Laptop vs. Console gaming?

I'm not trying to start a flame war, just trying to help myself make an informed purchase. Please bear with me.

So I've been out of the gaming arena for awhile and haven't stayed caught up. My favourite games are HL2 and UT2004 -- hardly powerhouses by any means. Yet I still find myself trying to decide between my main laptop being a "good enough" thin-n-light like the M1330 or an actual desktop gaming replacement like the Sager 2090p. I like the idea of having one portable machine that can do everything, but I'm not sure if I like it better than having an uber-light machine to take everywhere easily -- and I also know that I could build an awesome desktop for close to half the price of a decent gaming notebook.

So (after a long introduction) my question is _WHY_ would I want to game on a PC compared to a console nowadays? There are a couple highly-anticipated exclusives coming out -- Starcraft 2, Spore -- but those look like they'll run easily on an 8400GS (especially if I overclock it like I did my last laptop, the Vaio s560p. God I miss that little beast). For the most part, it looks like everything I'd really like for the PC (Call of Duty, Gears of War, Bioshock, F.E.A.R., even Crysis) I could just play on an Xbox 360 and not have to worry about upgrades.

Any thoughts/comments on why I might want to spend more and lug around more for a better gaming experience in my notebook? I know there's a "special breed" of people who want the very best in a portable package; just trying to decide if I should be one of them.

Thanks!

 

Here is your answer

 

The main thing I got out of that post is that "it depends." But thanks.

I suppose I'd be more comfortable with a thin-n-light with light gaming performance (unless I can do some extensive testing with machines similar in weight to the Sager and ask myself if I can really live with lugging it around). Then build a cheapo gaming rig, and maybe pick up an Xbox 360 when I can afford it. ^_^

 

Something you should think about is the fact that if you buy a thin or a powerful laptop, your susually spending, well, lets just say youre not going to be saving. So either way you susually dont save so that you have extra money for the console. so money-wise, the laptop is better.

 

If you like FPS and RTS, PC is still a best option, but if you wana play arcades like sports games (FIFA, NBA, NHL), driving games, third person view arcades, consoles are more fun then.

In other words, for games with precise mouse controls, stick to PC, or get a mouse and keyboard for console, but then why not just use PC... Probably hardcore console gamers will disagree, but for me aiming with controller sticks just frustrates me

 

IMO, and no offence, if you need to ask then probably consoles are better for you until you know yourself which is best for you.

Although later consoles will be older while PCs will have improved throughout the range so what would be good for you now may not be in 1-2 years.

 

If you wanna just play the single player on those games and not interested in the multi player aspect then console should do just fine, but i don't think you can compare the multi player experience you get with a pc with any consoles.

 

Forget laptop for gaming at high level...
Games on laptop are always a compromise between quality and smoothness...and consoles too unless you like beat em up games...

If main purpose is gaming get a desktop pc at half price and twice(and more) power than a laptop...

 

true if you dont care about portability then i would totally recommend a desktop over a laptop

 

Both
10char

 

I think in this case, "Both" is a fair comment.
I have a PC and an Xbox 360.
I play RTS and FPS (and their associated multiplayer) on the PC.

But with the Xbox, I play games like Assassin's Creed, which feel more suited to the console.

 

gaming on laptop is just a bonus.

 

True, but I guess some people need the portability of a laptop with gaming capabilities. I'm thinking of those guys who go to a lot of LAN parties/competitions and don't want to lug around a complete desktop system!

 

this is very true. i have an xbox 360 and i hate playing my online shooters on xbox live. no dedicated servers and host advantage ruin it big time.