One Big Screen or Multiple Smaller Screens?

[cuttshot 11]

I have had a few times already this week where 3 monitors is not enough. Monitors are so cheap that it doesn't take alot to upgrade. Looking for a stand to hold my 4 new monitors. Anyone have any suggestions?

[AmCan1 10]

Me too Cuttshot. I'm ready to add a 5th and 6th. Mainly because I want to test and see how other markets and timeframes are behaving with the trade systems I am using. I quickly mark my charts with arrows to show the setup bars and then go back later to enter them into my spreadsheet/trade analysis tool. The only problem is that I would need a whole new computer because I've already maxed out the motherboard's capacity with my 4 monitors; two per video card. My wife is going to kill me too. She thinks each monitor is a separate computer! Lol.. "Honey, isn't 4 trade computers enough?"

[cuttshot 11]

Lol thats funny AmCan. Might have to try convincing her the more monitors you have the more money you make which means more money that she has to spend. Of couse an idea like that might be one reason I'm still single.

 

I have people walk in my office and wow and 3 monitors. It sounds crazy to people but when the markets move I need to see everything in front of me. Good luck convincing the wife!

[AmCan1 10]

That's ok. I got it under control. As long as I take the family to Hawaii some time this year, I'll be able to do anything I want. lol..

[TheDude 10]

You guys should get a job in market surveillance at the exchange - or failing that a security guard monitoring CCTV screens!

 

Me? I trade 1 market at a time as a day trader, so I just have a humble 2 screens. One for trade platform, the odd spread sheet for records, the other with 2 charts (long and short time frame). I'd post a photo, but it aint that interesting, and unlikely to give you chaps a turn on

 

More screens = more information = more conflicting info = more distraction = more hesitation = less profit.

 

I just want to know if it's going up or down and a gauge of order flow behind the move. No rocket science - which is a shame, because I'm good at that.

 

I guess we're all different, but I'm the Dude :haha:

 

But in fairness, I can see why a stock day trader or options trader or anyone who wants to monitor (no pun intended) loads of markets at the same time would want a load of screens, but not a simple guy like myself.

Edited June 26, 2010 by TheDude

[MadMarketScientist 11]

Yeah, I'm with TheDude....you other guys are making me feel inadequate. I sit here and trade with 2 monitors, and many times have traded with just my lowly laptop on the road.

 

I do think though if you are tracking multiple markets at a time you need the screen real estate.

 

The way I would measure it is if I'm trading, and having to click around multiple times before I take a trade there's no chance I wouldn't invest in another monitor (especially since most are sub $200) -- if you aren't needing to click around based on your strategy then you're fine.

 

Those delays can cost you literally on every trade. I was very surprised doing some work on the time it takes to get the signal, to place the trade and though I always felt I was pretty quick comparing it to a broker that had some automated trading happening where the trades got executed in an instant it was causing extra slippage on almost every trade.

 

Speed matters -- just depends on your situation. I might go buy a couple extra just to help my ego

[cuttshot 11]

OK let me clarify before you guys start to think I'm some cocky trader who thinks he needs 10 screens to look at 20 different markets. I currently daytrade 2-3 markets each morning. I could do that with 2-3 screens as my start times are staggered on each market. However, the difficult part comes in when add my swing trading charts as well. I like to have some stock charts up that I might be tracking for entry, a screen for market internals, and because I use a different broker for my swing trades I need to have that platform up as well with my options quotes. I'm sure I could get by with my 3 screens but like I said earlier if it's only a few hundred bucks to add another screen or 2 why not.

[AmCan1 10]

Yeah Dude, analysis paralysis is to be avoided at all costs. I think simple is better than complicated. I go so far as to only trade one chart. I don't pay attention to another chart as far as allowing it to influence my trades. I like one clean chart per market I am trading. But I am monitoring my system performance on a variety of charts unto themselves, so the extra monitor space for me, is very important and I want more.

[TheDude 10]

LOL - go feed your monkey AmCan1

 

Look at this sexy beast - she's just a dying to be clicked all over!!!

 

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.switched.com/media/2008/09/2535981801_9e05ee9412_o_switched.jpg

[daedalus 10]

Multiple.... for sure. Especially when your having to run different platforms for charting/order entry, etc... its just easier to organize everything.

 

Just finished up my new rig yesterday. Eyefinity kicks ass!

 

[MadMarketScientist 11]

Nice. I like your view as well. I think it's important to realize and remind yourself there's life beyond the monitor!

[daedalus 10]

Nice. I like your view as well. I think it's important to realize and remind yourself there's life beyond the monitor!

 

Very important as well! I used to work in the basement and it just wasn't cutting it. If i'm going to spend hours someplace I want it to be somewhere with a nice view and natural light. Keeps me in a nice place mentally.

[bathrobe 10]

Very important as well! I used to work in the basement and it just wasn't cutting it. If i'm going to spend hours someplace I want it to be somewhere with a nice view and natural light. Keeps me in a nice place mentally.

 

Everything about your setup -monitors, view, desk- looks great. Congrats on keeping your desk tidy by the way.

 

I am in the market for 3 monitors and you if you don't mind what is the size and brand of monitors?

[daedalus 10]

They are Hanns-G 23" Widescreen monitors. Hanns-G had great (the best one) reviews in consumer reports and more importantly on Newegg. I went with the 23" because it seemed like the most screen for the money, 24" monitors can be like a 50.00-80.00 bump over the 23" size and I thought that was pretty pricey for 1" of real estate. Not to mention I have a big ass desk and these things take up a LOT of space as it is.

 

This is the exact monitor off of newegg.com: Newegg.com - Hanns·G HH-231HPB Black 23" 5ms HDMI Widescreen Full HD LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DCR 15000:1 (1000:1) Built-in Speakers

[TheDude 10]

Speaking of desks, here's one I want - It's art deco from Pasadena. The triangular shape gives it a nice feel. It would fit well in a corner, but then there wouldnt be any room for a couple of screens. In the middle of the office would be good - facing the door.

 

I almost bought one in a store near me that specialises in this sort of stuff - modern classics but it had gone.

 

 

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