Jump to content

Welcome to the new Traders Laboratory! Please bear with us as we finish the migration over the next few days. If you find any issues, want to leave feedback, get in touch with us, or offer suggestions please post to the Support forum here.

  • Welcome Guests

    Welcome. You are currently viewing the forum as a guest which does not give you access to all the great features at Traders Laboratory such as interacting with members, access to all forums, downloading attachments, and eligibility to win free giveaways. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free. Create a FREE Traders Laboratory account here.

wasp

Laptop Shopping

Recommended Posts

Afternoon/mornin'/evenin' all, (wherever you may be!)!

 

I am after a dedicated laptop for trading to support, metatrader, currenex, hotspot and a couple of stand alone broker platforms. NOTHING else; there will be not one music file, nor a picture or anything else.

 

It will be directly wired to the internet at home but I do need to move about so occasionally I will be on wi-fi and occasionally using a wireless card so the internet connection won't always be great, but no reason to not get the best machine still.

 

I was thinking a gaming machine would be best but tbh, tech is not my strong point so could be far from the ideal.

 

It would also be ideally lightweight and all in black! Oh, and a built in webcam plus XP and not vista.

 

I usually buy from these guys but any advice appreciated.

 

http://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/

 

Cheers

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have used a Dell Inspiron notebook for the past year. It has built in wi-fi and it has worked exceptionally well. I don't use it for gaming, though it would probably handle the graphics. No worries with charting software (MetaStock, e-Signal, TradeStation), and never a problem with the internet connection via wireless. It is very fast, and quite lightweight. A nice feature is that you can get a pretty good battery that lasts 5+ hours. It is light weight and has never needed service. Now, I think you can get pretty much any color your want. I would (and will) buy another one.

Eiger

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I know people who repair laptops for a living and service around 4000 a week. So when I was looking around I asked which were the more reliable and they said either Toshiba or Sony. Toshiba is what I have and is cheaper than Sony but the only issue you may have is getting one with XP instead of Vista. I wanted the same so I went out and got one just before you no longer had the choice. I have found it to be great and it is unlikely that you will need one that is spec'd up for gaming. Mine is basic and as long as you keep up the maintenance on it such as defrag, etc you should be fine.

 

 

 

Paul

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My main trading computer (where entries are placed on) is actually desktop 'replacement' aka big laptop. It's a compaq and has done very well. At the time I just got whatever the best stuff was and it's held it's own just fine.

 

Most important thing I found was getting a great graphics card as some trading app's can really use them. I have a laptop that I just play around on and the graphics card is not that great so when I pull up a lot of things, it can slow down even w/ 2 gig of ram in it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
My main trading computer (where entries are placed on) is actually desktop 'replacement' aka big laptop. It's a compaq and has done very well. At the time I just got whatever the best stuff was and it's held it's own just fine.

 

Most important thing I found was getting a great graphics card as some trading app's can really use them. I have a laptop that I just play around on and the graphics card is not that great so when I pull up a lot of things, it can slow down even w/ 2 gig of ram in it.

 

Most people mistakenly attribute slow speed to the graphics card. But in today's computers (and even in laptop models) the usual bottleneck is the hard disk drive. Make you sure get yourself one with 7200RPM and preferably 16Mb buffer SATA-2. For desktops 32Mb buffer is freely available and if you look around a bit you'll find 10000RPM as well which makes a big difference. Not that common amongst laptops though.

 

I would be surprised if you have a laptop that's less than 3 years old that you the GPU is the problem. Unless you have one of those models that use shared memory ofcourse,... Vendors often want to push you towards this or that model with 512Mb memory on the graphics card. But, unless you are planning to play games in 1280x1024 or higher, most of this memory will remain unused and will just cost you more money.

 

Most trading software (charts) and classic office applications hardly require any 'graphic' processing skills. It's plain 2D, Check out the minimum requirements of IB's Trader Workstation. Even a 10-year old computer would still suffice.

 

If you run Vista, it's a different thing though. All the shiny details, the (typical for Web 2.0) glass floor effects, and the transparent windows will put a significant higher load on your graphics card. Even if I had the most powerful laptop around, I'd still prefer XP because I don't need all that stuff and will usually turn even in XP all the templates/colours off and switch basic to a very slim and basic 2000-look.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Careful with the ecn connections - they're pretty bandwidth hungry (at least for the wholesale side of things - may be less for you as I have no idea what / how many prices you'll be getting down the pipe). But I for one would struggle to get them to perform over WiFi I reckon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Cheers guys,

 

All comments taken on board and helping me get the shortlist, shorter!

 

I'll update with the top 3 before I choose, see what you experts think!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I know people who repair laptops for a living and service around 4000 a week. So when I was looking around I asked which were the more reliable and they said either Toshiba or Sony. Toshiba is what I have and is cheaper than Sony but the only issue you may have is getting one with XP instead of Vista. I wanted the same so I went out and got one just before you no longer had the choice. I have found it to be great and it is unlikely that you will need one that is spec'd up for gaming. Mine is basic and as long as you keep up the maintenance on it such as defrag, etc you should be fine.

