When choosing a laptop for gaming, it’s important to recognize that blazing fast processor speeds, sharp graphics, and a long-lasting battery life are all essential factors. Nowadays, gamers want speed, performance, and the latest technology. But with a myriad of gaming laptops out there, how can you know where to buy a good one that meets your needs?
The starting point when considering where to buy a gaming laptop is to make sure that it has the necessary hardware to run your favorite games. It should possess a processor that is fast enough to handle these high-tech titles, such as an Intel Core i5 or a more powerful i7, away from integrated graphics. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, as well as possessing a dedicated graphics card such as an Nvidia GTX 1060 or better.
It also pays to go slightly larger on the screen size, as gaming performance tends to be better with a slightly bigger display. A 15.6-inch laptop is probably the sweet spot for gamers, although gamers often prefer a 17.3-inch laptop due to their larger screens and longer battery life. It is important to ensure the laptop features enough storage for your games, either through a large hard drive or faster solid state drive (SSD).
Another aspect to consider is the price, and this can vary widely. It all depends on what type of games you plan to play and how much performance you need. Budget laptops can cost as little as $800, but these are not built for intensive gaming. Mid-range gaming machines are usually priced between $1,000 and $1,500, and can usually play the latest games at reasonable settings. High-end gaming laptops usually cost between $2,000 and $3,000, at which price point you can expect to get a laptop with plenty of performance and style.
Experts recommend that you check out reviews of the laptop before you purchase, to ensure that it meets your gaming needs. Reviews usually provide in-depth information about performance and specifications, as well as battery life and any other important aspects.
The Best Places to Buy
The best place to buy a good gaming laptop is either in a store or online. Many retailers offer a wide range of gaming laptops, giving customers the opportunity to compare different models, specs and prices. Furthermore, staff in-store are usually knowledgeable and can provide invaluable advice on which laptop may be best for a particular budget and gaming needs.
Online shopping can also be a great option if you are looking for a wide selection of gaming laptops and are comfortable shopping from the comfort of your home. Many websites offer competitive prices, with discounts for laptops being commonplace. Furthermore, it is easy to compare different models, specs and prices side-by-side. Furthermore, many websites include customer reviews and ratings, providing an insight into how satisfied past customers were with their purchase.
When shopping online, it’s important to pay close attention to the seller’s return policy and warranty, in case there are any issues with your laptop. Additionally, online retailers usually offer faster delivery, allowing you to receive your laptop within a couple of days, rather than having to wait for it in-store.
Bear in Mind
Keep in mind that gaming laptops can be expensive, even on a budget. Therefore, it’s important to research the specs of the laptop, to ensure that it meets your gaming needs. Additionally, look for laptops with plenty of storage, as this can be an important way to free up your gaming experience.
Furthermore, when buying a gaming laptop, it’s important to consider the general aesthetic of the machine. Many gamers prefer a laptop that stands out, with features such as a light-up keyboard, and a chassis that has interesting visuals. Ultimately, choosing a laptop should be based on the necessary specs, but with an eye towards the laptop’s overall look and feel.
Battery Life
One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a gaming laptop is battery life. After all, no matter how impressive the graphics may be, it won’t do any good to your gaming experience if the battery runs out quickly. It pays to get a laptop with a good battery life, as this can be a great tool to not only save you time but also keep your gaming sessions going longer.
It is possible to find gaming laptops with battery life of up to 8 hours, but if this is not possible then it pays to at least aim for 6 hours of battery life. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that battery life can vary depending on the game being played, as complex 3D games are often more taxing than simple 2D titles.
Accessories
Finally, gamers should also consider the accessories that come with their laptop. Some gaming laptops come with a selection of gamepads and extra cables, while some are also sold with a laptop docking station, allowing you to connect your laptop to a large number of peripherals and monitors. Additionally, some gaming laptops come with an extended warranty, allowing you to extend the warranty duration.
In the end, it all comes down to deciding on the most important aspects of your gaming experience, and then finding the laptop that fits your needs. The key is to ensure that the laptop meets your gaming performance needs, as well as other important aspects such as battery life and accessories.
Graphics Card
When it comes to gaming laptops, graphics are very important. The wrong graphics card can lead to a poor gaming experience, where the games look blurry and lack performance. For an optimal gaming experience, experts recommend getting a laptop with an Nvidia GTX 1060 or better graphics card. These cards provide enough power to run any of the current games on high settings, and with impressive results.
If your budget allows it, it can be beneficial to get a laptop with a higher end card such as an Nvidia RTX 2060 or better. These cards are the best of the best, and can easily run any of the latest games at maximum settings.
Ultimately, the type of graphics card you get depends on your gaming needs. If you are looking for a laptop to play less demanding titles, then a mid-range card like an Nvidia GTX 1660 should suffice. However, for more demanding titles, it pays to get a more powerful card like an RTX 2060.
Repair and Upgrades
Finally, it pays to consider repair and upgrades when looking for a gaming laptop. Ideally, the laptop should possess easy-to-access internals that allow for quick and simple upgrades, such as swapping out the hard drive or RAM. Furthermore, it pays to make sure that the laptop can be easily repaired in case anything breaks or fails at a later date.
Ultimately, research is key when it comes to looking for the right laptop. While it can be tempting to jump at the first laptop that looks good or fits your budget, it pays to make sure that the laptop is up to spec and meets your gaming needs.
Online vs In-Store Shopping
Choosing between online and in-store shopping for a gaming laptop depends on your personal preferences. Shopping in-store allows you to get hands-on and speak to a knowledgeable salesperson about a particular model and its specs. Furthermore, browsing the selection in-store allows you to get an idea of what laptop would be best for your needs, and makes it easier to compare different models.
Online shopping on the other hand, offers much more convenience and often cheaper prices, though you may not have the same opportunity to compare models. Additionally, online retailers usually offer faster delivery, allowing you to receive your laptop within a couple of days, rather than having to wait for it in-store.
In the end, the decision between online and in-store shopping for a gaming laptop comes down to personal preference. Both channels offer a wide selection of laptops, and both have advantages and disadvantages.
Cost Considerations
When it comes to buying a laptop for gaming, cost is also a major consideration. Budget laptops can cost as little as $800, but these are often not built for intensive gaming. Mid-range gaming machines typically cost between $1,000 and $1,500 and usually provide enough performance to play the latest games at acceptable settings. High-end gaming laptops usually cost between $2,000 and $3,000, and these are designed to provide the best performance with the most up-to-date hardware.
Additionally, some storeswill offer additional discounts or
promotions. It pays to shop around and compare prices, as well as looking for any additional offers. Furthermore, many online retailers offer discounts as
well as free shippingoptions.
Ultimately, it pays to be aware of the various considerations when looking for a gaming laptop. It is important to not only consider the specs and cost, but also take into account other factors such as battery life, accessories, repair options and upgradeability.
