Computer Science Canada

Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Author:  ProgrammingFun [ Tue Feb 23, 2010 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Okay, so my dad said that he will get me a new computer and it is my choice whether I want a laptop or desktop.
Since my older computer is really outdated on video graphics, I have not been able to play many new games.
Therefore, I am looking for a computer which will suit my gaming and regular needs.
My budget is under $1000 but preferably at or below $900.

So I was thinking, Desktop or Laptop....

A laptop would benefit me because I wouldn't have to give my sister the computer and it is portable.
Here are some which I liked:

Samsung
Toshiba Satellite
Gateway
Sony VAIO
HP Pavilion

All of these have their pros and cons...I would prefer a 64-bit computer that could play the latest games such as Bioshock 2 or Modern Warfare 2.

Any suggestions? (Please don't suggesting building my own) Smile


A desktop on the other hand, is better built for gaming.

I like this HP computer because of its specs.

However, a desktop is not portable.


Please offer your suggestions as to which one I should buy and please also suggest a model if you know one.

Thanks
Author:  DemonWasp [ Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:45 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
If you want to play Bioshock 2 or Modern Warfare 2 at an acceptable framerate for under $1000, you'll almost certainly need to get a desktop. You pay a premium for laptop components, which have much stricter heat, power consumption and size requirements placed on them.

When reviewing laptops, remember that "integrated" under their graphics heading means "no super-recent games". You will probably not be able to play MW2 and its ilk very well on any of those laptops you linked (I'm unsure of the Intel PM55 and HM55 chipsets' performance, but I would guess it can be summarized as "not good"). I could be wrong, but I doubt it.

If you want to buy a laptop, Futureshop is a terrible choice. Go to a better retailer, like NCIX.com (Canadian!) or TigerDirect.ca, among others. For example, for $1000, this laptop is generally better than the laptops you linked, and that's probably not even the best choice there.

Gaming laptops also have the problem that their batteries seldom outlast an hour, two at the outside.


As for the desktop, that's a solid option, but remember that it comes without a screen. If you're required to give your old computer away, you'll probably be required to give away your screen with it.

You would, of course, be far better off assembling the new computer yourself if that's an option, or ordering an assembled one from NCIX (use their PC Builder for a while). I found one device within a few minutes that cost $866 and has a graphics card that's probably at least twice as fast as the one in that HP box.
Author:  ProgrammingFun [ Tue Feb 23, 2010 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Thanks for the help.
However, my dad will probably only let me buy from stores (not online).

What do you think about the graphics on this one ( I know the processor and HDD are outdated).

One other question:

How come there are some i3 processors with 2.8 GHz while there are i7s with 1.8 GHz.
I thought i7 was supposed to be better... Surprised
Author:  Euphoracle [ Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:48 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
The clockspeed isn't the only thing that is important. It's only comparable if you're dealing with the same chip at different clocks.

Also, anything that isn't nvidia or ati automatically sucks for graphics.

Here's the deal, if you want to game on a laptop, you'll need to get an expensive powerhouse laptop like a high-end dell XPS or alienware or something with comparable specs. If you want to game on a desktop, you can grab some mediocre parts, put them together, and play at reasonable settings for <$600.
Author:  SNIPERDUDE [ Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:54 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Take it from me (as I have one), gaming laptops have very (excuse the language) shitty battery power. Mine only lasts about an hour off the plug, even when it's just running internet or displaying desktop. I haven't dared try playing a game just on battery.
Note this might change slightly from brand to brand.
In the end, I still prefer the portability of having a laptop (as opposed to a desktop).
Author:  ProgrammingFun [ Tue Feb 23, 2010 10:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
SNIPERDUDE @ Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:54 pm wrote:
Take it from me (as I have one)


OK if you say so. Laughing

Anyway, I decided on desktop as I don't need a laptop ...yet... BooHoo
Author:  DemonWasp [ Wed Feb 24, 2010 1:49 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
The general best solution goes something like powerful desktop + mobile laptop + fileserver. This is what I have, and it's serving me quite well.

For reference, my non-gaming laptop gets 5 hours of battery life to a battery for most tasks, or about 2.5 hours playing older games (such as Homeworld 2, which works great in Wine).
Author:  wtd [ Wed Feb 24, 2010 3:12 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Just get an Xbox 360 or PS3. $300-400, loads of good games and the knowledge that you'll be able to buy new games for years to come and they'll still work.
Author:  Turing_Gamer [ Wed Feb 24, 2010 8:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
I agree. PC games have a lot of variety but may not have all the features (ex: MW2). Stick to console for a while then got to Laptop when you leave the house.
Author:  Euphoracle [ Wed Feb 24, 2010 9:11 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
If you aren't playing RTS/Bioware RPG/MMO games, and you can handle using a console controller, get a 360 or ps3. If the previous sentence is false, get a gaming desktop (much MUCH cheaper). My set up is gaming desktop and macbookpro and although my laptop can do 'some' gaming, it is no where NEAR as powerful as my desktop for that.
Author:  ProgrammingFun [ Wed Feb 24, 2010 7:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
wtd @ Wed Feb 24, 2010 3:12 am wrote:
Just get an Xbox 360 or PS3. $300-400, loads of good games and the knowledge that you'll be able to buy new games for years to come and they'll still work.


