Dual Screen Pcs In Thailand

[pedro01]

Hi All

I'm looking for somewhere I can get a PC that supports a minimum of 2 screens and if possible up to 4. The PC must be capable of displaying 1680x1050 pixels.

Now - I would like this to be from a mainstream brand - HP, Lenovo, Fujitsu etc. and I really don't want to buy a PC and then take it apart to fit a new video card and invalidate my warranty. I also don't want some hacked together system from Pantip.

From what I can see - 2 screens is easier and HP do sell "Workstation" PCs for about 40,000 baht with a quad core pentium and a 22" screen thrown in. Good deal. Shame about the 30 day wait ! There is also a manufacturer selling a USB adapter to which you can connect additional screens - which would take me to my goal of 3 screens.

Does anyone out there know of other options, preferably without a 30 day waiting list ?

Cheers

Pete

[dave_boo]

Hi All

I'm looking for somewhere I can get a PC that supports a minimum of 2 screens and if possible up to 4. The PC must be capable of displaying 1680x1050 pixels.

Now - I would like this to be from a mainstream brand - HP, Lenovo, Fujitsu etc. and I really don't want to buy a PC and then take it apart to fit a new video card and invalidate my warranty. I also don't want some hacked together system from Pantip.

From what I can see - 2 screens is easier and HP do sell "Workstation" PCs for about 40,000 baht with a quad core pentium and a 22" screen thrown in. Good deal. Shame about the 30 day wait ! There is also a manufacturer selling a USB adapter to which you can connect additional screens - which would take me to my goal of 3 screens.

Does anyone out there know of other options, preferably without a 30 day waiting list ?

Cheers

Pete

Why don't you build your own? Can get exactly the specs you want (but not the warranty you seem to desire). I would recommend going with an ATI 4950x2. Supports up to 4 monitors on a single slot. If you have the ability, you could get one of those 3+ PCI-E slot motherboards and have a minumum of 12 monitors on one machine!

Furthermore, any decent machine that uses discrete graphics from a major manufacturer will have dual connections for monitors.

[pedro01]

The reason I don't want to build my own is that it's for day trading so I want it to be reliable.

I feel that a PC from a major manufacturer is less likely to blow up in the middle of a futures trade & have me scrambling for the phones to call my broker !!

[dave_boo]

Why would you believe that? Do you think that manufacturers are getting the best of the lot, rather than the cheapest possible, both by buying in bulk and being able to accept a certain level of 'lemons' that end users wouldn't tolerate on self purchased items?

Case in point, I have a workstation that is still running. Built in March 2006, it's a dual socket Opteron system. Has received upgrades over the years and is still plugging along. Never had a hiccup--and that includes multiple drives (actually have SCSI, PATA (thinking about upgrading to SAS), and SATA controllers in there!)/video cards, etc.

And that should have been the ATI 4850 above...

Edited April 24, 2009 by dave_boo

[surface]

Your internet is more likely to go belly up, with much more frequency too.

Installing an additional video card or two will not invalidate your warranty, it's a trivial procedure. You can get a decent HP with on board video for around 20k, then add dual head video card or two, or try find a video card with quad display support. The dual cards might be better for your purposes as if one fails, you will at least be able to use two monitors with the other card, and likely a third monitor using the on board video.

Edited April 24, 2009 by surface

[phaethon]

I Bought my HP from Hardware Warehouse at Fortune Town. Now, I wasn't allowed to look inside when I bought it as the cases come with a manufacturer's seal but I wanted extra memory, so the shop cut the seal, installed the memory and resealed the case. I later added a much more capable graphics card and extra monitor from elsewhere, but I expect you can buy the whole package from them and they'll seal it up all nice. They also have on site warranties, but how reliable/quick-to-respond they are, I can't say. Big company though, multiple branches in every IT mall I've been in.

[pedro01]

Internet is fine - I have True SME package & it's proven to be extremely reliable.

BTW - I've worked for both Fujitsu & Dell and seen how they build things which is why I don't want something put together in a shop in Pantip.

[Crossy]

Installing an additional video card or two will not invalidate your warranty, it's a trivial procedure.

Note that if you have the lid off an HP desktop you have to remove a seal that reveals a nice big 'Warranty Void'

EDIT Bu99er Phaethon beat me to it (and I didn't think to cut the seal)

[surface]

I've only dealt with the HP's business line of desktops, and that is all I would recommend as well as they have standard 3 year on site warranties (some of the super deal cheap models might include only 1 year).

None of the business line of desktops had warranty stickers over the case denying entry as that would make it rather hard for IT staff to work on them without voiding the warranty.

