How can I connect a laptop to dual screen external monitors?

You should only run a monitor at its native resolution to avoid fuzziness. The resolution of the external monitor doesn't have to be the same as that of the built-in display. For instance, according to the http://www.apple.com/macbookair/specs.html, it supports:Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colorsYou should be able to find similar specs for the PC models you're looking at.

If you get the Macbook Air, it'll work with a 30" monitor, but you'll need to get an adapter, specifically a Mini Displayport to Dual-link DVI adapter (unless you get Apple's own crazy-expensive 27" monitor). IIRC, it costs about $200. My wife has a relatively old Macbook driving a 30" this way, and it works fine. There are a number of adapters for running multiple screens off a laptop. http://www.google.com/#q=one+laptop+2+external+monitors&hl=en&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=shop&ei=raB8T4umMefM2gXgxIm3DA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=6&ved=0CDMQ_AUoBQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.,cf.osb&fp=dd9d3969fef11b46&biw=1142&bih=1103.

http://ask.metafilter.com/207993/Monitors-that-look-like-apple-monitors, and how it's reasonably-priced for the resolution (unless you hate hate glossy screens). Especially since it's actually a Thunderbolt connector so you can daisy-chain other Thunderbolt devices (or SCSI, with an adapter). I'd get that and an Air.

Yeah, the Air + large external monitor thing works great. Note that Thunderbolt is not strictly necessary; Thunderbolt is plug compatible with "Displayport", a much more common / cheaper interface you'll find on most new monitors. Thunderbolt adds data, though, which is awfully nice if you only want to plug in a single cable and then be able to have USB, etc off the monitor. Dual-link DVI will also work and Displayport is basically DVI in another form factor. But if you're buying a new monitor get one with Displayport, it's easier to deal with. Running two monitors off a laptop is awkward. Frankly I wouldn't even try it, but presumably you could do it with some sort of USB video adapter.

I have a MacBook pro, but the same thing works with a MacBook air: 1) set computer on desk next to thunderbolt display. 2) plug thunderbolt display into computer. Done. Disconnecting it is the reverse. It works fine, the thunderbolt display has a 2560x1440 resolution and looks great. You can either leave the laptop open and use it as one screen next to the big display, or close it and just use the big display (you need an external keyboard and mouse for this, but you can use Bluetooth devices or plug them into the USB ports on the back of the display).

dock it as in use a laptop docking station ? How many video outputs (and of what type) are there on the laptop or docking station ? What's the video processor on the laptop like (and RAM). The first determines how many things you can connect, the second for what resolutions are available.

OK the MAcAir can power a 30 inch external monitor. Cool. @k5.user: The small laptops I mentioned dont have proprietary docking stations, I meant docking on my desk ad hoc, disconnecting USB and external monitor cables as I go! :) That said the Ausus and Samsung have mini-HDMI output ports and the Asus has a second mini-VGA port. @schnitengruben: What you have set up sounds like what I am looking to do. I know my way around specs - a little bit - I cant seem to figure out if the Asus or Samsung can DO what you have set up, what I want to do.

The hot thing these days is a Macbook Air hooked up to one Thunderbolt display. No MBAs will run two monitors, IIRC, and I think it requires at least a 15" MBP, if not a 17".

The two monitors vs one is just a screen real estate issue - I use two now in a Windows environment just to have multiple programs open and accessible but can change to Mac easy. What I was hoping to get was if the resolution of the external monitor(s) was sharp enough for everyday use on email, quickbooks, browsing. And I see that the Air can handle it nicely up to 30 inches but I cant seem to find out how the Asus or Samsung will fare.