If you are sitting right in front of it when you view, I would not worry about duals being an issue for movies. I enjoy having a movie on one screen while I am working on the other.
Granted the "black bar" can be obnoxious, if you allow it to annoy you, but for me this is of no consequence.
This also gives you seperation for programs with independant viewports, as well as a place to put programs that you need to monitor. This way you dont have to fight for space with yourself...you already have a monitor designated for your tasks. I have an Ergotron dual LCD stand that is very nice, and it gives me the adjustment needed for my desk. So I game
on one while I can still monitor apps on the other.
You can also get away with less video card if you are a gamer...that is unless you dont mind wasting a decent amount of your extra screen area because your vid card cannot push your 24".
I love my dual 19". After reading the thread on 24" monitors, issues and requirements, I am glad I went with dual 19"s. Further, the pixelation issue is way blown out of proportion.
Granted I have very nice quality LCDs, you have to be within 9-12" to see this pixelation. I stay 2'+ away most of the time, so this is NOT an issue. I do however, get more viewing area.At 1280x1024, the extra 2" counts for quite a bit, and it is easier on the eyes.]
Overall, if you are on a budget but you want the widescreen bonuses, I suggest dual 20.1s or whatever. They are a tiny bit shorter than a 19" LCD, they have higher RES @1600x1200
I believe, and you get the aspect ratio you seem to want for movies. A bit more real estate too.