Monitor Question

[RamGad]

I've seen this question asked before on this forum, but since deals and technology are always changing thought there'd be some value in an updated answer. I have a basic Compaq with a Pentium and a 8x Nvidia Geforce Pci video card that enables me to use dual monitors. Unfortunately, the pixel size only allows me to play one table on one monitor and 2 on the other on the lowest setting. I want to be able to play 3-4 tables on one screen (Party) and do other things on the other.

So, here's the question: What would be the cheapest monitor I could use in tandem with one of my current crt monitors to accomplish this task? Also, is bulk the only difference btw. lcd and crt monitors? I saw a 19 incher crt and office max for $279. Truth is, I'd rather just get a flat screen because I'd have to buy a new desk if I got one of those bulky ones. If anybody knows of any great deals that make 3-4 tables on a $200 flat screen possible that would be great. Thanks so much in advance to any replies.

[ayecappy]

you will not be able to get a tft that does 1600x1200 which is minimum for party 4 tables for $200. Most 19" crt's does 1600x1200 but usually with a poor refreshrate (75hz or lower) and the tables get very small on a 19".

[RamGad]

Hey, thanks so much for the response. So, what do most of you guys have a setup then? Are 2 17" lcds the most popular economical setup. Also, I was thinking of eventually getting a labtop. Maybe I should just get one now, and use it as my main monitor and buy a 21" lcd as a sidecar. (would that fit 4 tables?) One more question, what is a tft? Thanks again guys.

[Freakin]

TFT is thin-film-transistor. It is the technology used in current LCDs. Whatever screen or laptop you get, it MUST support 1600x1200 resolution if you want to 4-table party with no overlap. The most economical way to do this is to buy two 19" CRTs that support 1600x1200 (which you can get for under $200 each brand new) and get two video cards (or one dual head) that supports 1600x1200. Most of the big winning players on here prefer the Dell 2001FP flatscreen. It is a 20.1" flatscreen that can do 1600x1200. You will have a near impossible time (read: impossible) finding a 17" LCD that does 1600x1200. That dell lcd is usually around $600, so it's not cheap. But i've heard it's worth every penny. I've got a 19" CRT that is less than 6 weeks old, and I am going to be replacing it with a Dell 2001FP in the next month or so. Oh, and I believe the laptop screens that can do 1600x1200 are labeled as UXGA, but I may be wrong on this

Freakin