Perfect Portable Gaming Setup

Hello, I'm a college student with an AW M11x and I have been searching for the perfect setup. I have been researching 2 months prior to purchasing my laptop, and have also been researching on the best items for my needs. I have composed a list of items that I think will help other people choose the best items for their laptops, however I am looking for better alternatives for some of my items.

[Start list]
Here are my basic setups (m11x):

On-the-go
[ ] Alienware m11x ($1,099.99)
[ ] Dell External 12.7 Tray Super Multi Drive ($79.99)
[ ] Alienware Orion Neoprene Sleeve for M11x ($31.99)
[ ] Logitech Wireless Gaming Mouse G700 ($99.99)
[ ] Razer Kabuto mousepad ($19.99)
[ ] Creative Labs HS-1200 Headset/Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 ($39.99)
[ ] Logitech Cordless Rumblepad 2/Xbox 360 Controller ($99.99)
[ ] Anti-Glare Screen Protector for M11x ($31.99)
[ ] Outlets To Go™ 300 for Laptops ($29.95)
Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($1533.87)

When-at-home
[ ] SAMSUNG P2370 23-Inch LCD Monitor ($301.99)
[ ] Logitech X-540 Surround Sound Speakers ($89.99)
[ ] Razer Vespula mousepad ($34.99)
[ ] Wireless Keyboard K350/Saitek Cyborg ($79.95)
Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($506.92)

Essential, but not needed yet
[ ] Western Digital 500GB My Passport Essential Portable Hard Drive USB 2.0 ($85.99)
[ ] Netgear WNDR3700/Linksys E3000 Wireless-N Router ($149.99)
[ ] 2TB External Hard Drive for Router for Network Sharing (Recommend a Brand) ($149.99)
[ ] IKEA MARKUS computer chair/Herman Miller ® Aeron ® ($199.99)
[ ] 256gb Samsung SSD ($499.99)
[ ] ButtKicker Gamer2 ($149.95)
Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($1235.90)

For Music (Last to buy)
[ ] Earphones (NEED ITEM FOR LIST) ($XXX.XX)
[ ] Headphones (NEED ITEM FOR LIST) ($XXX.XX)
Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($XXX.XX)


Total:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------($3276.69)

Useful Links:

Best Wireless Router- Best Wireless Router for Gaming – Reviews and Rankings | Bestcovery

Best Computer Monitor- http://hubpages.com/hub/Best-Computer-Monitor-2010

Best Gaming Keyboard- http://www.brighthub.com/video-games/pc/articles/17153.aspx



[End list]

Now, I have some questions finalizing the products on this list. There are things I'd like to compare before creating a "best universal list for on-the-go gamers" for those to refer to.

Razer Orochi vs. Logitech g700
These two mice are both wired/wireless which are perfect for no clutter on the go, and also can be recharged via cord. I don't have in-depth details such as the differences between the two. (Sleep lag, bluetooth, performance.. etc.)

BEST PORTABLE MOUSEPAD
Temporarily, I have listed the Razer Kabuto mousepad because it seems like a good "portable" mousepad. I don't have any other mousepads listed for portability, so I am looking for options to add to the list.

Gaming Headsets (Wireless vs. Wired)
I've listed the Creative Labs HS-1200 wireless headset, and an alternative would be the WoW Wireless headset. I don't have a Wired headset on the list so I am open to suggestions. I am also looking for details in-depth about the Pros and cons to each headset.

Gaming Routers
When it comes to online gaming, controlling the traffic of your internet connection to give you the best possible lag-free advantage is a must, so I listed two wireless routers that are basically a must-have for internet-gamers.

Everything at home:
When not on the go and at home, you may want a comfortable "heaven"(your room) to kick back and relax after a hard day at work. Things that are essential would be a computer chair, great surround sound speakers, an external monitor, and maybe an external keyboard and "home mousepad".




Anyways.... I know this is informal but please add on to the list. I'm hoping to create a better list for gamers to refer to and also to learn more from you guys about your feedback upon certain items(what works and what doesn't). Researching on your own can be a big pain, but sharing your wisdom can help others learn from it. I don't know how else to make this thread... but when I figure it out I will revise it. I'll also try providing in-depth details why I put those certain items on the list later.

Last Updated: September 04, 2010 @ 10:29PM PST

 

This one's no contest. G700 wins by far margin.
PS. Orochi can't be recharged using usb cable, it shuts off battery use when plugged in.

PS++ If you already have G700, won't need Mamba either. it's double kill.

 

I agree completely with crayonyes. I have the G700 and the orochi and I DESPISE the orchi now lol. Also, I am sure it is much better than the mamba, but honestly I've never tried it out and never will.

Edit: I have the Razer Vespula mouse pad and it works great with my G700. I use it on the go and at home.

 

Do not buy Beats Studios. They are horrible headphones.

Get the HD595's from Sennheiser. Much, much, much better.

I also wouldn't get the Monster in-ear headphones. Monster (coincidentally also makes the Beats) is one of the worst brands of headphones out there. They are extremely expensive and poor quality compared to brands like Sennheiser.

The Creative Labs WOW headset is also horrible. The battery life is abysmal and the sound quality is terrible. I also don't understand why someone would need wireless headphones at home. I hate to sound like a broken record but I'll have to recommend the Sennheiser PC350 headset, or the A40 from Astro.

