Best I-Banking Computer

Hey guys, I was just wondering what the best computer for I-banking analysts and associates is? Would a mac be the best for the shear fact that Keynotes is the best program out there for creating presentations? Would a PC be the best because they are more widely used and accessible in the trading world? What specs should the computer have? Just wondering what everyones take on this is.

49 Comments
 

Do not get a Mac. I have a Mac, and it's too much of a bitch to deal with PowerPoints, spreadsheets, etc. because of the different key shortcuts and lack of VBA support on Excel for Mac.

Not a big fan of Boot Camp either because of the key layout. If you use a keyboard for so long, it's always frustrating to switch back (ex. Ctrl+V vs Cmd+V).

 
Best Response
feenansdo you guys (those in ibd) have dual screens? I really want some its so convenient for messing with 10Ks/etc....can I buy my own and bring it in or persuade IT or smth?lol

this happens at my office too... everyone spends 99% of their time using a computer... yet IT has complete control over every aspect of the machine... you could easily increase your efficiency by getting a second monitor, yet you have to go through a bureaucratic nightmare to get it... i know people at my office who have to go to get permission from four different people just to get an increase in ram

hopefully this will be the future for most companies: http://www.ciozone.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&show=Bring-Your-Own-…

looking for that pick-me-up to power through an all-nighter?
 

I think most IBD shops have 2 screens, the place I interned at had 2.

Computer recommendation --- Lenovo X series. I bought an X61 when I started at HSBC. Thing is built like a tank, has a ton of cool and helpful features and pure business.

 

I'm assuming you're talking about laptops.

Avoid Macs like the plague and you'll be set. Oh and make sure the "CTRL" key is in the lower left corner on the laptop keyboard, not "Fn" or whatever. Thank me later.

 

LIfehacker gives daily deals including from places like Dell/Best Buy. That way you get a good price AND a good warranty. Unless you don't care about warranty, then go TD or newegg

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." -IlliniProgrammer "Your grammar made me wish I'd been aborted." -happypantsmcgee
 
ZIRHcan anyone shed some light about whether SAs need to bring their own laptop to work?

Yes you do. My bank requires all SAs bring their own laptops/computers/phones. I think they also want us to bring our own desk and desk chair, not sure though.

-------------------------------------------------------- "I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcom
 
NYCBarca08

Do analysts / associates have two screens? Is it a laptop hooked into a work station or a desktop?

I assume laptop for mobility / work from home.

On a more serious note, I used to use a dual-monitor desktop setup and I highly recommend it.....especially if you are in a job where you need to perform coding of any kind. If they let you then you should.
 
AlphaAsFAQ

Can you bring your own beast ass gaming rig?

Absolutely.

The more monitors the better.

>Incoming Ash Ketchum, Pokemon Master >Literally a problem, solve for both X and Y, please and thank you. >Hugh Myron: "Are there any guides on here for getting a top girlfriend? Think banker/lawyer/doctor. I really don't want to go mid-tier"
 

Depends on your rank, it works as follows at my group:

Analyst - pencil, eraser and paper to build up the models and crayons for the power points. Ocasionally, he will be allowed to use the Associate´s calculator for complex calculations. Assoc - Calculator, nothing too fancy though. VP and above - Ipad which is mainly used to read the FT (Such an inefficient use of resources imo)

From what I am reading here some divisions such as @"SSits" seems have gotten luckier than me.

 

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>Incoming Ash Ketchum, Pokemon Master >Literally a problem, solve for both X and Y, please and thank you. >Hugh Myron: "Are there any guides on here for getting a top girlfriend? Think banker/lawyer/doctor. I really don't want to go mid-tier"
 

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