Gaming: Laptop vs. Desktop

[ProgrammingFun]

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Since my older computer is really outdated on video graphics, I have not been able to play many new games.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)


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

[DemonWasp]

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.

[ProgrammingFun]

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...

[Euphoracle]

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.

[SNIPERDUDE]

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).

[ProgrammingFun]

SNIPERDUDE @ Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:54 pm wrote:

Take it from me (as I have one)

OK if you say so.

Anyway, I decided on desktop as I don't need a laptop ...yet...

[DemonWasp]

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).

[wtd]

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.

[Turing_Gamer]

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.

[Euphoracle]

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.

[ProgrammingFun]

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**

[mother teresa]

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

[wtd]

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**

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.

[jernst]

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.

[andrew.]

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.