Discussion about
Time to dump desktops for laptops for time-strapped gamers?
Look, I can build my own PCs and I advocate that gamers build their own machines. However, with laptops becoming powerful and less expensive, I'm wondering if its time to shift away from having a massive desktop gaming rig sitting around when all I really need is something like the m11x and a decent monitor to connect it (or just my HDTV). I really like the benefits of having a portable gaming laptop such as this. Form factor is the m11x's greatest feature.
I completely agree with you, I am seriously considering buying this laptop when it is released and some more reviews are posted. I have Dell XPS 15" laptop right now, I do not use it for gaming but lugging it around all day is getting really annoying. The form factor is really appealing to me and having that kind of gaming power on the go does not hurt.
I've been mulling over this very thing recently, but the real obstacle is the sheer patheticity(sic) of mobile GPU's when you actually want to play leading-edge games, a fact especially pertinent when you introduce actual mobility into the equation. To put it into context, the latest and greatest mobile gaming machines, e.g. the Asus G73, packs the newest mobile GTX's... which just wheezes past a desktop 8800GT. Remember the 8800GT's back when? Exactly.
I agree that the m11x *seems* like a great idea, and it's a niche that hasn't really been explored in depth before... but I think it's a half-assed approach that won't actually work well enough for anyone in context. It'll swallow up a good deal of the PC budget of the thinner of wallet leaving them to essentially use it as their main computer, it's too expensive as a second computer for many, and for people like me who don't have an inner 12-year-old dictating our aesthetic values it's frankly a mini carbuncle which isn't anywhere near powerful enough to play games to a level which doesn't induce chronic frustration compared to a desktop experience, and neither is it an optimal all-day portable.
It'll be quite a while before I ditch my gaming desktop yet.
I agree that the m11x *seems* like a great idea, and it's a niche that hasn't really been explored in depth before... but I think it's a half-assed approach that won't actually work well enough for anyone in context. It'll swallow up a good deal of the PC budget of the thinner of wallet leaving them to essentially use it as their main computer, it's too expensive as a second computer for many, and for people like me who don't have an inner 12-year-old dictating our aesthetic values it's frankly a mini carbuncle which isn't anywhere near powerful enough to play games to a level which doesn't induce chronic frustration compared to a desktop experience, and neither is it an optimal all-day portable.
It'll be quite a while before I ditch my gaming desktop yet.
Here here, I recently built a desktop and I don't think I'll ever go back to portables to rely on gaming. Each and every single one has been a let down and is not even upgradeable and was too costly to run aftermarket repairs on it. If a component that isn't the RAM or HDD was broken, you'd have to go through the hassle of replacing the entire motherboard, which is in itself a much more complex and costly option than the desktop equivalent repair.
Also, keep in mind that if you want this to actually function as a decent gaming rig, you'll need to pay upwards of $1000, which would net you a sweet desktop for the same price that is more powerful.
No matter how "powerful" a notebook will get, a desktop will trump a notebook in just about every aspect, repairs, costs, power and modularity.
Also, keep in mind that if you want this to actually function as a decent gaming rig, you'll need to pay upwards of $1000, which would net you a sweet desktop for the same price that is more powerful.
No matter how "powerful" a notebook will get, a desktop will trump a notebook in just about every aspect, repairs, costs, power and modularity.
I don't know what it is, but I can't imagine ever letting go of my desktop. No matter how good a laptop get my desktop just allows such versatility and afford ability. I have used many laptops to game on and have been more than pleased with them, but I have never even considered using them as a desktop replacement. I like my big clunky machine I guess is all I am saying.
I built my gaming rig a little over a year ago, E8400 @ 4GHz, 8GB DDR2 1066, BFG GTX 260, 2x WD Blacks in RAID. I had been using my Macbook Pro as my main computer for two years before that. I bought a desk and a comfortable chair, and I can't go back to using a laptop as my main computer. Having a full sized keyboard (Logitech G15), a comfortable gaming mouse (Razer Deathadder), and two 23" 1080p monitors makes a world of difference. If I wanted to get a comparable gaming laptop, I'd be dropping $2500+, when my entire set up costed me $1500 with desk and chair!
I've played games on my Macbook Pro via Boot camp, but laptops are not comfortable at all for gaming. I like having the longer keystrokes and bigger display, even if it means I can't game anywhere i want to.
Also, have you looked at the price/specs for the M11x? You'll be spending quite a bit of cash before you have anything even comparable to a cheaper desktop.
Sure, if you travel a lot and a desktop is not an option, a gaming laptop will obviously be your own choice if you game a lot.
I've played games on my Macbook Pro via Boot camp, but laptops are not comfortable at all for gaming. I like having the longer keystrokes and bigger display, even if it means I can't game anywhere i want to.
Also, have you looked at the price/specs for the M11x? You'll be spending quite a bit of cash before you have anything even comparable to a cheaper desktop.
Sure, if you travel a lot and a desktop is not an option, a gaming laptop will obviously be your own choice if you game a lot.
I agree with shawn, this is a pretty nice looking laptop for those who want a laptop for gaming purposes but the more and more I use a laptop the more I find i yearn for a desktop again. The bigger screen is a must for me again and its something that is lacking on a laptop past 18".
secondly as a portable device it becomes a little bit to big with a massive screen and the portability becomes more of a issue. That and I assume it will proabbly attract a lot more heat if in enclosed in a much tighter and smaller case.
thirdly, laptops are losing its appeal to me in regards to gaming and portability. Netbooks at least to me are where its at and they have a much better battery life and do what most things i need to get done.
Laptops are great but they as a work horse they still have a fair way to go esp with battery life... I think netbook have been a great thig for this business and I'm still not sure how viable gaming laptops really are. they are still quite an expensive piece of kit for what you get in comparison to some desktop builds.
secondly as a portable device it becomes a little bit to big with a massive screen and the portability becomes more of a issue. That and I assume it will proabbly attract a lot more heat if in enclosed in a much tighter and smaller case.
thirdly, laptops are losing its appeal to me in regards to gaming and portability. Netbooks at least to me are where its at and they have a much better battery life and do what most things i need to get done.
Laptops are great but they as a work horse they still have a fair way to go esp with battery life... I think netbook have been a great thig for this business and I'm still not sure how viable gaming laptops really are. they are still quite an expensive piece of kit for what you get in comparison to some desktop builds.
