One Bigger LCD Monitor or Dual "Smaller" Monitors

I am probably going to buy a new HP Pavilion Elite HPE-180t. Feel free to tell me you already have one, its a great computer, etc.

What I am struggling with are monitor choices and your input is appreciated.

• First decision: A single bigger monitor say 25" or two smaller say 21". Dual monitor requires a video card with two dvi outputs
  
• Second decision: When using dual monitors how helpful is it to use two identical monitors? My assumption is this while not required is highly desirable.

While I was typing this message I did a thorough search of Newegg. It appears cheaper to buy a better video card supporting dual dvi's from Newegg than from HP.

I don't think I am ready to jump on a premium 25 inch LCD monitor without researching them. Unless there is a consensus that different dual monitors is really a neat cool thing to do, I probably will order the computer without a monitor.

fyi - the affordable monitor offered with the system is HP 2159m for $145 plus tax and possibly shipping.

You input on one big vs two small, dual monitors is appreciated. Thanks.

i think a single big monitor is better. i tried dual monitor for gaming and i didnt like it because it split right down the middle and cut my character in half. unless you are planning to have 1 monitor for gaming and the other for things like wiki or something.

id recommend triple monitor for gaming so you have 1 center screen and the other 2 just make it bigger. (but you're not considering triple so yeah :P)

also if you have a good computer you wouldn't really mind minimizing gw for other programs.

just my 2 cents (:

+1 for single, big monitor

it is not the size of the monitors that matter, its how you use them if you are a multi-tasker as in playing a game (or multiple copies of it) while working and surfing the net it is probably a good idea to use 2. one thing to also consider is that win7 makes it easy to split your windows on half of the screen simply by dragging to side you wish to have your window on. I used to work online and played a lot so i used a multi set up. since i am not working in that particular field anymore i have no use for 2 and settled for a nice wide screen lg. so if you are just gaming and maybe surfing the net may as well save the money and stick with one. hope this can help you in any way.

One is better. Some games don't allow 2+ screens, all games allow big screens.

And like MrGuildBoi said, it just looks ugly with the borders cutting the screen in half. Not to mention it might be tad hard to target something directly in the middle of screen...

2 Big screens if you have the money!

I've got 1 24" monitor atm, but planning to buy a second 24". So I can play GW/other games while chatting with friends, browsing wiki's etc.

personally, im of the opinion that 2 is always better than one. you can pick up a couple 19" flat panels fairly cheaply these days (which is what I use).
the ability to have access to multiple items without having to flip out of the game is good especially when you just need to look something up quickly.

One big monitor is good, im using a 24 and 22 here. 24 for gaming and 22 for others since games i play dont splan across 2 screens. I however, prefer to have multiple screens because its easier to multi-task and i do some intensive coding from time to time.

I dont know what your budget is like since you didnt' state it. But i say, get one big screen for now be it 24/25 inch its fine. Later on, if you feel that you are in need for more monitors just buy another one.

If you want to play game in high res, you are going to need a good graphic card to drive it. IMO, graphic cards are cheaps these days for some decents ones like AMD 58xx series and they are coming in dual DVI, some even come in display port and that let you hook up to 3 monitors!