[spacefruit]

I wonder how long before we see a post from the OP lamenting internet connection quality. But to answer the post:

To my thinking, what use is a warranty? If the computer blows, then its no good getting on the phone to HP or anyone else. For a day trader, its going to be too late.

You need a fail safe system, running on high quality UPS's. (At least three, including one for your router)

In my experience, the weaknesses here, in order of magnitude are

Power

Internet connection

(A million other things)

THEN computer hardware.

By all means buy off the shelf, but I got a MUCH better system by building one myself. As has been mentioned there are now graphics cards that will run 4 monitors.

In spite of your derision of Pantip, You can get good service. Though I like Fortune Town.

If you intend to be a serious day trader in Thailand, I feel it would be tempting fate not to know how to build a PC. It is after all the tool of the trade. Or at least have someone close by who can fix things!

Good luck with the trading.

BTW Manufacturers have to use the cheapest possible parts in their builds. And Warantys? Oh dear, in Thailand? I mean they are here, but not easy.

[LivinLOS]

The reason I don't want to build my own is that it's for day trading so I want it to be reliable.

I feel that a PC from a major manufacturer is less likely to blow up in the middle of a futures trade & have me scrambling for the phones to call my broker !!

So a PC made with best in class components will be better then one built to a budget to hit a price point on volume sales ??

[bino]

So a PC made with best in class components will be better then one built to a budget to hit a price point on volume sales ??

I'd say so. Compare it to the automotive world: A Mercedes Benz with top-line upgrading from AMG will be way better than its factory-made counterpart.

[dave_boo]

So a PC made with best in class components will be better then one built to a budget to hit a price point on volume sales ??

I'd say so. Compare it to the automotive world: A Mercedes Benz with top-line upgrading from AMG will be way better than its factory-made counterpart.

You're comparing a Dell or a Acer to a Mercedes? Why not compare them to say a Cheverolet or a Ford? Mercedes is no where near the production numbers that either of those computer manufacturers are. Now if the original poster was looking at something like Falcon Northwest, Hypersonic, or AVA Direct your comparison would be more apt.....

Actually looking over your post again, my apologies; that's the point you're making (I'm leaving in the first paragraph as a kinda circle jerk).

[monty]

Most higher end Acers support dual monitors, one will be hooked up through a DVI cable, the other through a normal analogue vga cable.

I have the M5201 with the phenom quad core cpu, and it has proven to be pretty reliable, and it support dual monitors. Around 21,000 Baht without screen.

I doubt you'll find out of the box 4 screen capability from any brand...

[bino]

You're comparing a Dell or a Acer to a Mercedes? Why not compare them to say a Cheverolet or a Ford?

Right - you have the point of what I was trying to say. I used Mercedes / AMG for the reason that they are probably more globally known to people from Europe, etc. If you want to compare the high volume US automakers, consider the relationships of Shelby and Saleen to Ford, and the awesome Callaway Corvette to GM. Even though these supercars are "built" by a third party company, you can order them from your local Ford / GM dealership (or Mercedes dealer for AMG).

For the OP- why not go to a reputable dealer like an IT City store in Bangkok, and buy the branded PC along with the four-monitor card as separate items and ask them to install the card at the time of purchase? I'm sure they would have no problem giving you the manufacturer's warranty on all items, especially more so if they are all on the same invoice.

[nikster]

Whatever you do, get a generator for about BHT 15,000 as well.

I'd think a brand name desktop will be plenty reliable.

My 17" MacBook Pro has 1920x1200 and supports one external monitor - the plus side is that when the power goes out, it still has juice for 7 hours, so you save the generator. Can't do 4 screens though which is kind of a bummer. I don't know why laptops only ever support 1 external screen.

In my experience the internet connection lasts for a while when the power is out, I used to have a UPS for the DSL modem which would keep it running for an hour. Modded the UPS too so it doesn't beep - because the power goes out pretty frequently where I live so beeping is kinda silly.

Now I use the laptop + CAT CDMA so power outages have no effect on either computer or internet connection. Until the CAT tower runs out of juice, that is, but that hasn't happened yet. CAT apparently has a good backup power system installed. But for day trading, the CAT connection would probably have too much lag.

Edited April 25, 2009 by nikster

[nikster]

My recommendation, you can order online here, ships in 3 business days anywhere in Thailand:

http://store.apple.com/th/browse/home/shop...pro?mco=MTE2NjM

You didn't say anything about cheap so there you go...

The Mac Pro supports 2 displays out of the box. You just need _one_ Mini-DisplayPort-DVI adapter for BHT 1000 because the GT120 comes with one mini-DP and with one normal Dual-DVI port.

