Multiple Monitors

Multiple Monitors, are the only way a day trader can effectively see the multitasking being done on his computer screen. A single screen inhibits space and requires the hassle of toggling between windows, or worse, closing and opening programs. As a day trader myself, I would be absolutely lost without my multiple monitors – currently I have eight!

The beauty of multiple monitors is that all of your operations are visible simultaneously. You can view several browsers at a time, keep up messenger programs, and even streaming video. A multi-monitor design provides the maximum efficiency in the form of the fewest keystrokes.

There are many aspects of a day trading computer that will make-or-break efficiency, but one of the biggest is a multi-monitor graphics card. My personal recommendation is the ATI Firepro 2460 PCle 2.0x16. It is of the highest quality manufacturing, built specifically for professional users, and is ideal for any stock trader. Individual cards support up to four 30-inch hi-resolution widescreens, and I can personally couch for the longevity.

While there are always trends that will sway the market, the size of your multiple monitors and the brand you should choose really boil down to personal preference. A reputable brand name flat panel is always recommended, but there are many options within the marketplace. Widescreens are quite popular these days, and as far as trends go, the old 4:3 aspect ratio is fading out.

I am a supporter of ASUS and Samsung monitors, both of which I feel fairly balance cost and quality. Lower-budget monitors are for the most part commensurate with lower quality. However, this does not necessarily ring true with the expensive models. The improvement gained with the supposed "high end" monitors is, in my experience, nominal relative to the hiked price.

Matching monitors – both in brand and size – are always a great idea. Mix and match is great for shabby chic furniture, but it’s lost on a computer setup. Mismatched monitors look unprofessional and cluttered, like they were each an afterthought of their predecessor. Plus – they can sometimes overwork graphic cards. A good way to ensure your monitors will match is by buying them all at once. You know now you need a few, so make the purchase as a whole!

Whether you’re looking for Multiple Monitors, numbering three, or want as many as eight like I have, there are many solutions for mounting. A proper mount will cost a few dollars, but anything over $250 or so will be a rip-off; trust me.