I think the linking can be done thru software, so no need to connect them together in a external fashion. But think of this, if you are planning on just getting two of them, why not spend the extra on a 1010lt, its "just" another $70-100??? I know funds may not allow it now, but save for an extra month or two or three if you have to. Of course you could always get the 2496 now, and add a 1010 later, as the m-audio software allows for four of their cards to be added to one computer.
But yes if you use software sync, you will have the connections for 4 analog channels and 2 stereo digital inputs with two 2496's.