What is the optimal laptop for someone who works in finance?
Hi! I'm thinking of purchasing a new laptop because my new job requires me to have a proper one.
What is the most common laptop used by those on Wall Street? I might be over thinking here, but I think it says something about a person, what kind of a computer he has. What would be the optimal choice in that sense? Is MacBook too unprofessional? Also of course which computer do you think is the best to use in that environment/ work.
Currently I'm contemplating between HP EliteBook and MacBook Pro, both costing around 1300 USD. If you had to choose one just based on the image it gives about you on Wall Street, which one would you choose?
Which brand's laptops are the most common at Wall Street (and in finance overall)?
I know this kind of an useless question (since it doesn't matter THAT) much. However I have plenty of time (for now) in my hands, so I have time to contemplate questions such as this.
If you don't have anything helpful to comment, then please be quiet.
Thank you!
Not a Mac
If you have to use office suite, not a mac.
Why not a mac? I'm just curious... Is it considered too gauche?
Because for the same level of productivity as a PC you have to spend more money for a Mac. That's it. You have to bootcamp it, buy a separate keyboard, etc. not to mention it costs a premium to begin with.
You said before...
...and you certainly are. The Mac user/PC user stereotype is some nonsense from the 90's and the only people who still care about that shit are dumbasses with nothing better to do. Having a Mac isn't "gauche" and it hardly defines you as a person - it's simply inefficient and not cost effective for finance.
Like I said, I love my Mac, wouldn't trade it for the world, and would never buy a PC for personal use. But I also paid out the ass for the privilege and am perfectly fine with my work PC.
10/10, once again. Agreed on everything you said. Dang man, you have been killing it recently on WSO.
I'm a Mac guy and have been for almost a decade. I have a 16GB MBP that I run both Mac and Windows based office through and I love it. It is in no way deficient.
That said, the answer to your question is almost certainly a PC. I'm not running some $1300 base model MBP at home and at work I use a Lenovo anyhow. You get more for your money with a PC and business is about P&L. Speaking of that, why are you buying your own work laptop anyhow? It will almost certainly be provided by any reputable firm. If so, you can buy whatever you want for your personal computer.
Macs are for FO gays
That's insensitive to the BO gays.
you have to call them "the gays"
I love my Mac, but it sucks for working. Excel on the Mac is so much clunkier because all the shortcuts are different. Personally, I'd wait to see what your computer situation is at work. If they give you a laptop, just bring that home with you when you need to, and buy whatever personal computer you want for non-work uses.
Get a surface pro. Beats a macbook in every day.
Currently typing this from my Surface Pro 3. I've been a bit disappointed with mine. The software has extremely annoying quirks, and the mechanical limitations of the screen not holding itself up without back support (there's gotta be a better way of phrasing that...the screen doesn't stand on its own) is surprisingly invasive.
Excel for Windows is a plus, but I'd just get a sleek MacBook and relegate the spreadsheet work to desktops running Windows.
The laptop you're given by your bank.
Which is likely a Dell or some other corporate lease job.
That's the laptop you'll be lugging to/from home and client visits.
Compliance and IT won't let you use your preftigious laptop for work, other than to log in remotely through a Citrix or similar web-based interface. Which is inefficient and shit.
This.
And even if they did, nobody gives a flying crap what brand laptop you have as long as it doesn't look weird. If you want to impress people with accessories you're much better off doing it with a nice leather bag.
Citrix can go to hell.
Amen brother. I feel your pain.
Dell XPS15
Who cares what the most popular on Wall Street is? Just get one with a good setup and one you like and be done with it. Dell, Alienware etc
Our firm uses Lenovo/Dell laptops. Honestly, the only Macs I see tend to be at client offices, and even then, they are few and far between. With that said, wait for your firm to provide you with a computer...no need to purchase your own
Lenovo Thinkpad
Which laptop to get for doing remote work at home (Originally Posted: 07/20/2016)
I'm trying to buy a laptop before my IB stint, and I expect to doing remote work on it during travel and at home. Any recommendations?
You'll get a more reliable connection and greater access to work applications taking your work laptop home (which it's very much designed for) rather than relying on Shitrix or similar remote access through a non-work laptop.
Work computer. If you do go PC route, then Thinkpad T450s.
ASUS Zenbook.
Buying Laptop for FT IBD Stint (Originally Posted: 05/14/2016)
Im an incoming IBD analyst and not sure whether my firm gives out loaners or what the deal is generally but I have a macbook that is very shitty / old but love it. I was thinking about getting a cheap pc laptop (http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Ultraportable-Quad-Core-Bluetooth…) and using it when I work from home and running the classic excel/ppt/etc. I was also thinking about this computer specifically because it seems super cheap, and I have a spare monitor I can hook up to it (because the actual screen is only 11 inches).
what are peoples thoughts on this? is this unnecessary? or crucial for FT?
