The Growing Popularity of Gaming Laptops
Laptops have become one of the most popular devices for gaming, ever since the technology was first introduced in the 1980s. From the graphical advancements made over the years, to the introduction of dedicated gaming laptops, the market for PCs has never been so alive. But, in this article, we’re going to focus especially on gaming laptops and if they are worth it in 2017.
Before we delve into that, let’s look at what gaming laptops have to offer. In a nutshell, gaming laptops have multiple advantages. Customers can get more windows open, more programs running, more RAM, and more storage – all the essentials for a smooth gaming session. Due to their portability, gamers can take their laptop around with them anywhere, with compatible gaming accessories. In general, gaming laptops offer more reliability, better performance, and some more bells and whistles than regular laptops.
Are Gaming Laptops Worth it in 2017?
Now, this is one of the most important questions when it comes to gaming laptops in 2017. First, we need to examine the cost involved in buying one. Now, depending on the kind of gaming laptop you want, the price can range from marginally expensive up to $5000 – or even more. Some of the popular gaming laptops come from companies like Asus, Alienware, Dell, and Lenovo.
Having said that, when asking if gaming laptops are worth it in 2017, one must also consider what the laptop has to offer. When you buy a gaming laptop, the manufacturer will have included powerful GPUs, processors, and other gaming specific keypoints. This means that your gaming laptop will be able to run the latest AAA-rated games more efficiently. Some of the most popular games that are likely to benefit from such a laptop include: Grand Theft Auto V, Witcher 3, Batman: Arkham Knight, Far Cry 4 and Street Fighter V.
Comparison with Consoles
Of course, when it comes to gaming, one also needs to consider consoles. Consoles are still extremely popular amongst gamers – but it isn’t a very fair comparison. Even the most expensive gaming laptops are cheaper than most consoles, especially the PS4 and XBox One, so the laptop proppers out in terms of cost. In addition, players can also upgrade their gaming laptop at any point in time if needed.
When it comes to performance, most laptops may not be able to match the graphical power of the XBox One, but that does not mean that the laptop cannot run some of the most popular games. All in all, if you are in the market for a portable gaming device, then a gaming laptop is probably the obvious choice.
Expert Opinions
A few experts have also weighed in on the topic. Tobe Rene, an IT analyst at Access Labs, has publicly said that gaming laptops are definitely the right choice for gamers, especially those who are in the market for a device that is portable and powerful. “It is often seen that individuals who frequently travel prefer gaming laptops over gaming consoles because they offer ultimate portability and gaming power in one package.”
Evan Orton, who works as a programmer at ComCell, had a slightly different opinion. “I think it all depends on the kind of gaming you want to do. If you want to play some of the latest AAA-rated games, then you should consider buying a gaming laptop. However, if you are looking for gaming that does not need the latest upgrades, then a PC or console should be more than sufficient.”
Advantages of Gaming Laptops
We have already mentioned the portability advantage of owning a gaming laptop, but there are some other benefits that one can reap. For starters, gaming laptops are made specifically to handle graphically intense games, so they should have enough power that should keep up with the latest games. This means that gamers will not have to buy any new hardware until they decide to upgrade.
In addition, gaming laptops are also cheaper than PCs, so buying one should be a no-brainer. Last but not least, they are completely customizable, so gamers can customize their gaming laptop to meet their exact needs.
Disadvantages of Gaming Laptops
Like most things, gaming laptops also have certain disadvantages that one must take into account. For starters, gaming laptops are incredibly expensive. Even the ones that are not considered ‘gaming laptops’ come with hefty price tags.
Apart from that, gaming laptops are also not as powerful as gaming PCs. While they may offer more RAM, storage, and faster processors, they cannot match the performance of a dedicated gaming PC. Similarly, they are also more prone to overheating and their batteries don’t last anywhere near as long as regular laptops.
Alternate Power Sources
Finally, for those gamers who want to take their gaming experience outside of their home, an alternate power source would be needed. The most obvious solution is to invest in a power bank, but this isn’t the most ideal solution. Ideally, a laptop ought to be run on its own battery, thus eliminating the need for an alternate power supply.
An interesting workaround is that most gaming laptops now come with their own power sources, usually in the form of an external pack. However, such a setup can be quite expensive, so this isn’t the most ideal solution.
To Buy or Not Buy?
So, after taking all of the above into account, the question still remains: “Are gaming laptops worth it in 2017?” Well, the answer depends on many factors. Firstly, if you are looking for a powerful machine that can handle the latest games, gaming laptops are definitely worth it. However, if you are looking for a cheaper solution, then a standard laptop should be able to suit your needs.
Also, keep in mind that the laptop you choose should be able to handle your gaming needs from the get-go. Don’t invest in a gaming laptop simply because it has a good processor or better specs – there are many other things that need to be taken into consideration before you buy. Consider the price, the features, and if the laptop is future-proofed or not.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you need from a laptop. Most gaming laptops are powerful, but they also come with a hefty price tag. Before investing your money, make sure you do your research so that you get the best value for your money.
