I am currently thinking about what I am going to put in my new system.
I do really like the look of the 9800SE, however it does not support dual display right? While the 9600XT AIW does. I am looking to do alot of development work both Web and C++ as such I really think dual moniter display will be the way to go.
So what is best my best option? this is for a system i`m doing in January.
Buy a XP2500 before they are locked and a 9800SE NOW and keep them to use in February with a nice 18inc TFT. (you think the display area will be good enough to really multi task? with a few windows open)
Or
Wait a while and get whatever CPU is good in February and whatever GPU and a couple of 17-19 CRTS.
What do you think? Of course i am still kinda hopin I can pick up bargin 9800 AIW Pro while i am in China! (but i doubt it)


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(AFAIK) the only AIW that supports dual display is the 9600 series as they use the newest version of AIW. 9800SE/9800PRO_AIW use the older version, IIRC the same version implimented in the 9000_AIW days. If you don't need/want AIW then all other modern Radeons should support dual display, only some 8500 didn't because they used DVI-D instead of the now common DVI-I.
It may already be a lottery to find an unlocked XP2500+, chances will be virtually nill come Feb though. The 9800SE is only good if you know it uses 256bitDDR and 380/340 clocks (seems most do). Even then it's no better than 9600PRO/XT. Basically the 9600 are superior in their design and o/c well but of course only the 9800SE stands a chance of being modded to a full 9800PRO. It pretty much evens out. I'd certainly advise to WAIT if you don't need anythign until Feb, there should be much better £150ish offerings out around then, after all the 9800SE & 9600XT are still largely inferior to the 9500PRO released nearly a year ago!
A 17" TFT gives you the same display area as a 19" CRT so is plenty, just rem to check the TFT's native res is suitable for you and rem to get 20ms response time if you want to game or watch video.


So you have CRT+DVI with an adaptor? That should mean you can either run dual CRT displays or 1xCRT+1xLCD.