I don't think that you can actually work from home because of the confidential nature of the job, so you basically only work at the office. If you just want to use your new laptop for work I don't see the point.
Not necessarily true. My finance jobs have typically had VMware or Citrix where you could remote in using a secured token from your personal computer at home and have access to corporate email and files on the drive. Every place is different but this has been my experience.
Also, to OP, all three of my finance jobs (1 banking and two PE shops) issued me a work laptop and docking station with two full monitors for in office, but again, every place is a little different. It's crucial to have a windows based PC at home (assuming you don't get a work laptop and have remote access). You can ask HR about the specifics on the firm you are about to join now to see what the deal is with your firm and if you should by a personal PC. melokid
Basically what he said. It's rare in any role, public or private, where you are handling confidential information that you will be allowed to work on a personal laptop.
That said I would highly recommend having a mid-range PC because you usually have a moderate to heavy need for MS-Office tools on your own time....emails, documents, etc. Plus some firms allow you to use a remote desktop or a VPN when you're on the road or people can't make it into work for whatever crazy reason(Blizzards, weekends at more laid back companies). You're taking your chances with any remote apps working on a laptop, so a PC is a solid bet. Unless you have a need to be doing multimedia work, play video games, or will be doing some kind of crazy quant/statistics analysis I'd try to spend at least 300 to make sure you have enough processing power for mid-level excel work but wouldn't put down more than $500 on it. Just make sure you get at least 3 USB ports (headset + mouse + charging cable), a minimum 1920 x 1080 screen, and an HDMI out port.
really nice information, there are good discussion. it will be helpful for everyone.
Need Help Deciding 2 laptops (Originally Posted: 05/09/2017)
Hey Guys, I Need help deciding between 2 laptops (Envy 15 x360 or SurfaceBook) I am in need of a new windows laptop for work/school (finance). Using the laptop just for business(Spreadsheets,Micro. Office, Video Streaming.) Personally I'm leaning towards the surfacebook because I'm a fan of using the stylus and of laptops with touch sensitivity. However, the Envy is great too, and at a much affordable price with a faster processor (vs the Surfacebook's i5). Thoughts and recommendations?
HP ENVY x360 i7-> $700 Microsoft SurfaceBook-> $850-$1200 (barely used,i5), $1600 i7 [on ebay]
None, get a lenovo thinkpad or a mac
+1 Envy, but then I hate laptops with touchscreen capability, so surface pro may be the best bet for you.
Get the Dell I love it.
My work computer is a Lenovo and my personal one is a Macbook Pro, both are just fine for spreadsheets and shit.
You aren't doing hardcore gaming or coding - either should be fine. That said, I hate touch screen laptops too. The surfacebook would drive me bonkers.
New PC Laptop for 1st year Analysts (Originally Posted: 06/04/2015)
For those current analysts,
What is your preferred laptop for working from home or on the go? Obviously, excel is terrible on a Mac, so PCs are the way to go. I am a long-time Mac user and know little about PC laptops, so any advice would be appreciated.
Any work you'll be doing will be on a Company-provided device.
This was, and still is, the only answer to the question.
Recently picked up a Dell XPS 13 for travel, love it.
Second that. Lenova Yoga is also worth a look.
you dont use your company laptop in ib?
Lenovo X1 Carbon and don't look back
Thinkpad X1 Carbon or Thinkpad T450s if you want to save $
Install Windows on your Mac instead of buying a new laptop. There's plenty of ways to do it.
Hey, maybe he's at a teeny 2-person shop with BYOD policies.
Though really, you should stick to company devices if they are issued to you for the sake of CYA (legal issues, data corruption, insider trading claims, blahblah).
Laptop Questions, Please help out... (Originally Posted: 04/28/2016)
How important is it to have a PC for excel modeling purposes versus a Mac? I have a Mac right now and I am about to start a training program for modeling.
In terms of a work laptop should I just bootcamp my Mac to run Windows 10 (only $100 but the keyboard is still terrible in terms of excel shortcuts) or should I just ditch the Mac and buy a new PC for work and everyday purposes.
The firm I will be joining will allow me to bring my laptop to work so I am trying to see if it will be worth it to invest in a PC now as opposed to memorizing both sets of excel shortcuts for Mac's and PC's.
*I understand there are threads like this but I am looking for some updated advice on how much a "work laptop" matters and if it is worth buying a new one.
What type of firm is this? All well-known banks will not allow you to use your personal laptop for work purposes, so in that sense, what you have at home does not matter. I work at a MM and have a Macbook Pro at home.
If you are doing work on your personal laptop for whatever reason, I would get a Windows one. Macbooks have different keyboards (e.g. the ALT key is in a different spot), which will slow you down if you ever move to Windows. Plus, Excel for OSX is atrocious.
Hey Sil,
It's a small 10-15 man boutique. They said I can bring a laptop to work.
Just thought it might be easier to buy a PC and have that as well. Just incase I need to work from home.
And it's also to practice modeling before I join in June. So I was thinking to just ditch the mac and spend the $ on a PC. Do you think that would be a waste??
Why not ask for a good PC and a docking station?
Don't bother. You'll be given a PC.
Just because you can bring your laptop to work doesn't mean you can connect it to the company network or use it for work purposes. That said, I'd get a lightweight Windows 10 machine and install Office 365. The Lenovo X1 Carbon (what I use) is a great machine for this. Dell XPS 13 also highly rated, but I'd go 14-15" screen for this type of work/training,.
Thanks guys. The point was to get the laptop now so I can start practicing and obviously have It for work related purposes come June.
I figured that teaching myself on a Mac would be annoying with the difference in shortcuts.
Think you're right on this point. Just start practicing on a PC over the summer.
I wound up getting windows for my Mac so I didn't have to spend the money. How fucked up are the shortcuts on Mac's for guys who have used them? Should I get an external keyboard?
It could be worthwhile to have an external monitor, keyboard, mouse etc so if you're doing intensive work you can set up and really be productive. I have a windows laptop from work and if I'm doing any legit excel work I usually plug it into everything, makes a huge difference for me.
Laptops - Do analysts get company laptops? (Originally Posted: 11/28/2006)
1) Do banks give analysts company laptops?
2) Do you get nice, big LCD monitors? (to make it easier when you model) 3) Also, can you use your blackberry for personal phone calls? What type of plan do they put you on?
1)Publics no 2)yes, but only one 3)No
some banks give everyone a laptop that they use as their main computer and an extra LCD for their desk... you can get two screens that way and its very helpful
And yes you can use your berry for personal calls
i have a laptop, lcd, and use bb for personal calls internet (checking sports scores while out)
i have an ibm
Laptops: Should i buy one (Originally Posted: 06/08/2007)
Hi, I have an old laptop which is great for home use but not for office. I was wondering if i should buy a laptop or if the banks in London provide the same. For now its only the summer internship. Rgds
Do full time analysts get a laptop during training from Investment Banks in London ? Or are they expected to bring their own laptop ?
Thanks.
you get a laptop
"Living the dream 24/7 on http://theallnighter.blogspot.com"
depends on the bank, also some banks make you use your laptop as your computer at work to
Not only does it depend on the bank, it depends on your department as well. Friend of mine (same bank)is in Sales and didn't get one, whereas I will (IBD).
You won't get laptop as an intern, but once you start your internship you'll get a clear idea whether your co-workers have their laptops provided by the bank or not.
Which BB gives out laptops? I've only seen desktops in the bullpens.
When I visited I-Banks for interviews...I saw desktops as well. Not sure which ones give out laptops ?
most have desktops, but i have seen a few that make you plug in your laptop at work - they got a seperate keyboard, etc for work...
GS, ML, JPM don't provide free laptops..
All the banks that don't provide laptops for analysts allow you to check out laptops for travel usage, etc. Otherwise, there's really no use to having one, since you're always at the office anyways.
Just suck it up and buy one. Geez, you make $150k a year.
cowen and company gives everyone, including interns, a laptop. there are docking stations at the office that you plug laptop into. you are free to do whatever you want with the computer (they even give you a case!)
Spend $1K, buy a laptop. Remember anything the company gives you is the company's property. And most banks now have some pretty gnarly big brother software on their equipment. I wouldn't want to be working on resumes, or responding to raunchy emails from friend and headhunter emails or anything of a personal nature on my employer issued laptop .
On similar lines:
Do you guys use a handbag/attache case for daily use?
I got one at work, but naturally I have to give it back if I no longer work here.
We get them because we travel a lot, I can't imagine why an IBD analyst would need one because you likely don't leave the office very often.
I don't really even like using it in the office, I hate the keyboard, I'd rather have a desktop.
Laptop w/ SSD Under $800 (Originally Posted: 04/05/2014)
Is the following possible? I am looking for a PC laptop under $800 with the following specs: 14" screen (touchscreen a plus), 128GB SSD, 4GB+ memory, ~4.5lbs or less. Does anyone have a laptop that fits those specs?
If you can work with manufacturer refurbished there are some good options. I've gone with refurbished for my last 2-3 and it's worked great thus far.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-Flex-Convert-14-Touch-Ultrabook-Haswell-…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-14-3210nr-Spectre-Ultrabook-14-Laptop-i5-1-7…
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Latitude-E7440-Intel-i5-4200U-8GB-128GB-SS…
this is 15 inch but seems like a great deal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834313594
Sales and Trading SA Laptop (Originally Posted: 05/18/2014)
Are bulge bracket sales and trading SA issued laptops?
Not sure about what other banks are doing but at my BB they get a desktop, and can access it remotely if necessary but no laptops are given out. In fact, I haven't heard of anybody getting laptops unless they were higher up in terms of seniority.
Repellat qui dolorem rerum consequatur ipsam. Dignissimos maxime tempora molestias rerum maiores veritatis est. Blanditiis enim sunt est delectus et. Quia ea esse facilis voluptatibus fuga est excepturi. Aut rerum exercitationem possimus ea omnis omnis aut et. Voluptates officia doloribus id non. Quia enim facilis porro iure eum modi.
Et autem perferendis est iste dolor voluptas error. Ea consequatur adipisci cumque reiciendis. Ipsam ea rem rerum tenetur.
Cum sapiente porro dolorum eligendi dolor porro atque quidem. Ut et dolorem nemo et non at possimus. Facilis dolor unde culpa ut officia. Quia rerum ut deleniti excepturi repellendus dolor quia dignissimos. Ab deleniti architecto sed placeat.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
Quo laudantium delectus doloribus et. Dolores dolorem blanditiis sequi eaque alias. Occaecati ex fugiat ut quo assumenda voluptates commodi quasi. Consectetur atque cumque quos ex. Velit ipsa quia est minima et. Et dolor qui neque asperiores.
Eos accusamus recusandae nobis voluptatem minus et fuga. Qui labore quaerat et deleniti consectetur corporis. Deserunt sunt hic aut qui ex. Sed eveniet maxime occaecati aut odio placeat sunt veritatis. Natus excepturi tempore dolorem. Ab nam dignissimos porro soluta. In doloribus tempora aut dolor architecto accusantium ab.
Fuga quo aut magni quo. Sed minima fuga expedita quae. Doloremque praesentium enim non iste hic ipsam. Qui ut eos quis soluta quis quod est. Perspiciatis eos eaque sed enim quidem laudantium est incidunt. Tenetur maxime molestiae cumque tenetur eius fuga. Voluptas dolor dolore tempore praesentium rem ipsum reiciendis.
Dolorum sequi sed est at. Non quisquam dolor occaecati dolorem deleniti amet. Fugit quia eum molestias blanditiis. Aperiam et sint dicta repellendus et velit rem.
Aliquam assumenda nesciunt inventore repellendus perspiciatis sequi. Quo at aut eos libero deleniti aut nostrum. Nobis voluptatum minima ut rem et blanditiis. Quia in dolorum non ut.
Quo id earum libero quam id exercitationem. Officia est qui voluptatum voluptatem consequatur optio dolore omnis. Aut repellat itaque sit vero doloremque et. Delectus quaerat ut aut ipsam aperiam eum. Enim saepe qui dolores architecto voluptatum. Aut mollitia dicta nobis. Dolor laboriosam maiores amet mollitia eius voluptas.
Sit eum repellendus est ipsam. Dolores ullam natus excepturi unde sit aliquid sed. Nostrum expedita nisi rerum eum. Sequi facere animi cupiditate aut ad voluptatem. Aut itaque ab repellat eum quaerat. Esse cumque ducimus in soluta. Alias totam aut voluptatem maxime harum similique veniam sed.
Minus dolorem blanditiis repellendus similique aperiam cupiditate et doloribus. Cupiditate aut maiores nobis vel est numquam adipisci. Ut et ea consequuntur atque provident. Quibusdam sit et odio tempore autem non.
Repellendus aut consequuntur consequatur quo laboriosam unde. Et adipisci dignissimos voluptatum quam ex quod debitis. Mollitia qui sed quas provident est.
Amet rem cupiditate esse quo quod. Non veritatis molestias atque aspernatur maxime. Tempora aliquam quia voluptatibus beatae voluptatem est. Vel sed earum expedita aliquid.
Harum doloribus voluptatem consequuntur sit ex. Omnis nemo aliquam nam vitae. Alias praesentium voluptas impedit impedit tenetur. Quibusdam dolores iste iste aliquid et. Iste aperiam ducimus consequatur qui reprehenderit omnis.