Poll: Gaming Laptop or Gaming Desktop PC ?

[lacktheknack]

Anything-but-Alienware desktop. I have an gutted-and-stuffed Alienware desktop, it was a lovely machine, but NOT WORTH THE PRICE.

But desktop. Desktop as hard as you can. Playing anything intense on a laptop results in at least one of these: A. Burned lap, B. fried circuitry, C. spending a ton of money.

 

[Jeebz]

Ideally this boils down to 1 easy question, are you on the move and plan to take the gaming with you, if the answer is no, then there is no reason whatsoever to not take the desktop. While everyone here is ranting on Alienwares being shit, I cant provide my own opinion on that seeing as I build my own desktop, which I would highly advise you learn how to do, everything can only go in one place anyway. but if you're thick enough to press the processor in the wrong bloody way then you deserve to have it destroyed.

 

[The_Critic]

Why exactly do you want an Alienware?

Really, I'm very interested into why people want these things.

because back in the day alianware was one of the few places where you could get a good gaming pc. Now Dell owns it, and it's a name only. A very overpriced name at that.

OT: I wanted to get a gaming laptop initially. However after building it (I used Ibuypower) I found that a PC that more then Doubled the power of the laptop was cheaper. Yes it's not that portable but it is more powerful. For me, as a person that doesn't really leave home alot and when I do I stay at peoples houses usually more then 1 day, a PC was more cost effective and just as useful.

However

If you want something portable go laptop, The gaming system I had before my pc was a laptop and I would play wow and other games in class with it. (when I went to school) also it just was more convenient, and if money isn't an option, just make a monster laptop, buy a cooling base, and have at it.

EDIT: My Desktop specs, to give you an idea.

Processor: Intel Core i7 2600k 3.4ghz
Ram: 8gig DDR3 Corsair - 1600
Video Card: Nvidia GTX 590 3gig
Power Source: 800 watt

I play my games on my 46inch LED 3D TV and it works great, and their are no games I can't play. This entire system cost me about $1400 including shipping. I did however get some nice back to school deals.

 

[guitarsniper]

I have a gaming laptop--Asus G73 series. I bought it because I'm in university and although it's set up on my desk most of the time with a cooling pad and external keyboard and mouse, I like to be able to pack it all up easily when i go home for a weekend or break. it's been decent at games, but with some cooling issues. my next purchase will be a beastmode desktop and a relatively crappy laptop/netbook, once i have a more permanent living solution. If you're going to get a laptop, definitely be looking in the 17" range, because it gives the components that little bit of extra space for cooling, which is CRUCIAL.

 

[sinterklaas]

Desktop. 'Gaming' laptops do not exist. The best videocards in the most expensive laptops are of equal power as the one in my 700 euro desktop build.

Furthermore, stay the fuck away from Alienware. What you want is to specify how much you want to spend and how big your monitor is, people will give you a build, you go to your nearest (computer specialized) hardware store, buy the parts and ask them to put it together (for a small fee shops will do that).

 

[SFMB]

I really love the two internet trolls, who voted "Mac" for a gaming platform. Sorry, no flamewar.

 

[sniddy_v1legacy]

Why, WHY would you want a gaming laptop

Unless you sofa surf...and then you have more problems then a new PC - if you have a home you'll likely do 90% of your gaming from there....

I guess if you travel a hell of a lot for work or something...then you may have to consider it but you will pay more for less for the convince of moving it - unless you NEED and I mean NEED that don't do it.

 

[TheLastSamurai14]

Alright, who were the two people who voted Mac? I'll have your heads!

OT: If you travel a ton and want to game on the go, get a laptop. If you want to spend less, but don't care about moving it all that often, get a desktop. Just please, PLEASE do not get a Mac.

Also, OP, don't buy Alienware unless you're going for the laptop. You can get just as much performance (if not moreso) from a custom-built desktop.

 

[Monkey_Warfare]

Get the Razer Blade laptop if you want want one you can take to mates houses, if not a desktop works fine. I have an excessively powerful desktop for gaming and a slow but light/battery efficient laptop for the rest.

 

[Jfswift]

If you're traveling a lot at work or want to screw around in class then laptop, otherwise go with whatever is cheaper.

 

[lRookiel]

Its funny how you actually put a Mac as an option.

 

[remnant_phoenix]

I definitely prefer gaming on a laptop. I don't like gaming in desk chair.

Now, in terms of power for your money? Desktops are much more cost effective.

Still. The couch or a comfy armchair is the only gaming seat for me.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Ideally you'd want to go with a Desktop. They have a longer shelf life, and most can be upgraded with little hassle.

That said, the gaming laptop, while more expensive, gives you the added bonus of mobility, so you can game anywhere there's an internet connection and an outlet.

 

[ph0b0s123]

Not enough info to make a determination. If you need any kind of portability, then it is no question a laptop. If you will just game in one place then a desktop. Simple.

Can't understand why Mac is an option.

 

[Tharwen]

Do you want to be able to move your computer around with you?

If yes > laptop

If no > desktop

It's really that simple. You can get desktop computers as small as laptops too if space is an issue (but don't expect them to be very powerful).

 

[Vegosiux]

Do you want to be able to move your computer around with you?

If yes > laptop

If no > desktop

It's really that simple. You can get desktop computers as small as laptops too if space is an issue (but don't expect them to be very powerful).

Exactly. The only question you have to answer is mobility.

 

[godofallu]

PC

Avoid alienware unless you value your time at a rate of over 80USD/Hour

You missed black friday/cyber monday by a few days, you could have saved hundreds. Ouch.

 

[targren]

Desktop, easily.

Laptop Pros:
Portability

Laptop Cons:
Extremely costly by comparison
Poor future proofing (Cannot upgrade integrated components)
Smaller Screens (Never seen a 26" laptop)
By the time you've added an external keyboard and mouse, you might as well be on a desktop anyway. Touchpads and keyboard-clits SUCK for gaming, and compressed keyboards aren't great either.

 

[Wolfram23]

Custom built desktop.

You can get a lot of help on forums, or you can go to someone like me (aka a local hobbiest PC builder) and get lots of personal help... in fact if you (or anyone) is from the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada region feel free to send a message