here's my setup:
XP, classic mode. no desktop background, turquoise color?
(2) 24" monitors (though 19" i was fine with as well).
they're dells, but with the samsung design underneath. they're also the kind which area bunch more expensive because they have a wider viewing angle; i think they're about $700 each?
settings 1920*1200.
long ago, when i had one of the older monitors, i'd have to stop trading every 30-40 minutes because my eyes would get tired. when i went with the samsung flat screen, everything changed.
oh, also, i have them about 3 feet away from me.