Best Gaming Laptops In 2012

Gamers have long been the most demanding of computer users. Graphics and sound must be crisp and not subject to lagging, even under the heaviest demands on resources. Until recently, that has meant a dependence on desktop computers, at least for the most graphics-heavy games. The self-customisation of computers which could be more easily toted to LAN parties became an entire subculture. Now, however, laptop computers that can genuinely compete are becoming more common.

The Best Gaming Laptop 2012 Advances

The best gaming laptop options have fast processors and a hard drive that spins at 7200 rpm. They have a separate, high quality graphics card and a complement of memory of at least 4 GB. A comfortable keyboard and the latest connectivity options are also highly desirable. Larger screens can produce a better experience, but only if they are optimized; resolutions too high can actually reduce game performance by drawing resources.

With all the high performance required in a gaming rig, they aren’t typically budget machines. However, with the advances in the miniaturization of technology have led to the development of budget laptops that are able to handle the intense resource use of gaming. To find the best gaming laptop under 500 pounds, look first at processor speed. That’s the one thing that you aren’t going to be able to upgrade yourself. Get the fastest quad-core processor that you can find. The screen display and resolution are important, too.

Reviews of the Best Gaming Laptops

The specifications listed are the most commonly found standard configuration. Other configurations may be found.

ASUS G73SW-XA1

The ASUS G73SW-XA1 has a 17.3 inch LED backlit full HD display with a resolution of up to 1920 x 1080. The processor is the Intel Core i7-2630QM, with a speed of up to 2.8 GHz with Turbo Burst technology. The hard drive has a capacity of 750 GB at 7200 rpm. 8 GB of memory is included, and it can be upgraded to 16 GB. The keyboard is backlit and tilts up for comfort. EAX advanced HD 5.0 audio. The graphics card is the nVIDIA GTX 460M. WiFi and Ethernet connectivity are supported. There are 3 USB 2.0 ports, 1 USB 3.0 port, and an HDMI output port. There is an 8-cell battery for longer life.

Pros: Users were very satisfied with the speed of this laptop even with the most intense graphics at maximum settings and during heavy multi-tasking. The back vents were found to keep the laptop quite cool under all conditions. The keyboard was described as comfortable by many users. Most users remarked on the clarity of the display. A few users mentioned the convenience of being able to control the display mode from directly on the keyboard.

Cons: Several users were surprised by just how big the computer is, complaining that it is difficult to find a bag that will fit it. These users went on to say that this was a small price to pay for the outstanding performance of the laptop itself. Some mentioned that the keyboard has a tendency to drop keystrokes. Others noted that the webcam and microphone did not perform up to expectations. A few users mentioned that the Bluetooth range was weak. To see what peopole who bought it on Amazon.com thinks click here.

ASUS G74SX-DH73-3D

The ASUS G74SX-DH73-3D includes nVIDIA 3D Vision to enable 3D viewing, editing, and creation of movies, games and other media. 3D glasses are included. The display is a 17.3 inch LED backlit display with HD, 3D, and a resolution of up to 1920 x 1080. The processor is the Intel Core i7-2670QM which can reach speeds of 3.1 GHz with Turbo Boost technology. The hard drive capacity is 1.5 TB and spins at 7200 rpm. There is 12 GB of memory installed, which can be upgraded to 16 GB. The graphics card is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560M with 3GB GDDR5 VRAM. WiFi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connectivity are supported. There are 3 USB 2.0 slots, 1 USB 3.0 slot, and an HDMI output port. The 8-cell battery allows for more time away from the wall plug.

Pros: Users found the 3D image rendering highly satisfactory. Many commented as well on the clarity and crispness of the screen, whether being used for 3D or not. The venting system kept the machine cool even when used heavily.

Cons: The most often reported negative was that the keyboard sometimes didn’t register keystrokes. Some other users felt that the positioning of the USB ports could cause some interference with right-handed mousing when components are plugged in to them. To see what peopole who bought it on Amazon.com thinks click here.

Buying the Best Gaming Laptops

The best gaming laptops can be found for the best deals online. Discounts and special offers can often be found, and you can often custom build the machine to your own specifications. Online, you can compare features and prices from different manufacturers and different vendors in order to determine for yourself what the best value and the best deal are for your own needs.