With so many factors to consider and options to choose from, buying a laptop can be a tedious task, and it’s even more so with gaming laptops. And as excited as you are to get one so you can get in the game and start playing, you need to hold your horses and take time to scan the playing field, study the players, and know how to play smart by buying smart. So to help you stay away from those that you’re only likely to be disappointed in and regret spending on, we’re giving you some practical tips and quick guides to buying a gaming laptop that can work and play as hard as you do.
See the best gaming laptops under $1,000
With components, designs, functions, and price range that set gaming laptops apart from ordinary notebooks, it’s safe to say that gaming laptops have a league of their own. Having said that, the things that you need to take into consideration when you go hunting for one would differ from those that you’d typically look for when you buy an ordinary notebook. The types of games that you want to play, the amount that you’re willing to spend, and the kind of lifestyle that you have would all come into play as you sort through your options.
Portability is a major factor to consider. If you’d be using it at home most of the time, then a 17- to 18-inch laptop would do. But if you travel a lot and you need to bring it with you every time you go from one place to another, then you need one that’s light enough for you to carry around. A 13 to 14-inch laptop would be ideal for someone who’s always on the move.
See the best gaming laptop under $700
Known as the heart or keystone of any gaming laptop is the graphics card or the GPU, which is responsible for processing and delivering signals to your display monitor. A hardcore gamer would definitely need a more powerful GPU than would a mainstream gamer. If you play hard, go for one that can render images smoothly and flawlessly at very high frame rates.
A high-capacity GPU is not all it takes to have an extremely exciting gaming experience. Poor sounds and visuals can be distracting and annoying while a very clear and vivid display and sound quality can virtually take you out of your room and into an out-of-this-world gaming adventure. So when you look for a gaming laptop, be sure to check out the display and sound system.
If the GPU is the heart, the CPU and RAM are the brains of the laptop. They control the non-gaming applications and take care of things not related to your laptop’s graphic system.
Keyboard responsiveness and comfort in terms of key travel and actuation can also affect the way you play your game. Aside from the comfort factor, interesting features such as customized backlighting can also add to the thrill and excitement of playing the game.