 

Paul

 

Hi Paul, do you know what their general opinion on HP Compaq workstations are by any chance?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I know that HP Compaq were considered a good brand and last year I purchased an HP Compaq for my Father who has been happy with it so far.

 

 

Paul

 

Hi Paul,

 

Not a big fan of Compaq myself. Owned one before but was it was the worst laptop I ever purchased myself. I actually beat the crap out of it like the printer scene in Office Space. lol

 

This was before HP took over though..

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I recently bought an HP Pavilion that has treated me great so far. You can see the specs on the custom computer vs Best Buy thread. A few members who seemed to know what they are talking about lined me out on the components which I then shopped around to all of the major brands.

HP had by far the best deal at the time, and the computer which runs Vista handles trade station like a dream.

Good luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I recently bought an HP Pavilion that has treated me great so far. You can see the specs on the custom computer vs Best Buy thread. A few members who seemed to know what they are talking about lined me out on the components which I then shopped around to all of the major brands.

HP had by far the best deal at the time, and the computer which runs Vista handles trade station like a dream.

Good luck

 

There's an important difference between HP consumer laptops (Pavilion series) and business laptops (usually still labeled HP Compaq models)...

 

The latter are obviously more expensive, but more has put considerably more time in using high quality components to ensure a longer lifetime. This is not to say the consumer-series is bad - definitely not - but it's aimed at a different segment. The batteries you'll find in a Pavilion usually last 90 minutes to 2 hours tops, while some business models have 3 to 6 hours autonomy.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Cheers guys,

 

All comments taken on board and helping me get the shortlist, shorter!

 

I'll update with the top 3 before I choose, see what you experts think!

 

So give us the top three and we'll vote ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

 

And what are your personal preferences?

(1) screen size

(2) battery life

(3) performance or portability?

 

Because, unless that Toshiba link is wrong, that model seems strange in your "top 3", it only has a 13.3" screen, it uses shared graphics memory (nooo!), and it's a completely different price category really...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
And what are your personal preferences?

(1) screen size

(2) battery life

(3) performance or portability?

 

Because, unless that Toshiba link is wrong, that model seems strange in your "top 3", it only has a 13.3" screen, it uses shared graphics memory (nooo!), and it's a completely different price category really...

 

 

I want (1) 17'' even if it means (2) a spare battery all the time and (3) performance first.

 

The Toshiba I just ran through a ''let us help you choose'' thing this morning so need to re-look into that :shocked:

 

(didn't read through all the spec properly :doh:)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
I want (1) 17'' even if it means (2) a spare battery all the time and (3) performance first.

 

Then it comes down to the HP or the Falcon.

 

Imo the HP wins it, because

 

(a) it has a professional nVidia Quadro FX graphics card, only found in high-end workstations, while the Falcon has a Geforce 8700 which is still one of the fastest cards out there but more of a gamers card.

 

(b) That Falcon company only offers return to base warranty, while HP offers an optional Carepack where you can have Next Business Day Onsite service for 3 years for the ridiculously low price of 76£ ex VAT.

 

© The only thing I see about the Falcon which might interest me, is the possibility to have multiple displays connected. But the HP has one external video output as well, so you can attach one external monitor or a TV screen.

 

(didn't read through all the spec properly :doh:)

 

So you expect us to do the work for you, right? :hmpf:

 

Now, all this advice costs you 10% of the purchase price :o

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/productPage.do?PRODUCT_ID=150236

 

different toshiba....

 

XP reduced my options a ton so its vista :(

 

That kind of changes the picture... this one is incredible value for money imo.

 

I'd give the HP "best laptop" and the Toshiba "best value for money".

 

The HP has a much more professional graphics card.

The Toshiba leaves out the specifics about the hard disk drive (you really need to get a 7200RPM SATA minimum).

 

Finally, the Toshiba has a 17" Widescreen, but it only offers an internal resolution of 1,440 x 900. The HP 17" goes up to 1680 x 1050 or if you go for the Wide Ultra 1920 x 1200 resolution. Now thàt is an amazing res, I can tell you... you won't have trouble putting charts on that screen ;) obviously it'll cost you more...

 

I had an ASUS on my hands once with such a resolution and it's amazing how much information you can put on a screen like that. You need good eyesight though because at 1920x1200 the letters start getting tiny!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Heres my laptop from Toshiba... actually one model older than this but with 4gb of RAM.

 

http://explore.toshiba.com/laptops/qosmio

 

Nice Soultrader! Qosmio's are very multimedia directed, the HP setup is totally business oriented, it's a different target audience... I think both come very close, the Toshiba has the same 1920x1200 resolution, but also HDMI.

 

The only thing I'm surprised about is they deliver these with two hard disks with only 5400RPM. That's a real shame, that's a true bottleneck. I'd throw them out instantly, especially with so much processing power and internal ram you don't want the hard drives slowing you down. The Toshiba also has GDDR2 instead of the faster DDR3 memory. On the other hand, it has a TV tuner and all onboard...

