I get lots of questions from my clients about what kind of power you can fit in a trading laptop for travel. It’s no secret that laptops don’t offer the same level of power and speed that you’re desktop trading computer delivers you.
If I had my way I would drive my Corvette everywhere. It’s powerful and fun to drive. It’s a totally different driving experience. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible. You can’t load a group of people into a Corvette. Much to my disappointment when the occasion calls for it I have to drive my SUV.
My desktop computer is a Corvette. I wish I could shove that thing in my suitcase when I travel. Nothing compares to the power and speed it delivers. You want a Corvette when you’re on the road, but you can’t exactly pack your desktop computer into your briefcase.
As traders, how do we pack all that power into a portable machine? The simple answer is that you need the right hardware in a trading laptop.
What Is A Trading Laptop?
First, we need to clear something up. A laptop purchased from a big box store is not a trading laptop. It’s deceiving – I know. It boils down to what the hardware is capable of doing not how you’re using the laptop. Just because you use the laptop for trading doesn’t make it optimized and designed for trading.
A trading laptop computer is specifically built with specs that are designed to use trading software and trading platforms. This means that the laptop has been built and thoroughly tested specifically for the use of these types of software and data loads.
I have spent years trying to figure out what is the best laptop for trading. Don’t dismiss how important a trading laptop is too quickly. For those of you who travel and trade, you know how essential this is. When you are traveling, you need to be able to easily set up and work for a limited amount of time. Nothing…nothing is worse than thinking you are going to hop on your laptop and set up a few trades, just to have computer problems and connectivity issues dropped in your lap.
Traveling can be hectic. You don’t need any other stress in your travels, let alone in your trading. A decent trading laptop is crucial. I am telling you this from painful experiences of learning this the hard way.
Which Trading Laptop Is Right For Me?
Okay. Now that we are on the same page about what defines a trading laptop, I have a couple of good laptop guidelines for you to follow in order to find the laptop that fits you.
#1 How Big and How Heavy? – I find that one of the first questions I get when I talk to clients about laptops is what size laptop they need. Let’s face it, if you travel often or take your computer to your office, the size and weight of the computer matter. The crux of this question is not only weight but screen size. If you are particular about needing screen space and don’t want to carry portable screens, go for the 17” size. However, if you want something lighter weight a 13” might be better suited for you.
#2 Processor – You need a laptop with a benchmark score of at least 25,000. Currently, there are several high-end Intel and AMD processors that satisfy this requirement. Go to this page to find out the benchmark score of your current laptop.
#3 RAM (Memory) – You will also need a decent amount of RAM. 16GB is the minimum for traders especially if you tend to use multiple platforms or several pieces of software at the same time.
#4 Hard Drive – SSD hard drives are essential for trading computers. You will need to decide how much room you need on that drive. Typically they come in 250GB or 500GB. However, if you are just in need of data storage – just get a traditional backup drive. You don’t need to pay the premium for a large SSD drive.
Myth: “I don’t need to worry about it.”
Here’s what I don’t want to happen. I don’t want any more calls from customers who have experienced a huge loss from trading on an outdated and underpowered computer while they were traveling. Honestly, I hear it too often. It’s not worth a $10,000 loss to avoid spending a couple thousand on the right trading laptop computer. Besides, a good machine will last you for up to five years.
Of course, we all want to trade profitably. A good computer is part of profitable trading. It would help if you had the hardware necessary without overspending on components that don’t offer you an advantage.
This is why I started EZ Trading Computers. I am advising you as a fellow trader; if you don’t have a great trading laptop to travel with I highly suggest looking into options that give you the power and the sustainability that you need when you are away from your home office.
Here are my suggestions. If you are trading while you travel you MUST have the following:
- At least an Intel 14th generation i7 or an AMD 7000 series processor, 16 GB RAM, and an SSD drive
You should consider:
- Upgrading to 16GB RAM
- 1 or 2 USB travel monitors for multi-monitors on-the-go
- Cellular USB Internet for a reliable and fast connection
After reading this you may be interested in our EZ Trading Computers buyer’s guide. It cuts right to the chase about what technology traders need and what they don’t.
If you know what you need, check out our best trading laptop computers set up for travelers on the go.
We’re also happy to answer any of your questions about trading computers via phone: 800-387-5250.