computer workstation set-up

Hello, everyone. I am new to Forex trading and with computer prices reportedly scheduled to be at an all time low this Labor Day Holiday in the USA. I am in the progress of researching the components of a computer workstation.

I would like your input regarding the optimal two or three computer screen setup. Specifically, I would like to know how each screen is used as an element of your workstation setup. (For example, if you use a two screen system is one screen devoted to trading platform and is second screen devoted to news, signal, etc? And what about a three screen system?)

Give your "best practices" recommendations with the assumption that the system will accommodate the progress of a successful trader from novice to a professional over the next two - five years. Also because I am afraid of information overload I am not looking to expand beyond a three screen setup.

I am currently using a single laptop (Pentium 4; 512MB Ram; 60 GB hard drive) and anticipate the purchase of a newer low-end "work horse" laptop version of same along with a 17 " LCD screen that I currently own to constitute the three screen setup (no purchase necessary for two screen setup). But again I need your recommendations for the two or three screen setup respectively.

Thanks, in advance.

P.S. - This is an excellent opportunity to generically discuss the subject for future benefit of other newbies. I am particularly interested in the sage advice and/or vanage point of long time traders and anyone who is especially satisfied with their system.

The answer to your question will vary depending on the type of trader. I am a technical trader, so I use all my screens for charts alone. I currently run 3 screens side-by-side - I am looking to expand to six to form a top row. I find having two screens on top of each other is excellent for directly comparing charts - such as time-frames and pair correlation.

The answer to your question lies within yourself - everyone will utilize their desktop space differently. Some people are happy with one screen, some 2, etc.. There is no right answer here. For me, the benefit of the extra screens is huge, I wouldn't want to trade without my multiple screen setup.

I would recommend instead if buying another laptop, is get yourself a workstation PC - this way you will be able to expand your screen-space by simply adding more video cards. Another laptop means another mouse to control, and much less upgradeable possibilities. If you run all your screens on one computer, you are able to navigate your single mouse to all over them - this is not the case with a dual laptop setup.

Thanks, Mobile. I had not appreciated the effect a multi-screen system could have on trader's experience. There is nothing like learning about your first hand experience. I will have to look into the workstation pc that is a new "animal" to me. Appreciate your input, very enlightening.

Hi HTS, Mobile hit on some good points such as "getting a workstation pc". I'm mainly a technical trader, though do have BloombergNetTV on when i intraday trade during the pre NY open to NY lunch (my typical day anyway) here on the Oregon coast.

My set up is a desktop PC running WinXP and two 17" monitors (cuz 17 fit better than 19's) off seperate nVidia graphics cards, with MT4 charts on one screen, and my FX Sol tradestation on the other. On my laptop directly to my right i have bloomberg going through the connected headphones and will at times, between trades have the FF or a trading article open to read there also. I have the MT4 Charts also on the laptop available since it we have a wireless network if i wish to take in out in our yard which is a riverfront acre.

Silly add ons are an FM-USB transmitter on my desktop that broadcasts audio alerts from my charts to any fm radio in the house, including the one at my bedside which has a pillow speaker. I don't purposly get up at London open, but will set trend-line-break or level alerts if during that eve's homework there looks like a possible trade setup.

I also bought a text to speach program to read my PDF files and even lenghty web articles, and spent a few extra bucks on the UK English female voice of "Audrey", which is also used for all my alerts (examples: rising-price-alert.wav and falling-price-alert.wav which any are welcome to download for their own use if helpful.
For what it's worth...i would never go back to a single monitor. Once you cross the line you will wonder how you ever got anything done without them all going. Even during my graphic design doodling i'm all spread out utilizing all the monitor space.

Cheers,
Thom

Great post! Thanks for the details. I felt as if you transported me into your trading enviroment/space. Enjoyed the experience.

And thanks for the new computers features most of which I was not aware of including the text to speech program for pdf files. I took notes and I will incorporate in my research.

P.S. - You also have something to say about multi-tasking while being fully engaged in the trading process.

Good posts here on the tools of the trade. Yes, depending on what type of trader you are, day trader or long term, should govern what you need. I agree with one computer and one mouse to keep things as clean as possible. I use a 20 inch wide screen along with a 17 inch as well. Additionally, I use a laptop on a wireless connection for this forum and a few other things. I'm running an old Dell ( ~ 4 years old ) with an ATI --- card to drive the two monitors. What I'm lacking is actual desk space. Anyway, one good solid workstation with at least two monitors is a good starting point. Now, if I could only get my cat to refrain from chasing the mouse pointer on the screen before the unemployment numbers come out....

Hey,

That's no silly add-on. I've been looking for something like this. Right now I just turn my speakers up in my office, which is adjacent to my bedroom and hope I hear it and my wife doesn't. What brand is that? I'll look it up?

stockwet

Hi all, fun stuff we've got here. luv to doodle w/gadgets. I'll post the info on what i have for gadgets mentioned although i know they are here at FF somewhere in the tens of thousands of posts! haha.

OK on the USB FM transmitter i have this one:
http://www.accrete.com/fx_posts/CE-WAL012.jpg
Though the model i have has been updated the original manufacturer has a similar product here.

Now onto the Text software. I have Natural Reader software and purchased the UK english voice pack. You can demo the voices, and even type in some text and save it to your hard drive as a .wav file and create your own audio alerts to be fired off by MT4 by following this link to AT&T Labs demo site. Scroll down the "Voice & Language" selector and choose "Audrey - UK English"...it is by far the best voice of them all !

Have fun doodlin'
Thom

Nice setup accrete.

I have similar setup, dual screen for main PC , wireless laptop, Server for auto trading, and my little treo 600 for trading on the run.

I just set up my new ViewSonic VX2025wm 20.1" widescreen monitor. Holy Cow!!! This thing is beautiful. Check out the ratings on CNET or Amazon. Go with the user ratings, not the editor ratings. I got it from newegg dot com for about $320, tax free, free shipping. BEAUTIFULLLLL!!!

hi all,

Ive a dual screen (2 x19") PC setup (trader screen setup and clocks on one, MT4 charts on the other), with a lap top to travel with.

One thing to get is a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Systems). PC/monitors/modem all get plugged into this. Brisbane (Aust) has brown outs throughout summer i.e. a drop in voltage, you still get low lighting but not enough power to run any equipment.

Regards,

Phill B.

I am really really cheap. Took me about 3 years to upgrade from the CRT ^^;
Anywho, I doubt I will ever have a need for more then one monitor. I use litestep which has many virtual desktop. I can easily switch to each desktop with a click or keyboard short cut. It is also very easy to move items to different desktops.

So for anyone that may not want to plunge to buying video cards and more monitors check out litestep and the theme called Universe Metal.

Bill I have been looking for a clock to put on this PC so that I can set multi.alarms at news times. Seems sometimes I will be reading and just let the news pass me buy. ( preferably a free download without spy ware) Any ideas?