BUT I need a new computer anyways...my current one is sh** Evil or Very Mad
Author:  mother teresa [ Thu Feb 25, 2010 12:23 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
i currently have an hp pavilion with the new i7 core and 1.5 t hd its perfect for all my gaming and i never lag
Author:  wtd [ Thu Feb 25, 2010 3:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
ProgrammingFun @ Thu Feb 25, 2010 8:30 am wrote:
wtd @ Wed Feb 24, 2010 3:12 am wrote:
Just get an Xbox 360 or PS3. $300-400, loads of good games and the knowledge that you'll be able to buy new games for years to come and they'll still work.


BUT I need a new computer anyways...my current one is sh** Evil or Very Mad


Xbox 360 or PS3 + refurbished Lenovo Thinkpad, Apple MacBook Pro, Dell Latitude, HP Elitebook or HP Probook will keep you going for several years. In the same time you're sure to go through several gaming rigs, and they'll all likely cost ~$1000 or suck horribly.
Author:  jernst [ Thu Feb 25, 2010 4:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
If you compare the expensive of a gaming laptop to how easy it is to break, it is not worth it. I speak from experience. What a waste of money.
Author:  andrew. [ Thu Feb 25, 2010 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
If you are planning on getting a desktop, I would highly recommend that you build it. The parts will be better and cheaper. If your dad won't let you buy online, go to TigerDirect.ca and look for a store near you. Trust me, a desktop computer from Futureshop that costs $1200 will cost you about $700 to build.
Author:  Amailer [ Fri Feb 26, 2010 10:30 am ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Don't waste money on a "gaming laptop". If you _really_ want to play games, buy a console as suggested (get ready to pay $70 per brand new game, or $40-50 for a used one)

But don't waste money on high end laptops (i7s and etc). Do you honestly play games so often that you need a 1000$+ laptop?

Games....such a money sucker.

P.S If you are going with a console, I recommend the PS3 mainly because: 1. Online gaming is free 2. Free internet connection (via your own line of course) 3. You can play BluRays and etc + (though I believe you can do this on the XBOX as well) you can stream movies from your computer to your PS3, and you only need a core2duo to get a perfect stream Very Happy
Author:  USEC_OFFICER [ Fri Feb 26, 2010 12:48 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
As long as you don't get a Wii. Wiis (Plural) suck. Still. (Although all the First party games are pretty good.) PC gaming is still better the the Wii. (We're number three! We're number three!)
Author:  SNIPERDUDE [ Fri Feb 26, 2010 1:05 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
I was greatly disappointed when I first saw the Wii in action. How can Nintendo screw up such a revolutionary idea? Also the fact that they named it the Wii (it was originally going to be called the Nintendo Revolution) was a big embarrassment. And the graphics don't seem any better than the gamecube's really.
Author:  USEC_OFFICER [ Fri Feb 26, 2010 4:40 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
That's why if (And it is a big if) Project Natal can work, the xbox 360 will be the best console. As long as the games actually are good and not a stupid mini-games thing.
Author:  [Gandalf] [ Fri Feb 26, 2010 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Get a desktop, unless you're willing to deal with the burdens associated with a gaming laptop.

All the console people clearly can't comprehend the idea of preference.

wtd @ 2010-02-25, 3:00 am wrote:
In the same time you're sure to go through several gaming rigs, and they'll all likely cost ~$1000 or suck horribly.

I've had my ~$1000 'gaming rig' for well over 5 years and it's a really solid computer as well.
Author:  ProgrammingFun [ Fri Feb 26, 2010 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Amailer @ Fri Feb 26, 2010 10:30 am wrote:

Games....such a money sucker.


That's why I want a computer... Rolling Eyes
Author:  andrew. [ Fri Feb 26, 2010 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: RE:Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop
Amailer @ Fri Feb 26, 2010 10:30 am wrote:
You can play BluRays and etc + (though I believe you can do this on the XBOX as well)
You can't play Blu-Rays on XBOX; you can only play the obsolete HD-DVD format discs for HD video. However, you can stream video like on the PS3.

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