual or any of the cords or adapters you may need.  You want the "RETAIL" version of the video card ... or a guarantee that the necessary cables, adapters, documentation, and warranty papers will be included.

Is there really that big a difference between computing with dual monitors and a single monitor, or is this just another vanity fad?  The answer to that question depends on how you use your computer.  You really don't need dual monitors for basic Web surfing, household budgets, and simple office tasks.  When you regularly work on multiple applications at the same time -- especially if they are enterprise-level or memory-intensive or complex applications or documents, the dual monitor configuration is very nearly a "must" for you, and will literally save you hours of time just juggling your multiple applications and documents.