Trading Computers

[CanOz]

I should add that I bought mine a few years ago, they have better models now with USB 3.0 support and HDMI outlets. Check the Winstars site for the others. I'd suggest searching an online tech shopping site such as Statice/Ebay/Shopbot etc. to get the best prices locally.

So, captain does that support all five? Also, can I just use an adapter to go from hdmi back to VGA, as I have two VGA screens....? Appreciate your advice, not my area of expertise that's for sure!

CanOz

 

[captain black]

So, captain does that support all five? Also, can I just use an adapter to go from hdmi back to VGA, as I have two VGA screens....? Appreciate your advice, not my area of expertise that's for sure!

CanOz

Each adapter supports a single monitor connection. I have 4 adapters plus I use the HDMI outlet on the laptop. Gives me 1 monitor with HDMI, 4 with a DVI connection plus the laptop screen. I have a graphics card in the laptop so can also use the VGA port in the laptop as well as the HDMI port but that cuts out the laptop screen.

The adapters I have come with a DVI-->HDMI separate adapter plus a DVI-->VGA separate adapter as well. All the accesories are listed on the Winstars site. So you can plug the USB display adapter into a USB port. This gives you a DVI outlet. You can then plug the DVI-->VGA adapter into that outlet to give a VGA outlet. Then plug your normal VGA cable into that.

Most laptops wont have the power to supply a 4 port USB hub so I recommend a powered USB hub to run multiple adapters.

Kospi about to open, more than happy to answer any more questions a bit later

 

[captain black]

I did have an issue with these adapters under Windows Vista with them not remembering the monitor layout on reboot. I had to arrange the monitor layout every morning after boot-up. Couldn't find a solution after a lot of searching so if you're running Vista then be aware it may be a problem. My trading laptop uses Windows 7 now and they run flawlessly. Also had them running under XP without any problems.

When I bought them they were around $70-$80 each. Not sure how they'd go playing the latest 1080p movies but for a trading desktop they've been perfect for me.

 

[WilkensOne]

Hey all,

Was just wondering if anyone there uses a Mac for their trading system and if so which? It seems all the software is windows based so you would require a VM to run it?

Wilkens

 

[captain black]

Hey all,

Was just wondering if anyone there uses a Mac for their trading system and if so which? It seems all the software is windows based so you would require a VM to run it?

Wilkens

I've never used a Mac so can't comment on them but in terms of an "alterative" OS I use Linux for everything but trading. I've had a couple of goes at setting up a trading desktop using Linux (and I'll probably keep trying.. ) but I seemed to have problems running Amibroker under Wine. It mostly worked, but for trading it needs to always work.

The display adapters I mentioned above don't have linux drivers so that was always a killer in the end too.

Having said that, Interactive Brokers TWS works well in Linux (I'm sure they'd have a Mac Version?) and Zeroline Trader has Linux and Mac versions so next time I'm in a tinkering mood I'm sure I'll have another go... right now everything works perfectly together in Windows 7 so I'm happy just to leave it all alone

Anyone interested in Linux I use Xubuntu and Linux Mint (Cinnamon) for everything but trading (sitting on a Dell Vostro 1500 running Xubuntu atm )

 

[CanOz]

I did have an issue with these adapters under Windows Vista with them not remembering the monitor layout on reboot. I had to arrange the monitor layout every morning after boot-up. Couldn't find a solution after a lot of searching so if you're running Vista then be aware it may be a problem. My trading laptop uses Windows 7 now and they run flawlessly. Also had them running under XP without any problems.

When I bought them they were around $70-$80 each. Not sure how they'd go playing the latest 1080p movies but for a trading desktop they've been perfect for me.

I'm sure i can find these things here at the tech markets...if i can get the right model...

 

[captain black]

I'm sure i can find these things here at the tech markets...if i can get the right model...

heh, where are you in China? The company might be just down the road

http://www.win-star.com/eshop/article.php?id=5

Perhaps you could start exporting some of the newer ones into Australia (Put me on your email list if you do!)

 

[CanOz]

heh, where are you in China? The company might be just down the road

http://www.win-star.com/eshop/article.php?id=5

Perhaps you could start exporting some of the newer ones into Australia (Put me on your email list if you do!)

I'm about 3000 kms from there i think..lol

But i should be able to find these gadgets at the tech market on the weekend....much cheaper too.

We'll see, I'll get my IT guy to come with me! Report back later on this one...

So captain, i can use my HDMI port, my VGA port, and then get one or two of these and hook them all up to my four screens?


CanOz

 

[captain black]

So captain, i can use my HDMI port, my VGA port, and then get one or two of these and hook them all up to my four screens?

If you have a graphics card in your laptop then you can use both the HDMI and VGA ports at the same time but you'll lose use of your laptop screen. Each display adapter requires a separate USB port or a USB hub with multiple ports. I'd certainly recommend a powered USB hub but if you have an unpowered hub it may be worth a try with the 2 adapters.

I noticed a new adapter on the Winstars site is a USB 3.0 with dual outputs, one HDMI and one DVI so that would only require one USB port.

http://www.win-star.com/eshop/goods.php?id=156

Looks like it has an ethernet (RJ45) built into it too, that's interesting. I run my NextG wireless connection in conjunction with my ADSL connection on my trading laptop in case the ADSL fails the wireless kicks in. I wonder if that adapter could be used to run 2 ethernet connections simultaneously?

