I've had many monitor configurations over the years, including a three monitor setup that included a 30" cinima display. To be honest, it was more distracting

I've had many monitor configurations over the years, including a three monitor setup that included a 30" cinima display. To be honest, it was more distracting than it was worth. I'd go to the coffee shop with just my laptop and come back with tons of stuff done. A single laptop screen (or single medium-sized desktop monitor) means you only have one place to focus. With two monitors, I always ended up having "distractions" like twitter, email, RSS, etc. there to pull me away. I love my current 15" macbook pro but I also loved my 13" macbook pro when travelling. Depending on how much you travel, I'd go with either of those and no monitor and get into immersive environments instead of nailing yourself to a desk.