There are 3 versions of CQG. 1)Software/CQG data 2)CQG Trader 3)Integrated. Software AND front end You may as well have CQG data/software if you're going to use CQG Trader. But if you trust your brokers data then Trader front end is not bad. Take the demo from CQG site. Otherwise CQG trader is similar to what NT can do.
I've used it for a few years and it's a great platform. Caveat: I'm a position trader, so I have no need for millisecond speed or too many bells. I like the platform and the fact that with REFCO you can trade via the software platform and the website. Also you get access to pit products. I heartily recommend the product to position traders. As I do not know the needs of day traders. I can't comment on that market segment. Take the free demo and answer all your questions.