Build a dual monitor system for schooling

I am shopping around because I want to replace my 3 year old laptop. I want to go with a desktop with a dual monitor set-up. I don't game, I won't watch movies on it, and all I really do is school and email. I wanted to try and build it myself. I'm not a computer guru by any means but I am an avionics tech on aircraft and have confidence that I can figure it out. I just need some guidance on what parts to buy. I have the monitors picked out, just 2 cheap 20" LCD monitors for $119 each from Newegg. I need some guidance so I don't spend for bells and whistles I don't need. I do however want to make it so that it's not obsolete in a day. Someone at work told me to go with an i3, i5, or i7 processor. Basically here is what i'm looking for, any suggestions as far as a parts list? i would like to try and go through Newegg. thanks for the help.
- dual monitor so i can work on two applications at once, one on each screen
- cheap build but not so cheap it's slow and my 3 year old laptop is better
- the tower will be in a cabinet/desk so will need to make sure it cools well
- i don't game
- should i get a graphics card with two digital outputs?
- would like to upgrade to windows 7 64-bit

thank you again for any input.