Gaming laptops are designed specifically to cater to the needs of video game players, offering high-performance components and a more immersive gaming experience. What sets them apart from regular laptops is their powerful hardware, capable of running demanding games smoothly, and the visual and audio enhancements that come with them. The right model can take your gaming experience to a whole new level. If you’re interested in gaming laptops, you can find affordable options with an online search right now.
Factors To Consider When Shopping Around
As you explore the world of gaming laptops, it’s essential to keep in mind the key factors that contribute to an excellent gaming experience. These factors include:
- Performance and hardware
- Display and resolution
- Refresh rate and response time
- Keyboard and touchpad
- Battery life
- Portability and design
- Storage and upgradability
- Price and value1
WESTOCK PRODUCTIONS/ShutterstockBy considering these aspects and comparing models online, you can make an informed decision and find the gaming laptop that suits your needs and budget. Shopping around online, after all, can help you find the best deal on the gaming laptop you want.
Performance and Hardware
One factor that differentiates gaming laptops from regular ones is their high-performance hardware. These devices are equipped with powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards to ensure smooth gameplay — even in the most demanding games.
Display and Resolution
A high-quality display is crucial for an immersive gaming experience. Gaming laptops usually come with larger screens, offering better visuals and higher resolutions. Some models may even offer 4K resolution, but keep in mind that requires more powerful hardware.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
The refresh rate and response time of a gaming laptop’s display are crucial factors that impact the gaming experience. A higher refresh rate (measured in Hz) means smoother motion in games, while a faster response time (measured in ms) ensures that fast-paced action is rendered without blurring or ghosting.
Keyboard and Touchpad
A comfortable and responsive keyboard is essential for a gaming laptop. Many gaming laptops come with backlit keyboards, which not only look cool but also make it easier to game in low-light conditions. A high-quality touchpad is good, but perhaps less crucial since many gamers use an external mouse for better precision.
Battery Life
Gaming laptops are known for having a short battery life because of the powerful components running inside. Some models, however, offer better battery life than others, allowing you to game on the go without constantly searching for an outlet. That’s why it’s worth comparing battery life while shopping around.
Portability and Design
Gaming laptops tend to be bulkier and heavier than regular laptops due to their powerful components and cooling systems. Fortunately, some models strike a balance between performance and portability. When shopping for a gaming laptop, consider how portable you need the laptop to be.
Storage and Upgradability
Storage is crucial for a gaming laptop since modern games can take up a lot of space. Look for a laptop with a combination of a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD) for fast load times and ample storage. Additionally, consider a gaming laptop with easily accessible components, allowing you to upgrade parts like the RAM in the future as needed.
Price and Value
Gaming laptops can range from budget-friendly options to high-end models with premium price tags. It’s essential to consider your budget and gaming needs when selecting a gaming laptop. Entry-level gaming laptops can handle most games at lower settings, while mid-range and high-end models generally offer better performance and more advanced features.
Top Gaming Laptops of 2023
Here are some of the top gaming laptop models of 2023 to keep in while shopping around online. Each offers great performance and value to gamers:
- Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 8): This gaming laptop features a powerful Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics, and a stunning 16-inch 2560×1600 display.
- Razer Blade 15: The Razer Blade 15 is another top choice for gamers, offering an Intel Core i7 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics, and a 15.6-inch QHD display with a 240Hz refresh rate.
- Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (GA402RJ): The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is a compact and powerful gaming laptop, featuring an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics, and a 14-inch QHD display.
- Alienware m17 R5 AMD: This gaming powerhouse boasts an AMD Ryzen 9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics, and a 17.3-inch QHD display with a 360 Hz refresh rate.
- Asus ROG Zephyrus M16: The Asus ROG Zephyrus M16 is a versatile gaming laptop with an Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics, and a 16-inch WQXGA display.2
Of course, these are just some of the amazing gaming laptops on the market. It’s a good idea to take some time to explore your options online before making a final decision.
The Takeaway
By considering factors like performance, display, and portability, you can make an informed decision and choose a gaming laptop that’ll take your gaming experience to the next level. While checking out your options online, you might find yourself wondering about gaming laptops vs. gaming desktops. Both are worth exploring, but the portability of gaming laptops puts them over the top for some gamers.3 The top gaming laptops, fortunately, balance power and mobility.