a very hard answer for a simple question

I've researched this a bunch, and I've had a hard time finding a definite answer - however, its probably different for everybody and probably depends on your audience, content and the design of your site

overall, I've concluded the following:
now, the majority of surfers use 1024x768 or higher, although many still use 800x600

HOWEVER, it is my understanding that even thought surfers with 1024x768 resolution have larger window possibilities, they typically don't maximize the window as they probably did with 800x600

in terms of web design, it looks like a lot of people are adopting widths of 900 pixels, placing a non essential content column on the right hand side

hope this helps :angel: