Buying a gaming laptop help?
- Thread starter LightningBanks
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Oh, no, you're absolutely right of course. I keep it on a cooling pad whenever I'm at home for added help. I also clean it out about once every couple weeks, just to be on the safe side. I know you're trolling, but the truth is that laptops aren't built like they used to be.nexekho said:
I think the best solution for this arrangement is to buy a cheap netbook, and build a good desktop. That way, you get an ultra-portable laptop and a powerful gaming machine. This should work out with a more mobile laptop, and a more easily upgradable gaming machine.
The only real downside to this is if you really do plan to game on the move, as opposed to word processing and web browsing; or if you lack the room for a full sized machine on your desk.
Think about it at any rate. I run with this set-up at university and it is far better value for money. It allows each computer to do what it does best.
As people have said, it may be possible to upgrade your laptop, but you will face large restrictions on what is available, and the above arrangement will work out much cheaper in the long run.
The only real downside to this is if you really do plan to game on the move, as opposed to word processing and web browsing; or if you lack the room for a full sized machine on your desk.
Think about it at any rate. I run with this set-up at university and it is far better value for money. It allows each computer to do what it does best.
As people have said, it may be possible to upgrade your laptop, but you will face large restrictions on what is available, and the above arrangement will work out much cheaper in the long run.
Probably better than my 2007 desktop that has trouble loading single webpages from time to time.Hiphophippo said:
OP, listen to nexekho and Mr Jack; gaming laptops aren't viable right now. You can get a lot more power for a lot less money. If you're concerned about space, you can always go mATX or something. Really, how often do you 'game on the go'?
Also that cube pc site is a ripoff.
EDIT: And you did not build it. You paid a company somewhere to build it for you and send it for an exorbitant fee.
lolno.Treblaine said:
Also that cube pc site is a ripoff.
EDIT: And you did not build it. You paid a company somewhere to build it for you and send it for an exorbitant fee.
So your the 1/1,000,000 person who actually got a laptop that can game and doesn't melt. That's nice.Hiphophippo said:
You still have a small monitor and 1 hour of battery life for 500+ dollars extra.
I had a gaming laptop for college once, back when I was young and stupid. Worst buy of my life.
You will probably ignore this, but don't buy a laptop. Your uni is quite likely to have more than enough computers for you to work with, and a smartphone will more than handle your out and about tech needs. Do what I did, get into uni and buy a nice desktop computer. You are probably planning to stay there a while (4 years or so), and for long term investments a decent desktop PC is MUCH better. That way you won't have to buy a new laptop in 2 years and will just need to change your video card most likely.
Well the Cube site was just a demonstration of what you could get, I'm sure you could knock off 25% of the cost with a custom build but some people are willing to pay 33% more for the convenience.Kabutos said:
I never claimed I built that PC. I built my own PC myself but I've grown tired of recommending people build their own and act like I suggested installing a nitrous kit on their car.
Also on the ALienware "lolno" I'm going to need some details with actual evidence on that.
My Bro got an Alienware laptop, I warned him not to and when he asked for specific reasons I said "err, overpriced?" he said they offered competitive pricing for the features he wanted in a laptop. I realised I just heard a lot of people saying they are crap but no one ever says what would be a better alternative or why alienware is so bad.
He got one and I'm really impressed by the gaming performance and stability.
People will say ASUS this and ASUS that due to price, and I agree, they have a good price. Sadly, some components are just plain poor and I've know over 10 people with poor experiences with ASUS. I have had excellent luck with Toshiba. They are long-lasting machines with quality components and power to boot. I got the Toshiba Qosmio x505 over a year ago and I couldn't be more pleased. It handles high-performance games along side several of the processor-killing adobe programs. Plus, it looks BA.
That's my bad, I assumed you bought a PC from that site; I see it people saying similar stuff pretty often.Treblaine said:
Being overpriced is not an invalid point.Treblaine said:
The M11x starts at $999 and the M14x starts at $1200.
You could build an amazing computer for that kind of money, and instead you're wasting it on an i5 2537M and GT 540M, which are okay parts, but far too expensive and nowhere near as powerful as their desktop counterparts.
Not to mention the hinge problem that seems to plague Alienware laptops, and that Dell customer support is notorious for being some of the worst in the world.
I can't offer much advice in terms of specs, and the only advice I have for you is to do some good research on the product you intend to buy. Think about what it is that you want and think is important and search for reviews. Some things are hard to see from just the specs (such as heat development and actual battery life).
Depending on your situation you might also be better off with a netbook (or cheap laptop) and a desktop PC and console for gaming. However, there are also many circumstances where having a gaming laptop is the best way to go. Personally, I often visit each of my separated parents on weekends, and sometimes have a small LAN party with friends. So there are at least 4 places where I want to be able to game. Furthermore, sometimes I need a laptop for work. While I don't need to play games then, I like the fact that all of my stuff is on the same computer and I don't have to switch. But like I said, it depends on your situation. I think buying a gaming laptop should be possible, but keep in mind that it might be expensive (and that it might not last as long as a desktop).
Depending on your situation you might also be better off with a netbook (or cheap laptop) and a desktop PC and console for gaming. However, there are also many circumstances where having a gaming laptop is the best way to go. Personally, I often visit each of my separated parents on weekends, and sometimes have a small LAN party with friends. So there are at least 4 places where I want to be able to game. Furthermore, sometimes I need a laptop for work. While I don't need to play games then, I like the fact that all of my stuff is on the same computer and I don't have to switch. But like I said, it depends on your situation. I think buying a gaming laptop should be possible, but keep in mind that it might be expensive (and that it might not last as long as a desktop).
The ASUS G73 is wildly overpriced for whats in it and it doesn't benchmark all that well either. I'd argue for a desktop but if you're dead set on mobility then for what you're going to be paying you minds as well go for the Alienware. Expensive and gaudy, but the mx17 will handle mostly what you can chuck at it and will run you up just over a grand. The bastards get hot though.
The truth is that when you're going to buy a gaming laptop you should expect it to get very hot and cost a lot of money. That Mobility HD5870 in your ASUS is on par with the 5770 desktop range, not a stellar card (not horrible either might I add). The advance hasn't come through the laptops build its through better optimisation.Hiphophippo said:
Probably. But the fact remains that mine does not run hot. Rather, it even runs pretty cool. Whether a laptop is a good gaming choice is depends on the person and the life they lead. Laptops, for me, are a better buy. I also didn't really consider the purchase "a lot" of money. I needed a new computer so I felt the cost was justified.Azure-Supernova said:
Alternatively, you can also opt for mATX cases, if you're willing to go that route. One that immediately comes to mind is something a friend of mine had a few years ago; we called it his EZ-Bake PC (it was about the exact size of the EZ-Bake Oven toy). It decreases the flexibility you'd get from a desktop, due to some size constraints (particularly with your GPU), but does make toting it around quite a bit less of a hassle.
As far as the option of building your own laptop, that's one I don't readily recommend. I personally don't mind the added premium of a pre-built laptop, simply because the stress of building a laptop (narrowing down parts configurations, etc) heavily outweighs the few hundred dollars you'll save, but that's just opinion talking. I'm currently using a Samsung RF710, and I love it. It isn't the most powerful system, no (and, granted, I'm mainly a console gamer), but it still packs a fairly good punch, and you don't sacrifice all too much screen space. The only complaint I'd have against my particular model is that if it's not on a flat surface (such as wood or metal; tables, etc), the battery heats up like a sonofabitch.
As far as Alienware, well...I can't recommend them. Most of their price tag is just the brand name; you can easily find comparable units for far less. Aside from that, their CS is based through Dell, so if you ever need to get ahold of them for any warranty work or troubleshooting, you're going to have to prepare yourself for one of the most ridiculous and trying experiences of your life.
All in all, your best bet is to shop around. If you're Canadian, I highly recommend NCIX and NewEgg (the latter being better on prices, recently). I've used NCIX for years, and they tote a lot of options for building custom PCs. Their customer service is a bit slower, at times (I've never been on the phone with them for more than 15 minutes, including waiting on hold), but the staff you'll encounter is knowledgeable and friendly. Personally, I'd suggest going to your local chains (Best Buy, etc) and looking around for particular specs, then jumping through online stores to see what you can get.
While this may not be your ideal goal, it is also a damned fine arrangement. If you're dead-set on purchasing a laptop to serve all your needs, however, I'd go with my option. Browse through the higher-end systems in stores, create checklists for parts, research them (including benchmarks) online, then browse through online stores. You'll save yourself a monumental hassle, in the long run.
As far as the option of building your own laptop, that's one I don't readily recommend. I personally don't mind the added premium of a pre-built laptop, simply because the stress of building a laptop (narrowing down parts configurations, etc) heavily outweighs the few hundred dollars you'll save, but that's just opinion talking. I'm currently using a Samsung RF710, and I love it. It isn't the most powerful system, no (and, granted, I'm mainly a console gamer), but it still packs a fairly good punch, and you don't sacrifice all too much screen space. The only complaint I'd have against my particular model is that if it's not on a flat surface (such as wood or metal; tables, etc), the battery heats up like a sonofabitch.
As far as Alienware, well...I can't recommend them. Most of their price tag is just the brand name; you can easily find comparable units for far less. Aside from that, their CS is based through Dell, so if you ever need to get ahold of them for any warranty work or troubleshooting, you're going to have to prepare yourself for one of the most ridiculous and trying experiences of your life.
All in all, your best bet is to shop around. If you're Canadian, I highly recommend NCIX and NewEgg (the latter being better on prices, recently). I've used NCIX for years, and they tote a lot of options for building custom PCs. Their customer service is a bit slower, at times (I've never been on the phone with them for more than 15 minutes, including waiting on hold), but the staff you'll encounter is knowledgeable and friendly. Personally, I'd suggest going to your local chains (Best Buy, etc) and looking around for particular specs, then jumping through online stores to see what you can get.
Also, this.Mr Jack said:
While this may not be your ideal goal, it is also a damned fine arrangement. If you're dead-set on purchasing a laptop to serve all your needs, however, I'd go with my option. Browse through the higher-end systems in stores, create checklists for parts, research them (including benchmarks) online, then browse through online stores. You'll save yourself a monumental hassle, in the long run.
I'd agree. If I could afford it I'd have a custom laptop built with the latest specs every couple years.Hiphophippo said:
Heh, I got an Asus G73 for $1100 at Best Buy with a screen resolution of 1600x900 instead of 1080x920. It runs whatever I throw at it, but I imagine I'll build a desktop in the next couple of years. The battery life is abysmal, and it just altogether seems like a better deal. It was a good purchase for what I needed at the time, however.
Ah, BUILD. A desktop you say. I don't think you can build a laptop from individual components.Kabutos said:
My Brother is in the Navy, a desktop is absolutely not an option. It needs an integrated Screen, keyboard, battery power and speakers in a small compact size, THAT comes with a premium that is not unique to Alienware.
Portable is inherently expensive:
-smaller components, not just chipset but screen too
-oh yeah, and a high res screen included in cost
-more sophisticated heat systems
-Laptop sized Hard Drives are about 2x the price per gigabyte compared to 3.5"
-many custom made components = lost economy of mass manufacture
-Making the sturdy shell isn't cheap either
-Battery costs are also significant, non factor on desktops
-harder manufacturing= soldering/moulding rather than slotting/screwing
-irreversible: if PC tech surges, then desktops in stock can be dismantled and upgraded/cannibalised easily. Risk mentioned later.
So you see how laptops are inherently more expensive to make than desktops for the same performance.
But most importantly the MARKET, laptops are more VALUABLE than desktops entirely due to their portability. It's capitalism, things cost what people are willing to pay, competition can lower that but considering the higher liability in the laptop market all the manufacturers want to make greater margins to offset the risk.
Yes I've heard of Dell's customer support being bad. But I have never had a good customer support situation, ALL of them are slippery uninformed idiots who are only interested in squirming out of warranty responsibility or trying to extort more money out of me.
OP has said it MUST be a Laptop, there are loads of people where it MUST be a laptop for their computer needs and they are willing to pay whatever price to get that.
Gaming laptops are more useful than desktops when at uni. For those saying you should get a small form pc instead, good luck trying to take that into a lecture or group work session. And you'd have no chance if you wanted to write an essay on a two hour long train journey. I have an MSI GX740, got it in January, no problems, easily plays any game I throw at it. It doesn't build up much heat either, I can play Borderlands for a good couple of hours, on my lap, before it gets too warm. And by then my legs are usually sore anyway.
On a desk its great, the heat exhausts are in the back right and kick any heat out, it may warm up my mouse hand but the laptop itself stays fairly cool. This thing should do me until the end of uni at least, by which point i'll probably have a desktop anyway.
My advice, get a good gaming laptop in the £8-900 range and it will last many years and be of good quality.
On a desk its great, the heat exhausts are in the back right and kick any heat out, it may warm up my mouse hand but the laptop itself stays fairly cool. This thing should do me until the end of uni at least, by which point i'll probably have a desktop anyway.
My advice, get a good gaming laptop in the £8-900 range and it will last many years and be of good quality.
So the words "Gaming laptop" and "Alienware" are like kryptonite to PC elites, huh?
OT: Yeah, a desktop would be more practical for pricing, but even large unwieldy laptops like Alienware's are more mobile than a desktop. And from my own personal experience, Alienware laptops haven't had any serious issues (Either with software, hardware, or cooling though it does run it bit warm during actual gaming, up to ~62C), and they've been able to run anything I could throw at them on either ultra or high settings (DA2 being one that gave issues on ultra, but that game gave people with Radeon HD 6950's problems).
Ack, have to change my entire second paragraph because I finally read what the OP said.
If you have the disposable income, I recommend Alienware. You should also check out what other people have said, I've had good experiences with Toshiba, and ASUS and SONY Vaio are typically good as well. Since a desktop isn't an option, your best bet of performance VS. price is rather difficult to judge and you should look at a wide variety of dealers (I mentioned four in the previous sentences), but any way you slice it if you want modern hardware, you're going to pay a small fortune for it.
OT: Yeah, a desktop would be more practical for pricing, but even large unwieldy laptops like Alienware's are more mobile than a desktop. And from my own personal experience, Alienware laptops haven't had any serious issues (Either with software, hardware, or cooling though it does run it bit warm during actual gaming, up to ~62C), and they've been able to run anything I could throw at them on either ultra or high settings (DA2 being one that gave issues on ultra, but that game gave people with Radeon HD 6950's problems).
Ack, have to change my entire second paragraph because I finally read what the OP said.
If you have the disposable income, I recommend Alienware. You should also check out what other people have said, I've had good experiences with Toshiba, and ASUS and SONY Vaio are typically good as well. Since a desktop isn't an option, your best bet of performance VS. price is rather difficult to judge and you should look at a wide variety of dealers (I mentioned four in the previous sentences), but any way you slice it if you want modern hardware, you're going to pay a small fortune for it.
I sincerely want to agree with you here, but there are a few that aren't, thankfully.Treblaine said:
Few and far between, yes, but it's always a thrill when I have to contact NCIX. Thank the gods they don't outsource.I'm not suggesting that outsourcing CS is inherently bad, simply that 95% of the time, they hire people with no real grasp on technology, and give them an error code list. "You have error 851306! Please reboot. ".