Looking to trade off a Laptop while traveling

Quote from Bolimomo:

I am using a HP dv9730us laptop (running Vista) as my primary trading computer. Bought at Fry's for about $800 in March 2008. I like it in general but this laptop had been sent back to manufacturer twice for repair. hard drive problems and motherboard problems. So I am not that confident in HP laptops now.

I also bought another Compaq laptop (still using the Compaq brand name) at about the same time and so far no issue. This one was at a lower price even (about $550 on sale at the time). HP owns Compaq (I thought they don't use the Compaq brand name any more...).

Whenever I travel, I bring both laptops plus 2 external 19-inch or 20-inch LCD monitors to trade from the hotel room. With wi-fi commonly available these days, it's quite convenient. I bring along a LAN switch too in case there is only a landline high-speed internet in the room available. I will share that connection between the 2 laptops.

I suggest that you buy a laptop that supports an external monitor (look for the SVGA outlet on the laptop, usually on the side), and bring an extra monitor with you.

Vista versus XP: I have no problem using Vista only. Perhaps it depends on your trading platform.

My travel tips: When using wi-fi, not all rooms are equal in getting strong signals. Talk to the hotel receptionists to see if they can put you in a room that is closer to the wi-fi routers (they sometimes know based on guest complaints). After checking in the room: test the wi-fi connection before unwinding. Because comes 6:30 am/9:30 am the next morning it is not the time to learn that the wi-fi is only half-working. Bring some extras: power strings, RJ45 cables, mouse, power cords, etc..


i dont understand the importance of an extra monitor, i have condensed ita ll into one screen and should be fine, also it would be cumbersome to have a second monitor traveling thru Europe wouldn't it?


i was thinking of relying on free WIFI as a plan B and getting a World internet care from Verizon as Plan A. does this sound practical?
 
Quote from bespoke:

What kind of traveling are you doing? In a month I'll be backpacking across Asia/Europe/Africa/SA for the next year or so and I'll be trading as much as I can during that time. If you need ultra-portability and the highest possible screen resolution then I suggest a Thinkpad X301 which is what I bought (though I didn't buy it there). Plus it's a Thinkpad so you know it'll be reliable and tough and has world-wide warranty support

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4113787&CatId=17

1.4 ghz core2duo, 4 gb RAM DDR3, 64 gb SSD, 1440x900 (resolution of a 19 inch monitor), DVDRW!, 3 lbs, long battery life, lots of wireless options, ethernet port.

At 13.3 inches theres no other notebooks with that resolution. And I don't know of any others that include a built in optical drive. Nobody want's to carry around an external optical drive. Though it is quite pricey it's well worth it for my needs.

I was also considering this one but the resolution is only WXGA and no built in optical:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/s...655&srccode=cii_5784816&cpncode=23-31330353-2

But if ultraportability isn't a issue than any laptop will do really. I like this Sony because it has a 1600x900 resolution in a 16 inch laptop and is a bit thinner and lighter compared to laptops it's size (I bought one for my sister)

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10113572&catid=

I'll be blogging my trip. You can check it out here http://thenomadictrader.blogspot.com/. Maybe you can pick up some tips on trading and traveling in the future but there's nothing there now.

Hope that helps.

Edit: I also recommend using colocation too. You can use windows remote desktop connection (RDC) which is very fast an secure and already comes with windows (unless you use Home). I'll also be using Radmin which has lots of options and let's me use any resolution I want (even that of a 30 inch monitor) or you can view multiple monitors if you have them on your main computer. RDC will only use the resolution of your laptop as far as I know. I'll also be bringing my blackberry bold with RDM+ which is another remote application. Isn't technology great? :)

ill be traveling thru Europe just like you!! the links you sent are small computers, i need a 17 inch thats for sure something with 1920 resolution is the best ive seen so far.

As for trading remotely from another computer, im not sure i want to deal with the complication of something going down on TWO systems. im a simple man ill take my work with me.
 
Sure you got plenty of ideas for Laptop, i want to
suggest you please be very light with your trading,
Because high emotions while travelling does not go
hand in hand.

happy trading

Anj
 
Quote from acerbits:

hp elitebook 8730w. get the basic video card. under 2000 bucks after tax. very well built and reliable business laptop

Just my opinion, that is more than 2X what you really need to spend on a fast reliable machine.

What is wrong with the Toshibas, or HP's for well under a Grand?

Whatever... it's his money.

sour dough
 
Quote from Surdo:

Just my opinion, that is more than 2X what you really need to spend on a fast reliable machine.

What is wrong with the Toshibas, or HP's for under a Grand?

Whatever... it's his money.

sour dough

I'm paranoid about computer reliability. I've had too many cheap consumer grade laptops fail on me. I only buy thinkpads or hp elitebooks now.
 
I like cheap women also, they never fail on me.
There is NO reason to spend $2,000 on a notebook, but if it works for you then great!

Good trading,

surdo
 
ive had an Apple as my last 3 computers but i find the prices for the laptop RIDICULOUS ($2800)

The best match for the price is this customized Dell: if you guys can please point out somethings i maybe didnt upgrade that i should have, or maybe things i dont need which i HAVE upgraded. any constructive criticism would be appreciated!


Price is VERY reasonable at $1199.00

Studio 17 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo P8700 (2.53GHz/1066Mhz FSB/3MB cache)

Operating System Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition SP1 VHP31E


Memory 4GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz 4G2D

Built-in Keyboard Options Standard Keyboard

LCD Panel Hi Resolution, glossy widescreen 17.0 inch display (1920x1200)

Video Card Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD

Hard Drive SIZE: 250GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) with Free Fall Sensor

Wireless Networking Cards Intel®WiFi Link 5100 802.11agn Half Mini-Card
 

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