Gaming Laptops - Pros and Cons

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About Gaming Laptops - Pros and Cons

Should you buy a gaming laptop? It’s a good question. Many gamers long for the portability of handheld devices but favour the PC as a platform. Manufacturers have solved this quandary by introducing the gaming laptop.

So what sets gaming laptops apart from traditional office laptops? Gaming laptops are designed to run GPU and CPU-intensive tasks, whereas regular laptops are typically used for light duties such as internet browsing and running office software.

Here is a rundown of some of the pros and cons to help you decide whether or not a gaming laptop is for you.

Pro - Portability

The main advantage of a gaming laptop is the ability to move it from one place to another with ease. You may find this practical if you travel frequently. It’s entirely possible to open your laptop and enjoy your favourite game in an airport waiting lounge, a coffee shop or on a train. For this reason, it is worth investing in a sturdy backpack or laptop bag to keep your technology safe whilst on the move.

Con - Battery Life

If you find yourself in a situation where a power supply isn’t available, you will have very limited gaming time. Due to high-performance components and high-speed cooling fans, the battery life of a gaming laptop is considerably finite.

Pro - Cheaper Than Desktops

Like any model of computer, price varies enormously for both laptops and desktops. However, typically, laptops are the cheaper of the two. Of course, due to the specs, a gaming laptop will be more expensive than a regular laptop, so keep in mind that the better you want your laptop to perform, the more pricey it will be. If you’re a console gamer looking to convert to a gaming laptop, be prepared to shell out a good deal more than you’re used to.

Con - Overheating

A common complaint reported by users of gaming laptops is overheating. This is often due to the graphics card being unable to run tasks it cannot handle. Although most models are designed to endure the strain of high-performance, the demanding workload can generate heat to the point of damage. One solution to this problem is to purchase a cooling stand and ensure the fans are clean and functional at all times. Unfortunately, when your fans are working hard, they also tend to be noisy.

Pro - Ever-Changing Technology

Gaming PCs are constantly improving. Designers are listening to demands and working to resolve issues every day. Since 2010, when the Razer gaming laptop took the industry by storm, these pieces of technology have progressed tremendously. Redesigned screens to prevent lagging and upgraded internal processors are just a couple of the continuously developing features.

Con - Lack of Upgrade Options

Laptops are compact in design, making their upgrade options limited. Upgrading parts such as the graphics card on a desktop is easily doable, whereas, for gaming laptops, these components are usually built-in. Upgrades of this nature are not totally out of the question but require intricate and complicated adjustments to the motherboard. Upgraded parts might also conflict with your laptop’s hardware. The customisation of gaming PCs is almost expected, particularly when they are being built from scratch, so for this point, the desktop wins.

Pro - All-in-One

Building a gaming PC is not only expensive; for beginners, it can be rather complicated. Ensuring you have all the required components is nothing short of a military operation. For those whose hobby involves the ins and outs of technology, constructing a setup is a rewarding and exhilarating venture. However, some prefer their systems to come ready to use. The beauty of a gaming laptop is everything comes as a package, including screen, keyboard, tracking pad, speakers and all the rest.

Con - Shorter Lifespan

The lifespan of your gaming laptop will undeniably depend on the model and how well it is maintained. On average, they will last anywhere between 3-10 years. Keeping it dust-free by placing it on an appropriate, flat surface will contribute to its endurance. You can always give it a helping hand by performing regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning out dust from the fans, checking for disk errors and performing frequent virus scans.

Although they are designed for portability, be sure to handle your laptop with respect and care.