There may be other brands available too, Winstars were the best choice for me a few years ago but technology has changed a lot in that time and other manufacturers may have caught up so to speak.

 

[CanOz]

If you have a graphics card in your laptop then you can use both the HDMI and VGA ports at the same time but you'll lose use of your laptop screen. Each display adapter requires a separate USB port or a USB hub with multiple ports. I'd certainly recommend a powered USB hub but if you have an unpowered hub it may be worth a try with the 2 adapters.

I noticed a new adapter on the Winstars site is a USB 3.0 with dual outputs, one HDMI and one DVI so that would only require one USB port.

http://www.win-star.com/eshop/goods.php?id=156

Looks like it has an ethernet (RJ45) built into it too, that's interesting. I run my NextG wireless connection in conjunction with my ADSL connection on my trading laptop in case the ADSL fails the wireless kicks in. I wonder if that adapter could be used to run 2 ethernet connections simultaneously?

There may be other brands available too, Winstars were the best choice for me a few years ago but technology has changed a lot in that time and other manufacturers may have caught up so to speak.

Thanks Cap...

My graphics card, or display adapter is an Intel...no details available so i'd say its a stock standard for the x220.

I'm totally stumped as to how the USB port can be used as a video port, thats amazing...how does that work?

CanOz

 

[captain black]

My graphics card, or display adapter is an Intel...no details available so i'd say its a stock standard for the x220.

A Lenovo X220? From what I can see that only has Intel Integrated graphics so you'll only be able to use either the VGA or HDMI outlet, not both. No probs, just buy an extra display adapter

I have a Lenovo laptop as a backup to my main trading lappy which also has an integrated graphics card and haven't had any issues running the display adapters.

I'm totally stumped as to how the USB port can be used as a video port, thats amazing...how does that work?

Yeh, I was stumped too a few years ago when I first ran across it. I bought one adapter first off expecting it to be a piece of s**t but was pleasantly surprised. Running 4 at the same time off a powered USB hub and don't notice any sacrifice in performance.

Not sure how it all works, just happy to know that it does, saved me buying a couple of desktop PC's with multiple graphics cards

 

[CanOz]

A Lenovo X220? From what I can see that only has Intel Integrated graphics so you'll only be able to use either the VGA or HDMI outlet, not both. No probs, just buy an extra display adapter

I have a Lenovo laptop as a backup to my main trading lappy which also has an integrated graphics card and haven't had any issues running the display adapters.



Yeh, I was stumped too a few years ago when I first ran across it. I bought one adapter first off expecting it to be a piece of s**t but was pleasantly surprised. Running 4 at the same time off a powered USB hub and don't notice any sacrifice in performance.

Not sure how it all works, just happy to know that it does, saved me buying a couple of desktop PC's with multiple graphics cards

Yeah, exactly...this way i can delay my new PC purchase until i actually go to Australia to pick it up...very happy Cap!

 

[captain black]

Yeah, exactly...this way i can delay my new PC purchase until i actually go to Australia to pick it up...very happy Cap!

Ah, excellent, glad I could help

If you go down the path of getting a desktop PC with dual/multiple graphics cards when you get back to Oz then I've read good things about this mob:

http://pccasegear.com/

In the meantime, if you have any issues getting the display adapters up and running I've played around with them quite a bit so either PM me or post here again.

 

[CanOz]

Ah, excellent, glad I could help

If you go down the path of getting a desktop PC with dual/multiple graphics cards when you get back to Oz then I've read good things about this mob:

http://pccasegear.com/

In the meantime, if you have any issues getting the display adapters up and running I've played around with them quite a bit so either PM me or post here again.

Yeah, i could just copy the specs from Digi tigers and get those guys to build it. Probably save a grand or so.

I want to so totally SSD Captain, or at least have a boot drive big enough for apps and data, whats your thoughts on that?

CanOz

 

[captain black]

I want to so totally SSD Captain, or at least have a boot drive big enough for apps and data, whats your thoughts on that?

I haven't used a PC with an SSD personally but I'm due for an upgrade next year once Windows 8 has been around a bit longer and SSD's on the couple of new systems I buy will be high on the list of priorities. Given the number of hard drives I've fried over the last 20 years or so of using PC's I should really be kept away from anything with moving parts

TJ posted an article on the Amibroker KB a bit over a year ago with hardware/software recommendations and I noticed he's using a 64Gb SSD for his system drive and a HDD for programs and data.

http://www.amibroker.com/kb/2011/10/25/recommended-hardwaresoftware-for-amibroker/

 

[CanOz]

Thanks captain!

 

[captain black]

No probs at all, happy to help

It's good to see some discussion here about something other than politics/religion/climate change or who's got the bigger wang-dang!

 

[CanOz]

No probs at all, happy to help

It's good to see some discussion here about something other than politics/religion/climate change or who's got the bigger wang-dang!

Exactly...

I've made the funds transfer and I'll receive my sample from Win-Star next week.

I got the wholesale price!

CanOz

 

[captain black]

I got the wholesale price!

ah, excellent, you got one of the dual adapters. I'd be keen to know how it goes and also how reliable the ethernet connection is on it.
Wholesale price!!

 

[CanOz]

Well after even MORE research and since i will be able to extend my desktop onto two of my screens at home now i've decided to take my time and build my own trading PC.

I'll post back here from time to time with the components that i've selected before i go out and try to find them at the tech markets here.

Cheers,


CanOz