I also don't see why anyone would use a wireless router that costs over $50 when most people simply plug it in and don't ever use any of the features they paid for. Especially since the D-Link DGL-4500 "gaming" router is a joke since all it does is add automatic QOS to your applications when you could set that yourself on a $50 model. I would avoid D-Link all together as their products are notorious for being slow/crashing and this one is no exception. D-Link also generally does not support network monitoring applications.

Also the G19 is a terrible choice for a gaming keyboard. It is nowhere near worth the price it costs - the keys feel terrible and no one should ever be looking at their keyboard while playing a game making the LCD on it useless. Not to mention the multi-key press problems it has that can make playing games like WoW next to impossible. The Razer Tarantula, Razer Lycosa Mirror and the Saitek Cyborg are much, much better choices at a much more reasonable price.

 

TearTaker, can you post pics of your vespula? I was wondering how you bring it with you... (Will it fit inside the m11x sleeve?)

How about suggestions on ... uhhhhhh external gaming keyboard, monitor, and a wireless headset...

PS!!! Since this is for portable gamers, I tried separating items by wireless and wired... such as wireless items for portability and most things, while using wired items when at home. So please try to suggest those things

Let me update the list.

 

That's why I posted my post.
With G700 you won't need a wired mouse. Take it like this:

- You're back to your home
- plug in the M11x to LCD
- take out the G700
- Good to gooo
* you don't even need to unplug-replug the receiver. just leave it be

For continuous wireless use, I'd recommend to invest on a rechargeable battery and charger. When battery's empty, just exchange the batteries

 

Awesome. I have rechargeable batteries and a charger AA right?

On the list, what is the best Wireless headset? I've read that the HS 1200 seems to be the best wireless headset, but what about the best Wired headset? (For those who are into that).

I'm hoping this list will be of extreme use for many gamers on the go, such as a list that they can refer to, with feedback and details upon each item. I'll definitely link each item and such, but not until it becomes more complete.

Keep adding to the list!

 

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930

Is this new? What do you guys think compared to the HS 1200? I'm currently checking out reviews right now on it. It seems pretty good... I am a big fan of wireless, and I know a lot of ppl are too.

 

I took some pictures but will have to upload them later in afternoon if you want as I am not home right now without my usb cord to sync the pictures.
The dimensions are 11.8 x 9.4 x 0.2 inches, so hopefully that means that it will fit in your sleeve.

 

I am sorry if I am writing a lot but headphones are a complicated product as there are many different types out on the market and finding the best in each category is difficult. I will try to go over the best value and the best performance for each category.

Logitech Wireless Gaming Headset G930 is an improved version of the G35's that have wireless mode as well. I hear the battery life is quite good and it also works tethered. But, like the G35's they are probably fairly uncomfortable. In terms of wireless headphones these are probably as good as it gets, though.

The HS 1200's are completely average to say the least, if not sub-par for the price. On-ear headphones are generally uncomfortable and not great for gaming. Apparently the drivers are horrible for Windows 7. The Logitech is a much better choice.

On the wired side of things the Sennheiser PC-350 is the best you can get that have a built-in mic. The Sennheiser HD 595's are the best you can get for a straight-up pair of headphones (anything above this model has a split cable). These are the absolute best and unmatched in terms of sound stage and clarity. The downside is that these good headphones require a good sound card that the m11x does not have.

The alternative is USB headphones. The downside to USB headsets is that they run completely off the processor that the m11x cannot really afford to spare. The best USB headphones are probably the Creative Arena in terms of sound quality.

To summarize, if you REALLY want wireless and all you're going to be using is an m11x for gaming then I'd recommend the new G930's for home and travel.

If you want wired USB then I'd recommend the Creative Arena if your budget is tight and the Sennheiser PC-350's if it is not.

If you want wired analog headphones I have to recommend the HD595's as they are unmatched, but if your budget is tight then the HD555's are similar for a 1/3rd the price (and if you don't mind modding you can actually turn them into HD595's).

 

Wow, excellent details and review!! Well said! This info will definitely be put on the list. Now... To figure out how to quote and add pictures... Lol I'll figure it out tmr, I'm about to sleep x)

 

Also, the Samsung PX2370 has a lot of problems. The XL2370 seems to be higher quality and cheaper, but the (brand new) Acer G245H seems to be the best value I can find IF you can find it in stock.

 

A simple pair of in ear headphones would really take advantage of the m11x when out and about. Some klipsch s4i's would be hard to pass up and there so small that carrying them around with the m11x in a throw over the shoulder bag would be ideal. Have you thought about what type of carrying briefcase you want carry it around with? My personal favorite is from sfbags.com . There is a 13 inch model that is absolutely perfect for the m11x. It just fits over your shoulder letting your arms free and it hangs on your back almost like a backpack except its not a backpack, much more sleek. Also the most important thing for the m11x I think is getting an SSD. No new laptop should not have one, especially when your out and about without having to worry about your laptop crashing from it being bumped.

 

I do recommend you Logitech G700 wireless gaming mouse. The greatest gaming mouse I have ever owned.

It works great on my Roccat Sota mousepad too. ^.^

 

Oh and yes teartaker, please upload them when you have time. It would be very interesting to see! I haven't seen any actual user pictures with the vespula yet, so I'm very interested in those pics... Thanks! Btw how heavy is t?

 

The Vespula is very light.

 

Ahh.. I see you also have the G700 That's probably what my setup will look like, except with the m11x. The m11x is 11.2" though.. but I might figure something out.

Haven't updated the thread because I'm a little busy right now(and new to making a reference guide)... but I'll try adding pictures and details based on your guy's reviews on certain products. I might not be able to update it until this saturday though.. lol!