If you indeed NEED all those windows open simultaneously, then screen real estate is the issue - not CPU. All of that software and all those active windows will run very comfortably on a 1GHz/1GB machine - that was the point - trading software doesn't necessitate a portable teraflop machine. But if you really need all those windows simultaneously visible, then even a 17" 1600x1200 notebook resolution might be challenged. However, you shouldn't presume that every trader needs all those windows - e.g., when trading the S&P you don't need L2, position and profit monitor always visible isn't a requirement, order entry window can pop up when needed (if it's not available from the charts), NEEDing an IM window active (let alone an always visible one) is by no means a given, browser windows can be popped up if you need them, not sure why you listed more than one item for charting software, an ET window (?) - that's just a browser pop it up when you need it, the email program doesn't need to be visible at all times (it'll alert you when mail arrives), not sure what W2K/WXP "system status" windows you're thinking of but can't think of any that you'd ever have to have visible. Anyway, it's the charting and analytic functions that will place the highest demand on the CPU. Browsers are pathetically low CPU, same with all the other items you mentioned. The important consideration is that # of windows and screen real estate requirements do NOT equate to power of machine, only the size of display. So anyway, the point was that a 12-14 pound brick wasn't essential in order to trade while on the road - you can easily power considerable charting and analytic needs with a 1GHz/1GB machine and have an ultraportable package. Different traders, different strokes.
It's about the same. I have several laptops and it seems to be right about in the middle of the noise trap.
Excellent points all the way through! Having now used the "brick" on the road, I could easily say that my older 1GHz units are capable of handling the matters at hand. Yes, it is overkill on my part here.
very well said. very well said, and I don't take offense at how it was interpreted, atlthough it appears I didn't clarify myself sufficiently. You're right, all those windows that are not directly related to trading would and do remain minimized, it was their usage in tandem that posed many a problems to the cpu. Two solutions you mentioned are correct: 1) memory size of 1GB -- which until recently this summer was cost prohibitive, if the machine could accommodate it 2) 1Ghz machines operate sufficiently fast to handle such a load, and especially if they are of the P4 variety or faster (i.e. 2.2Ghz, etc) What is reassuring is knowing that someone else has made those very light laptops (feather weights) work well under such stress. I would never opt for a machine over 8lbs/9lbs. Those 12lbs+ machines are really teraflop'ers, as you mentioned. Another excellent point was those who have shifted their focus over to futures (Emini trading) over their previous origins in NASD/NYSE trading, so in that sense, certainly having those associated windows open would not apply. In fact, that reminds me, that so many equity traders who have left off trading stocks primarily for the EMini's had similar comments of no longer needing the most robust machines and being so worn down from so much going on whilest trading. Pat Systems J Trader and similar applications are vastly more simplified than the superior DA platforms (direct access trading software). My comments are totally valid when the DA platform is SLK's Redi software, which is such a hog on resources; those statements are not so critical with the more efficient platforms like CyberX, Ameritrade, Hammer or other more current and efficiently written platforms. So there is validity to my statements. Of curious note though, which mfgr provided the 17" with 1600x1200? I would be interested in that. The largest screen size with that configuration was Sony's Vaio 16.1" and more commonly available with so many other mfgr's in the 15.4" and 15" formats. I would like to know.
Yes, they did not NEED me. Four years ago I sold myself and my company support services, off-site data warehousing, along with other maintenance offerings which allowed them to reduce the need for a larger in-house IT staff and more equipment. Recently, they mentioned to me that they would be undertaking a search in a few months to see about laptop upgrades and I jumped on the chance to make the case for HP, Compaq, or Toshiba units as an additional service that I could offer the firm (I felt that I could speak from experience since those are the units that I am using). You know, offer the client more than he expects or can get elsewhere for his $$. Since I have been advising them on hardware and software products for the last four years, they thought this was a good way of reviewing and making a sound decision. You really do need to be careful with the word "never." There are many consultants who do offer assistance with those types of decisions as a side benefit to a client. Whether you choose to believe it or not. And, who said anything about brokerage firms? While I do have a couple as clients, this particular one is not one of them. They do what they do well, and they decided to leave a good portion of the computer expertise requirements to someone else. It has proven to be a very cost effective arrangement for them. And that was the intended bottom line. If the service/costs were not what they desired/needed, they could easily replace me with more in-house resources. In spite of this ability, they have renewed the annual contract now for a fifth year. If a few of those NYC tech's would price their services better maybe they too could find clients. My NY staff consists of four of those tech's who couldn't find work. They now service my 24 NY clients very well. And I am sure that we might have a bit to do with some of those out of work types who's firms trimmed the IT staff and expenses by outsourcing their duties. Lastly, please excuse me for the thread drift to HP from Sager. I Ass-U-Me-d that the thread starter (Runningbear) desired viable options and opinions ("All Feedback Appreciated") on all types of hardware also. Clearly, I must be wrong.
hey, a kindred brother in arms... no offense taken, non suggested. NEVER... glad to hear of your success in the midst of all so many less than desirable outcomes from oh, yet again, so many techs, especially in the NYC market. the equation is vastly more complex than pricing as an issue, as the impact of what to do with ever so many off visa imports from who-cares-where (basically other than the US based colleges and US based citizens) as well as the "preferences" and "steering" issues oh so prelevant in technology, and probably in just about every industry plays far more a deleterious effect than just pricing of services. Let's face it, the Devry's, ABC Tech Schools, Colleges and such never (yes never) intended to compete with imported talent from all over the world, where the training is so heavily subsidized, and the resources are almost unlimited, and so the preparation that US based citizens receive in their degrees and preparation for these jobs was NEVER designed to compete on those terms. In the real world, facing that as H1B Visa imports at 1/3 the salary has created more bitterness and frustration in this business than we could document, when I was at a leading Managerial Consulting Firm. Yes, many firms are more than happy to defer their decision making processes to outside consultants as they no doubt have more access to more current materials. Congradulations for being the one to pick up that spot. I learned a lot with the devergence to the HP Pavilion series, as well as the comments on the Toshiba 4lbs laptop, and have taken a closer look at my sourcing need, also. So, we all have benefited from this thread. happy trading
I think they said the sager was 17" (1600x1200) and the HP mentioned earlier, but they're 13-14 pound bricks. You can get a 15" version from Toshiba with that high res with a 2.2GHz P4M processor and up to 1GB RAM that also has external display resolution of up to 2048x1536 that weighs less than 7 pounds for under $1700 - here's a link to the specs http://www2.dealtime.com/xPF-Toshiba_Satellite_Pro_6100_PS610U_NGYSG7
To each their own - that's why there are choices - I prefer the accupoint to touchpads. But that's why different manufacturers use different mechanics. If they get to where they can offer the tablet convertables with P4Ms and in an ultraportable profile, that'd probably be my new preference. They need to step up the work over the last kinks in organic LED displays
Hmm, just a little browsing on eBay this morning (11:40 central) turned up this gem: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3438960468&category=42198 Seems good pricing can be found with a little bit of hunting. Bump up the RAM (also eBay) here and you've got a top notch brick too!