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Laptop vs. Desktop: Gamers Perspective

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Semnae:
When I first started gaming, laptops were still in their early stages. Back then, desktop computers were certainly the way to go for any serious gamer. Laptop technology was far behind desktops, and simply could not run most games adequately enough to be considered for gaming. Times have changed.

Laptops may still be slower than desktops, but advances in hardware technology have far outpaced advances in software. I can still play almost all new games on a desktop I built several years ago on the highest settings. Laptops are now being built that are several times better than my current desktop computer. This presents the question, have laptops surpassed desktops as the ultimate pc gaming machine?

I've never owned a laptop, but from what I can tell, you are pretty much exchanging the ability to upgrade you computer hardware for portability. The ability to upgrade is not as great a benefit as I would hope. The idea is that if I spend a little money on a new component every so often, my computer would keep up with advances in game software and the expense would be spread out over a long period of time. In reality, if I wanted to see a significant increase in performance in my desktop, I would have to replace my CPU. This would mean replacing my motherboard and memory as well because a modern CPU would not fit in my motherboard, and my memory would not fit in a modern motherboard. These three components always seem to need replacing together. This means that if I want to do any upgrading at all, I'll probably have to spend quite a bit of cash all at once, negating the appeal of upgradeability.

Laptops on the other hand have portability! It doesn't take a gamer long to see the incredible benefit of this. While you can go to a lan party with your desktop in tow, desktop computers can be quite a hassle to move and set up. Desktops just aren't designed to be moved, and if you're not careful, you'll end up with a nice size crack down the middle of your expensive LCD monitor. It's easy to imagine a bunch of gamers sitting around a table full of laptops, without a bunch of cumbersome boxes taking up space and getting in the way.

So is it time for serious pc gamers to make the move to laptops?

mgz:
what kind of a stupid question is this laptop vs desktop in price point for functionality. And desktops have a much higher high end.

Laptops will more or less always be behind desktop tech as its the same shit but needs to be smaller and use less power. So it gets toned down and heat will almost always be an issue when it comes to playing the newest games at highest settings laptops wont compete

NinjaHamster:
Soon. Not yet. In my opinion, laptops have not caught up with desktops in performence. Laptops are prone to overheating because of their size, and can also be louder because the fan has to work harder. Probably the most frustrating part of not being able to change parts in a laptop is the graphics card. You'll have to get a new one eventually, even if you get a nice one to start off with. I would rather buy a new graphics card for my destop than a whole new computer.

Desktop computers can have a bigger screen and comfortable keyboard for a better gaming experience. They aren't as prone to overheating because they have more room for airation, and can even use (not sure if this is available for laptops) liquid cooling.

I think the primary place of gaming is at home. If I do 98% of my gaming in one spot, I won't sacrifice my desktop, with all its awesome perks, for portability.

logos:
Semnae, your question belongs here instead

TMRNetShark:
Unless a mobile platform (EX: not just an iPad or Android or other touchscreen based platform) gets to the point of fun that I use to have with my GBA and have that level of games (EX: Fire Emblem and Advance Wars and Pokemon)... then no.

I hate tablets, I hate gaming on my phone... I'm waiting for a PS VITA to come out and hopefully I can buy a battery extender or something for it... I've seen on the intrawebs that Sony is releasing a dangle battery extender for it to extend the batter an extra 6-9 hours.

As for laptop gaming on the go... blaaaahhhh. I'll pass. I've tried it... it's not fun... nor cool. I like having something in my hands than able to throw into my backpack without noticing it's in there (like I would with a tablet or laptop).

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