You can add a second NVidia GT 120 graphics card for 4 monitors for BHT 5,000. It can also do 6, or 8 screens, by adding more GT120 cards. Each card can drive 2 30" screens so I don't think you'd be hurting for screen space, ever

Some of my friends have these beasties, and the hardware, while seemingly ridiculously expensive, is also unbreakable. These things run for years and years. For trading you wouldn't need the 8 core, 4 would be more than enough (overkill, really).

If your trading software only runs on Windows, I recommend thinkorswim (DISCLAIMER: I work for them, but only as contractor, I don't have stock in them, and I don't get commissions or anything more than a wet handshake). You also get ProphetCharts for free with TOS.

[nikster]

There is also a manufacturer selling a USB adapter to which you can connect additional screens - which would take me to my goal of 3 screens.

Forget about USB for the 3rd screen. USB doesn't have enough bandwidth to drive 1680x.

[cat5]

BTW Manufacturers have to use the cheapest possible parts in their builds. And Warantys? Oh dear, in Thailand? I mean they are here, but not easy.

The best warranty I have ever had was provided by Synnex, here in Thailand. I took a failed hard disk drive to the Synnex center in Pantip, and I had the replacement in my hand and all paperwork complete in less than 10 minutes. They didn't even check the drive - they just took my word for it and replaced it. Before coming to Thailand, I returned many failed drives to Seagate et al, and the replacements always took at least a few days to arrive, and sometimes much longer.

[Naam]

USB graphic adapter. up to three additional screens. opening of case not required. i use them since a couple of years. resolution up to 1600x1200 and 1680x1050. price approximately EUR 45.

[sniffdog]

They might be supporting upto 1680x1050 ... but how fast. Probably OK for text, but forget high speed screens.

[Wolfie]

Internet is fine - I have True SME package & it's proven to be extremely reliable.

BTW - I've worked for both Fujitsu & Dell and seen how they build things which is why I don't want something put together in a shop in Pantip.

So put it together yourself, building a PC these days is like putting together a childs jigsaw - and there are plenty of people here on thaivisa that will help/advise you.

I would never buy an 'out of the box' brand pc - just build my own, get the components i want, to the specs i want and then just slot it all together... easy as pie!

But to echo the above, get yourself a decent GFX card that supports multiple monitors and you are set... if you get yourself good quality components then it will be far more reliable than a factory built machine

[pedro01]

I wonder how long before we see a post from the OP lamenting internet connection quality. But to answer the post:

To my thinking, what use is a warranty? If the computer blows, then its no good getting on the phone to HP or anyone else. For a day trader, its going to be too late.

You need a fail safe system, running on high quality UPS's. (At least three, including one for your router)

In my experience, the weaknesses here, in order of magnitude are

Power

Internet connection

(A million other things)

THEN computer hardware.

By all means buy off the shelf, but I got a MUCH better system by building one myself. As has been mentioned there are now graphics cards that will run 4 monitors.

In spite of your derision of Pantip, You can get good service. Though I like Fortune Town.

If you intend to be a serious day trader in Thailand, I feel it would be tempting fate not to know how to build a PC. It is after all the tool of the trade. Or at least have someone close by who can fix things!

Good luck with the trading.

BTW Manufacturers have to use the cheapest possible parts in their builds. And Warantys? Oh dear, in Thailand? I mean they are here, but not easy.

Internet speed is fine with the TRUE SME connection, that's running Tradestation with 70+ data feeds as well as strategy runner.

Should any part of the system fail - UPS, internet, software etc - I have the telephone with which I can call my broker & close out trades. I don't enter without the exit orders (OSO/OCO) and there's limited risk with any individual trade anyway

I have run a software company for 7 years here and PCs are tools of that trade too - but I still only ever buy off the shelf PCs for work - sometimes I order specific configurations. By your measure, any owner of a bar or restaurant would be making their own refridgerators & cutlery.

As for Warranties - I have had absolutely no problem with warranties here with the major manufacturers. I can take my laptop into Fujitsu service centre in Ploenchit and have them look at it immediately and for the desktops, I can usually have a guy there within 2 days.

A 100% fail safe system is not needed - what I want is to focus on trading and not on building a machine. Hence my desire to have something 'off the shelf'.

Edited April 27, 2009 by pedro01

[harrry]

Unless you just want to watch videos forget the dvi cable. Use a seperate standard monitor connection and use the dual screen modes to set up the disolays as wanted. A dvi cable just gives a cloned screen view.

[bazmlb]

The reason I don't want to build my own is that it's for day trading so I want it to be reliable.

I feel that a PC from a major manufacturer is less likely to blow up in the middle of a futures trade & have me scrambling for the phones to call my broker !!

If you want it not to fail then make sure you get a good UPS like a smartups from APC that keeps correcting the power, not just supply power when the mains fails. The other UPS arent really worth buying.

