Thumbnail preview from a table (or list) of links

Thumbnail hover list

[ghause]

I have a single column table of links, this can be changed to a list if necessary. Each link opens a pdf in a new window.

I need to provide a thumbnail preview on :hover of each of the links. There are two problems.

1. The table is long and it is possible that it starts below the fold. So the thumbnail needs to be positioned relative to the item whose hover action triggered its visibility.

2. The site is fixed width and centered. See #1.

I really have no idea how to begin here. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[lavazza]

This might be over-kill...

[webmasterworld.com...]
CSS span hover popups

But (hopefully) it might also give you some ideas - and, as you'll see, there are some rather clever and helpful people around here who are both willing and able to help