I've tested the -ne command line option on quite a few RTW installs now.
Most of the time, it works without a hitch. The advantages are:
1. You can do several things at one, easily (no graphics load time when task switching)
2. You can see other windows & data at the same time.
3. You can use the taksbar on the left (or top), with the "Auto-hide" option to quickly get to other tasks.
4. Native resolution for LCDs (run RTW at 1024x768 in an LCD 1280x1024 desktop or 1280x800 laptop)
5. Native resolution in LCD results in faster, smoother RTW gameplay, since graphic card must not calculate as much data (e.g., framerates are up, or quality can be increased)
Disadvantages are:
1. Does not always work (hardware, OS, and driver dependent)
2. Cannot control window itself
3. Mouse behaves strangely in some machines, esp. laptops
4. The window might be annoying for some people
5. The window is anchored in the top left corner (no choice)
As example, this is my "normal" command line for an LCD desktop monitor, running RTW in 1024x768 on a 1280x1024 screen:
F:\WinPgms\Games\RTW\1.2\RomeTW.exe -nm -ne -show_err -enable_editor