Gaming Laptop people, advice needed please.

[Shinobi]

I know next to nothing about PC gaming other than its not as easy as Console gaming.

However I appreciate that PC gaming supports mods, games are cheaper and more freedom etc. So with the new X-Com announced on PC only and Fireaxis being open that they will "support" mods I think I need to get on the bandwagon.

My question is, can I buy a laptop that will be able to run this, plug it into my TV and buy a controller to play it on? Hopefully one like the 360 as I think the Sony offering is far to small.

Also what sort of lead times do games companies announce what specs I would need to enjoy Xcom2 and what sort of costs would a laptop like this carry?

Appreciate that a PC would be cheaper but I don't want the large box and a Laptop would give me flexibility to take it away on trips etc.

Cheers

[130R]

I wouldn't advise getting a laptop then plugging it into a TV and using a controller .. you really would be better off with a console if that is what you want to do.

The latest gaming laptops offer decent performance but they are very expensive compared to a desktop (for example this is a high end gaming laptop: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?pro... ). Unless you really are traveling all the time for the amount of money you would need to spend on a high end (non-upgradeable) gaming laptop you could buy a small form factor PC and a 1440p monitor, which is significantly better. You can use an Xbox One or PS4 controller with a PC.

[Shinobi]

130R said:

I wouldn't advise getting a laptop then plugging it into a TV and using a controller .. you really would be better off with a console if that is what you want to do.

The latest gaming laptops offer decent performance but they are very expensive compared to a desktop (for example this is a high end gaming laptop: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?pro... ). Unless you really are traveling all the time for the amount of money you would need to spend on a high end (non-upgradeable) gaming laptop you could buy a small form factor PC and a 1440p monitor, which is significantly better. You can use an Xbox One or PS4 controller with a PC.

I've already got a PS4 so that's covered, but Xcom 2 hasn't been announced on that yet.

[FiF]

Always thought that it was a pity that the Gpack from piixl didn't get further due to difficulties with crowdfunding. They're having another go it seems.

http://piixl.com/

[Eddh]

Alienware, people say they're over priced but they are a really good piece of kit and actually take cooling seriously rather than trying to ram a load of componants into a cheap case and expecting it to be cooled by magic.

[Meoricin]

Seems a shame to buy a laptop for a job that a small PC would do far better. For an equal price you could buy one of those 'console PCs' or whatever they're calling them (basically just PCs in a console-sized case, or smaller), and get far higher performance and reliability than a laptop

[Aphex]

Sounds like an awkward way of using a laptop, it may be better once the steam controller releases.

http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/laptop/81148-pc-spec...

£1350 on pc specialist.

I'd advise a cooling stand

[Cheese Mechanic]

I have an Asus which was £1700 when originlly released , but 8 months down the line was mine for £1000.

17 inch screen, i7 4700 , 12 gig ram, GTX 870m with 3 gig gfx ram, 256 gig boot ssd , 750 data drive , Blu ray etc

Came from saveonlaptops at the turn of the year. Seems one of the times the manufacturers slim their inventories.

First full blown gaming laptop I have had (always built my own d/tops prior) . Will I repeat the exercise? Amost without doubt, yes. Will I ever by a console? Almost without doubt, no.

Entirely recommended.

Oh yeah, battery life when NOT gaming is around 5 hours.

Edited by Cheese Mechanic on Friday 5th June 17:37

[Mannginger]

If you're buying a PC for Lounge gaming then I'd be looking at a Steam Machine and controller (although honestly I'd really wait for a year or so!)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33001605

If you can game away from the sofa then Alienware are normally pretty handy if pricey

[Shinobi]

Mannginger said:

If you're buying a PC for Lounge gaming then I'd be looking at a Steam Machine and controller (although honestly I'd really wait for a year or so!)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-33001605

If you can game away from the sofa then Alienware are normally pretty handy if pricey

Thanks for that! Looks like it could be what I need.

Annnnnd out in time for Xcom. I'll keep an eye on Alienware.

[Bullett]

Be aware, Steam machine will only be running the SteamOS.
Not all PC games are released on SteamOS.

You could I guess, dual boot but that seems to make SteamOS a bit redundant.

There are living room friendly PC/media centre type boxes that will be better than trying to get a laptop to deliver what you want.

I use an xbox controller with my PC sometimes, PS3 works as well and PC specific designs (like the Steam Controller) there is lots of choice.