Cost Factors
When choosing a new gaming laptop, the cost is often the top most critical factor for buyers. The cost of laptops, however, can vary greatly between different models, configurations and brands. There are many factors to consider when deciding what makes a decent gaming laptop cost.
One of the most common factors is the price of the laptop components. This can include the CPU, GPU, memory, screen and keyboard quality. A laptop with top of the line specs will naturally cost more. In some cases, up to two or three times as much as a similarly specced model with lower components. For example, a good gaming laptop might need at least an Intel Core i7 processor and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660Ti or higher GPU to run high end games at their highest settings.
The screen quality is another factor that will determine the cost of the laptop. A 1080p IPS display with a fast refresh rate is usually the minimum requirement for most gamers, but higher end models can feature higher resolution displays such as 15.6″ 4K UHD, G-Sync, and even QHD monitors. Also, laptops with higher resolution displays will usually cost more.
The keyboard quality is important for gamers, as well. Mechanical keyboard offer a more tactile and accurate experience when typing and gaming, while cheaper keyboards tend to lack in both feel and accuracy. Some gamers may be willing to sacrifice the keyboard quality to save a few dollars and still have a decent gaming experience, while others may pay the extra dollars for a good keyboard and the gaming chops to go along with it.
Finally, the storage is an important part of any laptop. SSDs are the preferred option for gamers, as they offer much faster speeds than traditional hard drives. However, they also tend to be a bit more expensive. So, if you’re looking for a good gaming laptop, it’s probably worth looking for one that has at least an SSD for the OS and a HDD for extra storage.
Brand Name
When it comes to laptops, the brand name is often one of the main driving factors for the buyer. Apple’s MacBook Pros are some of the top of the line laptops and can be very expensive. On the other hand, you can find laptop models from companies like Acer and Asus which are much more affordable and still offer decent gaming performance.
In general, most buyers will opt for a laptop from a recognizable brand name, as they usually have better customer support and warranty. In addition, some brands have a reputation for making higher quality products. For instance, Dell’s Alienware series of gaming laptops are seen as one of the best gaming laptops for the money.
Size and Weight
A gaming laptop needs to be not only powerful, but also be portable enough to take on the go. The size and weight of a laptop is an important factor for gamers, especially if they plan to move around with it a lot. This can be an issue with the larger 17″ models, as they can be quite heavy and not the most ideal to carry.
On the other hand, smaller 13″ and 15″ models are usually much more portable, though they tend to have both a lower performance and battery life than their larger counterparts. That said, for most gamers, the balance between portability and performance of the smaller models makes them the better choice.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important factor for gamers. The vast majority of laptops these days come with a lithium-ion battery, which can handle several hours of use before needing to be recharged. However, gaming laptops tend to have shorter battery lives than regular laptops due to the high power demands of some of the more graphically intense games.
In general, you should expect to get at least 3 or 4 hours of battery life on a gaming laptop if you turn down the settings and are conservative with the brightness and processor load. This can be enough for some basic tasks, but if you’re a hardcore gamer looking to game on the go, you’ll likely need to look for a laptop that offers longer battery life.
Cooling
When it comes to gaming laptops, it is important to pay attention to the cooling system. Overheating is an issue that can reduce the performance of a laptop and, in some cases, damage the components and shorten its lifespan. A good cooling system is essential for any gaming laptop, and will often require additional fans or heatsinks to keep the laptop running at its peak performance.
It is important to keep in mind that the cooling system can add a lot to the overall cost of the laptop, as well as affect the size and weight of the laptop. So, if you are looking for a laptop with good cooling, you might have to be willing to pay a bit more for it or go for a heavier laptop.
Warranty
The quality of the parts and components that make up the laptop are often just as important as the specs of the laptop itself. That’s why it’s important to make sure the laptop you’re getting has a good warranty. This is especially true with gaming laptops, as they usually carry heavier power requirements and use more components than regular laptops.
Therefore, it is important to look for a laptop that has a good warranty, preferably one that offers at least a year of coverage on parts and labor. This way, you can have peace of mind in knowing that your laptop will be taken care of should any damage or issues arise.
Verdict
When it comes to a decent gaming laptop, the cost really depends on what you want from the laptop. A higher end model with top of the line specs, good cooling, and a reliable warranty will often cost more, but can provide a great gaming experience. On the other hand, if your needs are more basic, then cheaper models and lower specs can still provide a good gaming experience without the extra cost.
No matter what, the key is to find a laptop that meets your needs and fits your budget. By looking at the cost factors and making an informed decision, you can get the best gaming laptop for the price you’re willing to pay.
Design
The design of the gaming laptop is also important. A more modern and sleek look can help the laptop stand out, as well as make it more comfortable to carry and use on the go. Some manufacturers have even designed gaming laptops with RGB lights, giving you the opportunity to make the laptop more personal.
It is also important to look at the materials of the laptop. High quality materials such as aluminum and magnesium can help make the laptop feel more premium and last longer. Some gaming laptops have also been designed with a mesh top and rubberized finish, giving them a more gamer-friendly look and feel.
Performance and Consistency
For any gaming laptop, performance and consistency are key. This means being able to play high-end games at their highest settings without any dips in frame rate or graphical quality. It also means that the laptop runs consistently, even when you are pushing the limits of the hardware.
This is why it is important to look for laptops that are able to run games at a steady frame rate without any major drops or spikes. While higher end components will naturally offer more performance, it is also important to look for laptops that can achieve consistent performance even in more demanding situations.
Maintenance and Repair
Lastly, it is important to look at the availability of maintenance and repair options for your laptop. Having easy access to certain parts and replacements can be crucial in keeping your laptop running in tip-top shape, as well as saving you money in the long run. Some manufacturers will offer official repairs which are often handled quickly and with good quality. It is also important to check for availability of third party repair shops in your area so you can get your laptop fixed when needed.