Also run it in an Air conditioned room and this will increase the life of the hard disks and other components.

[harrry]

Nobody ever got fired for buying Ibm is the kind of thinking the OP is using regarding warranties. Problem is it is just not true and in bussiness may did get fired which is why IBM had to set up the LENOVA business to manafacture cheao clones. There is really only one difference between warrantee support through a major manafacturer and support with a local service person. About two weeks. Most major manafactures will take about this time to repair yourPC under warrantee. The local service person can do it in a couple of hours with the only downside if you want to get it that quick you may have to buy a replacement component as it would take a couple of weeks to send it back to the manafacturer for replacement. If I was relying on a computer and did not know much myself I would build a relationship with a local and that starts with getting a PC built to specifications by him.

[bino]

There is really only one difference between warrantee support through a major manafacturer and support with a local service person. About two weeks. Most major manafactures will take about this time to repair yourPC under warrantee.

Good point- I had a Compaq laptop with a motherboard failure. HP Compaq wanted 5 working days (and 1000 THB) just to "diagnose" the problem before actually fixing anything. The laptop was there for almost 3 weeks.

[nikster]

USB graphic adapter. up to three additional screens. opening of case not required. i use them since a couple of years. resolution up to 1600x1200 and 1680x1050. price approximately EUR 45.

Do you actually use 1680x? That's about 1.7M pixels. At 3bytes / pixel you need to send about 5MB for every screen refresh. If you assume that USB can handle 50MB/s (~400Mbit....) that's 10 frames per second. That's if USB actually delivers its max. throughput. My assumption was that it would be slow enough to notice at that point... but maybe I am wrong, I never used one.

[OldenAtwoody]

Pete: Do you want to extend your desktop across two monitors? Or do you want two different things running at once?

With a laptop (with video out) this is a siple matter of adding a monitor, and setting the video display properties.

With a desktop, I have never known a manufacturer to offer one with two video cards. Ithink you will have to add a second video card, but this is NOT difficult. Just be sure you have a reasonable powerful desktop PC,and buy a good second card.

Bill

Hi All

I'm looking for somewhere I can get a PC that supports a minimum of 2 screens and if possible up to 4. The PC must be capable of displaying 1680x1050 pixels.

Now - I would like this to be from a mainstream brand - HP, Lenovo, Fujitsu etc. and I really don't want to buy a PC and then take it apart to fit a new video card and invalidate my warranty. I also don't want some hacked together system from Pantip.

From what I can see - 2 screens is easier and HP do sell "Workstation" PCs for about 40,000 baht with a quad core pentium and a 22" screen thrown in. Good deal. Shame about the 30 day wait ! There is also a manufacturer selling a USB adapter to which you can connect additional screens - which would take me to my goal of 3 screens.

Does anyone out there know of other options, preferably without a 30 day waiting list ?

Cheers

Pete

[pedro01]

Pete: Do you want to extend your desktop across two monitors? Or do you want two different things running at once?

With a laptop (with video out) this is a siple matter of adding a monitor, and setting the video display properties.

With a desktop, I have never known a manufacturer to offer one with two video cards. Ithink you will have to add a second video card, but this is NOT difficult. Just be sure you have a reasonable powerful desktop PC,and buy a good second card.

Bill

Hi All

I'm looking for somewhere I can get a PC that supports a minimum of 2 screens and if possible up to 4. The PC must be capable of displaying 1680x1050 pixels.

Now - I would like this to be from a mainstream brand - HP, Lenovo, Fujitsu etc. and I really don't want to buy a PC and then take it apart to fit a new video card and invalidate my warranty. I also don't want some hacked together system from Pantip.

From what I can see - 2 screens is easier and HP do sell "Workstation" PCs for about 40,000 baht with a quad core pentium and a 22" screen thrown in. Good deal. Shame about the 30 day wait ! There is also a manufacturer selling a USB adapter to which you can connect additional screens - which would take me to my goal of 3 screens.

Does anyone out there know of other options, preferably without a 30 day waiting list ?

Cheers

Pete

Thanks Bill.

Well - before ordering the dual screen PC (probably end up with Fujitsu as I know their service people), I decided to see if the USB solution was worth following - that way, I don't have to open the box.

So - I went off to Pantip yesterday to Macro Care with my laptop. Within 5 minutes they had my laptop screen + 2 x 22" monitors running at 1680 x 1050. USB dongle was 2,900 Baht and a 22" Samsung monitor was at the very decent price of 6,000 Baht. I ran it all last night & it was perfect for my needs. Obviously prices don't move as fast as aliens, so I can't comment on it's effectiveness for gaming but for trading, it's great.

Thanks for all the advice - now I just have to decide HP or Fujitsu...