Would you like to use your laptop in trading, but you don’t have enough of space to arrange charts or Level II windows? You don’t have a space to place a professional multi-monitor position or you appreciate mobility? In such case it is worthwhile to consider use of tools that will enable you to connect the substantial number of monitors to laptop.
In this article you will find advice how to connect sets of 1-4 monitor up to laptop. What tools will be needed and remarks that not always the number of monitors is important. Of course, multi-monitor position looks good – but at the beginning you should assess your needs.
Multi-monitor position
I’m a supporter of having the position which is assigned to one duty that is trading. By virtue of the fact how I trade, I use a desktop position to which I have 6 monitors connected.
If you wanna read about my workstation – read this article “My Trading Workstation“.
However, I often receive via my site or the company which I lead – inquiries concerning possibility to connect substantial number of monitors to notebook. Since we don’t deal with it directly in the second company, I decided to describe here what possibilities you have in order to connect monitors to the notebook. I will give a few motives, up to different levels of the wallet, but more important of needs.
Connect monitor to laptop
This is something for person who doesn’t have enough of space. And additional, one monitor – in 100% will fully meet the demand. The simplest form that basically any holder of the notebook may use is to connect the monitor to notebook by e.g. HDMI or VGA or even by USB input.
In case of HDMI, VGA, DP outputs – there’s no problem – you must find in notebook what kind of output is available, next to select the appropriate monitor which has such output. Prices of monitors of min. 23” are ranging from 100$. It is probably the most rational and sensible way if laptop + 1 monitor meet your requirements for trading.
A slightly larger problem arises when you want to connect the monitor by USB 3.0 input. In this case the number of monitors with such output is more limited. Monitors with USB connector are also more expensive – prices are ranging from about 300$ to 800$. As you can see this is much more expensive solution. If you want to connect by USB, it is better to use USB adapters, but about them later.
Laptop and a few additional monitors
Following solution should satisfy especially those of you who want to use notebook as the main computer, and at the same time you keep an option to connect monitors in case of such a need with a larger space for graphs or other applications. Remember, if your notebook doesn’t have too good parameters – that what you to connect on a greater number of monitors, not necessarily will manage to work on your equipment.
There are a few solutions, which I will present:
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based on USB input
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adapters under greater number of monitors
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external docking stations
#First option – Connecting monitors by USB 3.0 adapters
If you have USB 3.0 output or Thunderbolt port in your notebook – you can use adapters. You connect such a device by USB cable to the notebook. Next to the device you can connect monitors using HDMI, DVI or VGA, DVI-D cables. If you already have monitors that don’t have a USB output – this solution should be perfect for you.
Below I present two examples. Remember that models may vary. In offers of the foreign companies, I also found more products of this company that may meet your expectations. I present two examples in which you can check what solutions Startech offers.
Startech adapters (USB3DOCKHDPC model) – extend your notebook for 2 next monitors, tablet, external drive
Thanks to use of this company’s adapters – after connecting to USB on the notebook – you are able to use DP and HDMI and to connect up to 2 additional monitors.
Price: about 300$
Short description how to connect the device to monitors you will find in the following video:
Startech adapters (USB3SMDOCKHV model) – extend your notebook for 2 next monitors
A slightly cheaper alternative, in this case you can connect monitors by VGA and HDMI connectors.
Price: about 150$
#Second option – Connecting monitors by DisplayPort splitters
If you have in the notebook on Display Port, miniDisplay Port or Tunderbolt – it may be the option for you. In this case, find out what Matrox Company offers.
This company offers splitters by which you can connect to 2 or 3 monitors by Display Port. There is also possibility to add adapters under VGA and DVI also. In 2 monitor’s version – 2xDVI outputs are available.
In the offer there are several devices:
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TripleHead2Go – in price of 400-500$
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DoubleHead2Go – in price of 200-300$
Short description how to connect the device to monitors you will find in the following video:
#Third option – Connecting monitors by docking station
External docking station – it is an interesting way to connect substantial number of monitors. Depending on used station – you can connect even 4 additional monitors. If in the notebook you have many outputs this will enable you to have even 6 monitors: notebook, monitor connected to notebook + up to 4 monitors connected to the external graphics card.
Below I described a few models, which it is possible to use. Depending on the model, there is a possibility to connect of 2 up to 4 monitors.
1. Club 3D Sense Vision DualDisplay Docking Station – Price about 180$.
Possibility to connect 2 monitors
You can connect monitors by DVI and HDMI connectors.
2. Startech station USB3SDOCKDD model – Price about 200$.
Possibility to connect 2 monitors
You can connect monitors by DVI-D/DVI-I connectors.
3. Itec/Pretec Dual Docking Station – Price about 110$.
Possibility to connect 2 monitors
You can connect monitors by HDMI and DVI-I connectors.
4. Zenview Sidecar station – Price about 1433 Euro.
Possibility to connect 4 monitors
You can connect monitors by HDMI, DVI, VGA, DP connectors. Link to the official website: http://www.digitaltigers.com/sidecar.asp
Do you use other solutions? Or maybe you have questions? Ask them below, you might want to update the option, because technology all the time develops.