 

Just in case anybody would start to think otherwise, I don't have HP shares. Only pointing out the differences :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Topics

  • Posts

    • Agreed since some of the new traders usually lose money in start and some loses more while chasing their lost money and eventually ends up blaming to their brokers part.
    • The crypto market are also in phase of maturing like the forex and other trading assets so we can do much more accurate analysis than before since early days it was purely a luck if the investments in crypto bears results because most of the coins or tokens never come to fruition. Some early birds were also able to make profits on these tokens or coins. e,g., like turtle coin starts with 1 satoshi and go up to 7 sathoshis, quite good rewards. another token lmgx now hovering at 10 started from 1, 
    • How's about other crypto exchanges? Are all they banned in your country or only Binance?
    • Be careful who you blame.   I can tell you one thing for sure.   Effective traders don’t blame others when things start to go wrong.   You can hang onto your tendency to play the victim, or the martyr… but if you want to achieve in trading, you have to be prepared to take responsibility.   People assign reasons to outcomes, whether based on internal or external factors.   When traders face losses, it's common for them to blame bad luck, poor advice, or other external factors, rather than reflecting on their own personal attributes like arrogance, fear, or greed.   This is a challenging lesson to grasp in your trading journey, but one that holds immense value.   This is called attribution theory. Taking responsibility for your actions is the key to improving your trading skills. Pause and ask yourself - What role did I play in my financial decisions?   After all, you were the one who listened to that source, and decided to act on that trade based on the rumour. Attributing results solely to external circumstances is what is known as having an ‘external locus of control’.   It's a concept coined by psychologist Julian Rotter in 1954. A trader with an external locus of control might say, "I made a profit because the markets are currently favourable."   Instead, strive to develop an "internal locus of control" and take ownership of your actions.   Assume that all trading results are within your realm of responsibility and actively seek ways to improve your own behaviour.   This is the fastest route to enhancing your trading abilities. A trader with an internal locus of control might proudly state, "My equity curve is rising because I am a disciplined trader who faithfully follows my trading plan." Author: Louise Bedford Source: https://www.tradinggame.com.au/
    • SELF IMPROVEMENT.   The whole self-help industry began when Dale Carnegie published How to Win Friends and Influence People in 1936. Then came other classics like Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins toward the end of the century.   Today, teaching people how to improve themselves is a business. A pure ruthless business where some people sell utter bullshit.   There are broke Instagrammers and YouTubers with literally no solid background teaching men how to be attractive to women, how to begin a start-up, how to become successful — most of these guys speaking nothing more than hollow motivational words and cliche stuff. They waste your time. Some of these people who present themselves as hugely successful also give talks and write books.   There are so many books on financial advice, self-improvement, love, etc and some people actually try to read them. They are a waste of time, mostly.   When you start reading a dozen books on finance you realize that they all say the same stuff.   You are not going to live forever in the learning phase. Don't procrastinate by reading bull-shit or the same good knowledge in 10 books. What we ought to do is choose wisely.   Yes. A good book can change your life, given you do what it asks you to do.   All the books I have named up to now are worthy of reading. Tim Ferriss, Simon Sinek, Robert Greene — these guys are worthy of reading. These guys teach what others don't. Their books are unique and actually, come from relevant and successful people.   When Richard Branson writes a book about entrepreneurship, go read it. Every line in that book is said by one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time.   When a Chinese millionaire( he claims to be) Youtuber who releases a video titled “Why reading books keeps you broke” and a year later another one “My recommendation of books for grand success” you should be wise to tell him to jump from Victoria Falls.   These self-improvement gurus sell you delusions.   They say they have those little tricks that only they know that if you use, everything in your life will be perfect. Those little tricks. We are just “making of a to-do-list before sleeping” away from becoming the next Bill Gates.   There are no little tricks.   There is no success-mantra.   Self-improvement is a trap for 99% of the people. You can't do that unless you are very, very strong.   If you are looking for easy ways, you will only keep wasting your time forgetting that your time on this planet is limited, as alive humans that is.   Also, I feel that people who claim to read like a book a day or promote it are idiots. You retain nothing. When you do read a good book, you read slow, sometimes a whole paragraph, again and again, dwelling on it, trying to internalize its knowledge. You try to understand. You think. It takes time.   It's better to read a good book 10 times than 1000 stupid ones.   So be choosy. Read from the guys who actually know something, not some wannabe ‘influencers’.   Edit: Think And Grow Rich was written as a result of a project assigned to Napoleon Hill by Andrew Carnegie(the 2nd richest man in recent history). He was asked to study the most successful people on the planet and document which characteristics made them great. He did extensive work in studying hundreds of the most successful people of that time. The result was that little book.   Nowadays some people just study Instagram algorithms and think of themselves as a Dale Carnegie or Anthony Robbins. By Nupur Nishant, Quora Profits from free accurate cryptos signals: https://www.predictmag.com/    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.