Need Help Choosing a Laptop for Trading

#1
Hi

Need to replace my current laptop being used as trading station for far too long. :D
Was initially thinking of replacing it with a desktop/workstation but then finally decided to go again for a laptop.

Have no special needs, just needs to run Amibroker / Data Feed and Trading Software (NEST).
Also using one external 21" monitor as extended desktop, which I intend to continue using.

Have a good enf power backup so no special need of extra large battery etc.

Not really looking for portability, so bigger screen would be helpful (currently using 15")

Brand no personal preference but someone had reco'ed Lenovo :)

Must have Genuine OS bundled in as I dread using Pirated Software.

Budget not a factor, but as always, value for money is :lol:

Thanks

Happy :)
 

vijkris

Learner and Follower
#3
hi,
upgrading a desktop with newer ram/graphic cards is easier than doing the same in lappy.
so pls consider having higher ram and graphic cards, to make it future proof for atleast 5yrs.
screen size 15'' is enough i think. 17'' will be bulky i think.
 

TracerBullet

Well-Known Member
#4
Go for a + 2 GHZ processor and 16 gb ram. I3 / I5 ...
hi,
upgrading a desktop with newer ram/graphic cards is easier than doing the same in lappy.
so pls consider having higher ram and graphic cards, to make it future proof for atleast 5yrs.
screen size 15'' is enough i think. 17'' will be bulky i think.
Dont understand, why will he need so much ram and why will he need discrete GPU? A simple pentium should enough for our needs normally. Discrete GPU only needed for games or specialized software that uses it. Otherwise integrated one with intel is enough ( almost all processors have igpu these days) and will run much cooler.

I will prefer intel to amd cpu, although it wont make too much difference for normal users.

Consider below
1) SSD - You Can buy it separately. SSD can load stuff ( windows / programs) much faster. Just a nice to have but not mandatory, will make daily usage snappier. I am very happy with Samsung SSD.

2) HD screen (1920*1080). You already have a 2nd monitor, so not necessary. But IF you decide to spend 30k+, then make sure it has HD screen as it will give twice the space vs 1366*768.
 

candle

Well-Known Member
#5
IMO,

Currently most of average laptops/desktops are using 4 GB RAM, and this works fine as of present requirements. But considering future requirements also, one can prefer 6-8 GB of RAM and I think this should be sufficient for a trader's need who occasionally do some other things also.

I3 processor is far more than sufficient for present day needs of most of us. And a normal user of our kind may also not require more than I3 in near future also provided he doesn't opts for some what more sophisticated charting software other than Amibroker (??)

Similarly a graphics card of 1-2 GB is sufficient for us.

A harddisk of 500 GB is not sufficient for present days. So I think 1TB ( may ) be must.

But future requirements are always unpredictables. :D:D:D

Hope it helps.
 
#6
Hello

Agree with both. choice between i3 / i5 where as i7 is out.

Not getting any standard options with SSD primary drive, except for some ultra portables

@ TB & Candle

Ok, will go with 4GB RAM and integrated graphics card :) [as this lappy will be dedicated for trading and no other use]

Now will start looking for specific models

Thanks

Happy :)
 
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TracerBullet

Well-Known Member
#7
Hello

Agree with both. choice between i3 / i5 where as i7 is out.

Also agree with higher RAM but not many options/standard offers with that kind of config all seem to offer integrated graphics card and 4GB RAM

Again not getting any standard options with SSD primary drive, except for some ultra portables

Thanks

Happy :)
Dont pay extra for discrete GPU if you dont need to play games on it.
If you want to play games, desktop will be much much more cheaper and faster. GPU speed is not always proportional to its ram size, and nowadays even 2-3gb video ram is getting less for HD screens with full settings. ( note this is not normal ram) so 1 2 gb is not future proof.

4GB Ram is enough, if you ever need more you can always swap it with higher stick. That said if for similar price you get more then take it. Ram space only matters if you use more than available, and if that happens you can get terrible slowdowns. Just check used ram in task manager.

SSD - Yes, that why i said SSD can buy manually later - For most users this will make much more impact than i3 vs i5. Anyway, not required - its only a luxury and it can be hard to fit both HD and SSD together in a laptop.

Edit - If you are using some time consuming backtesting code that is bottlenecked by cpu and if that code and AB is multi threaded, then i5 / i7 will make significant difference, else dont matter.
 
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Subhadip

Well-Known Member
#8
Hi

Need to replace my current laptop being used as trading station for far too long. :D
Was initially thinking of replacing it with a desktop/workstation but then finally decided to go again for a laptop.

Have no special needs, just needs to run Amibroker / Data Feed and Trading Software (NEST).
Also using one external 21" monitor as extended desktop, which I intend to continue using.

Have a good enf power backup so no special need of extra large battery etc.

Not really looking for portability, so bigger screen would be helpful (currently using 15")

Brand no personal preference but someone had reco'ed Lenovo :)

Must have Genuine OS bundled in as I dread using Pirated Software.

Budget not a factor, but as always, value for money is :lol:

Thanks

Happy :)
I am using Macbook pro form last five years. still working as new.
U can think of it also.

U can install windows 7 or 10 as dual boot.

any assistance, please do PM me anytime.
 
#9
Thanks everyone for such good and quick feedback.

No don't plan to use it for any intensive back testing

Had a look at these models by Lenovo



Typically the price for first one (i5) is without the Windows 10 and no network card :confused:

BTW what is Windows 10 Home edition? hope its not some limited use edition like Starter etc.


Thanks
Happy :)
 

TracerBullet

Well-Known Member
#10
Search for FHD laptops in Amazon / Flipkart. Previously i have seen them in 30-35k range from lenovo. Now i saw an HP

Example - this
Reason i say is i you are spending this much, no point in getting laptop with crappy screen.

Lenovo one was this for 31k, but now its out of stock.

Windows Editions
 
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