Need input on the best way to go about setting up a 3-monitor system for work. My primary use will be Word documents, reviewing Adobe PDF documents, and Internet browsing. No gaming, and limited (if any) video viewing. I would like to be able to view a full page on each screen. I plan to run each of the monitors in portrait aspect ratio.

With this in mind, what characteristics should my displays have? (size [I'm thinking 20", but if this is too much or not enough, let me know], aspect ratio [4:3, widescreen, etc.], resolution, inputs, and anything else I should be considering).

Same question for graphics cards (which ones, minimum specs., internal versus external solution, etc.).

Suggestions for specific brands are appreciated. To the extent it matters, please let me know if Vista versus XP environments impacts your recommendations.

Since I don't plan on doing any gaming or graphics-heavy activities, I don't believe I need bleeding-edge technology, just something that gets the job done, and on a budget. Thanks for all suggestions!

You will want your monitors to display things in native resolution, because that gives the clearest text.
20" displays 1680x1050 = 1.7 megapixels
24" displays 1920x1200 = 2.3
30" displays 2540x1600 = 4.1
A typical web page might be 1200x1200 or so. They are usually resizeable.
If you rotate a 20" monitor, you might not get enough width to view the whole page.
a 30" monitor can nicely display two web pages side by side. I used a Samsung 305T which was wonderful in that application. I found the size of the text to be a bit small, however.
If you want portrait mode, verify that the monitor can swivel.

Look for monitors with a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees. Cheaper units will be at 160, causing you to have to reposition your head directly in front of the monitor to avoid seeing it as washed out. With one monitor, it is not such a big deal, but with 3 you need a larger viewing angle. As to the brands, I would look first at Samsung. They make panels used in many other brands, and I suspect that they keep the best ones for themselves.

You can attach two monitors with almost any current vga card. For example, a EVGA 9500GT at $60. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130378
For three or four, you need a second card, and a motherboard with two pci-e slots or a motherboard with integrated graphics. Integrated graphics usually only comes in the micro-ATX sized boards, or server boards.

I think I would look at three 24" monitors in portrait mode. They have enough width to each display a web page, and plenty of depth. Look at the 24" Samsung 245T http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824001246

As an alternative, look at a pair of 30" Samsung 305T displays. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824001098

These monitors are pricey, but don't go cheap here. If you are looking at them many hours per day you need the best quality you can find.

I dont see Vista vs. XP as having any impact on multi monitors. For a new build without the need to support older/obsolete devices, I would go with Vista-64. It is more secure, and will be supported longer.

Depending on the Main Video adapter in your PC (if ATI get the ATI card, if nVidia, get nvidia)

ATI: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814131082
$60 (PCI card, and low profile 2400Pro)(has a $10 MIR)

NV: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130289
$46 (PCI card, low profile EVGA 6200)

Either will do perfectly for your needs (depending on primary graphics)(if you have onboard Intel, either will work)

Excellent response Geo. I dont think anyone could give a better explanation.

I agree with Geo. 3 x 24" monitors would be the perfect fit for you application.

I also suggest looking at Acer monitors. I own 2 x 22" Widescreen monitors, used on the same system, and they are superb.

You can also look into the VESA mounting arms or brackets. Just about every monitor now days has the 100mm or 200mm VESA standard screw holes in the back. This would allow easy mounting.

I am sure if you look hard enough you can find a ATX motherboard that does have integrated graphics, but at the same time I suggest a board with 2 PCI-E x16 slots.

Cheers,

-PM

Thanks all for your replies. This gives me exactly the info I need to move forward.