To really appreciate how large my new desktop (computer desktop, that is) is, you should check out these two pictures:

Here's the empty desktop with a task bar.

Here's the desktop being used with a couple programs open. I had an image with even more stuff running but I realized a few programs that revealed my secret identity were visible. Hence, less applications in this picture than I could have shown.

1600x1200 gives you tons of space to work with...but if I ever run out I can pick up another monitor and double my area without getting a separete video card. Planning ahead didn't even cost me extra.