Reg, Thanks for the reply. Jeffrey3,,, #1 i havent any idea other than calling compaq or running a search at a web site of the monitors brand name. #2 Good question! .. exactly my problem. i actually ordered a dell 8300 w/ati raydeon 9800 card, and there new 17in flatpanel monitors, (analog), yesterday. After the salesman said i could have the dual monitor system,,he said "Oh ,,wait a minute, i'll need to call tech support and make sure what I ordered will work" LOL,,that was yesterday,,and i'm still waiting for his response back to me. Sooo,,,i'm thinking of cancelling the order. I'm going to call dell an try to get a supervisor or manager on the phone. After these pc companies take your money,,its alot harder to get ahold of them, so make sure you know exactly what u need and that it will work. Good luck.
Joeboy If BOTH of your monitors are analog, then purchase the DVI-VGA adaptor that Dell sells for $10 (part # 320-0456). If both are digital or one is digital and the other one analog, then you won't need the adaptor.
Not sure if Dell offers the Matrox Parhelia card, but this card will run three monitors...It came out last fall and I had it installed, however not thru Dell...It's price has been dropping for a few months and is a reasonable price for the product offered...
My dell salesman emailed me,,he said the new 17in flat panels are going to work with the dual monitor support (the adaptor , i take it). So, i am going to wait for the system to arrive. Thx again for all the help here! Joeboy