[oclug] Which video card???

[Hugh Campbell]

I am looking for advice here.

I want to order a new home system for myself, and don't know what video 
card to get.  I have always wanted to set up dual head, and was thinking I 
would get a Matrox Millenium G550 Dual Head (about $160 right now) 
(though presumably I could just put in two standard video cards to achieve 
the same thing).

The only reason I question my thinking is because there is so much talk 
about nVidia.  Why are they so popular, despite being closed source?  Is it 
because they really good and really cheap??

I am really averse to getting something with closed source drivers.  As 
recently as last night, the mplayer (thanks Vic) FAQ is still talking about 
outstanding issues with nVidia drivers.

I want accelerated video, though I am no gamer, and 3D is not really an issue 
for me.  It would be nice to be able to run a flight simulator for Linux about 
once a year, but other than that, 3D is o biggie for me.  I just want good, fast, 
well-supported video.

What do people recommend?  ATI? Matrox? NVidia?  Something else?  

All opinions gratefully received.  Thanks.

Hugh Campbell