One of the first choices you have as a gamer, when looking for a new computer, is whether or not you’d like to invest in a desktop or a laptop. There are a number of important pros and cons to each type of machine, which you should always put into consideration before making your purchase. Consider the three most important issues:

Price:

Money is one of the main factors which gamers use when choosing a computer (although it should never be your primary basis for deciding on a machine). Generally speaking, laptops will always be more expensive than their counter-part desktop computer. The hardware components themselves are more pricey (sometimes even double the price), because smaller parts, which still provide high-performance comparable to a desktop, are needed to fit inside the laptop’s casing.

Another issue regarding price with laptops is that their repair, labor, and service costs are also much higher than with desktops. Repairing components in a desktop, for the most part, simply involves sliding open the side or back panel, and replacing the part. With a laptop however, the construction and configuration of the various components in the laptop’s design and size, greatly affect the ease of repair. In addition, options to switch out parts for higher-performance hardware components, also affect pricing as a secondary cost. This brings us to our next issue:

Upgrading:

The process of upgrading a computer system, is in fact, much more easier with a desktop than with a laptop. In addition to a laptop’s design and size limiting your options, laptops in general become obsolete very quickly when compared to desktops. This is because a desktop’s components can be upgraded easily over the span of its life, extending the overall value of the machine in the future. As a gamer, it is easy to see that computer technology around us evolves as a blazing pace. New games are released continuously which demand the best possible components for your machine, to maximize performance. Therefore, being able to upgrade components when the time comes, is one of the advantages to having a desktop over a laptop.

It is also important to note that some components inside laptops may not even allow for an upgraded component to be switched in. Many times, parts such as the graphics card or the hard drives, cannot be changed unless the entire laptop is rebuilt. Essentially, to stay current with technology in the gaming world, a laptop would have to be replaced every one or two years.

Size and Portability:

If there’s one aspect of gaming where a laptop really shines over a desktop, it’s in the department of size and portability. This is a given. Would you rather transport a bulky desktop around with all its peripherals (monitor, keyboard, cords, etc.). Or, would you prefer to put your thin laptop into a bag and carry it to your destination? Laptops can be taken anywhere, and their one-package deal definitely carries an advantage in many situations. Although there are different models (some of which are more thin/light than others), the overall size and design of a gaming laptop, compared with a desktop, makes it perfect for traveling, LAN parties, gaming-on-the-go, etc. The fact that laptops can utilize a battery when not plugged in, also add to the convenience factor of carrying a laptop around.

Another point regarding laptop portability is that the technological advancements of wireless internet have allowed for high-speed connectivity just about anywhere. No longer do you need to be plugged in with cables, to access the benefits of high-speed connections. This is a major bonus for those who travel around with their gaming machine.

A potential disadvantage to a laptop’s size and portability is their increased vulnerability to be damaged or lost. A hard fall, or the spillage from a drink, could very well lead to the destruction of some of the components, or the entire machine itself. Therefore consider the care and caution that also goes into utilizing such a computer, when transporting it around.

(Side note: “Hybrids”):

With technology constantly evolving, and companies always striving to appeal to the consumer, many computer manufacturers have started to build “hybrid” computers. Essentially these machines provide some of the portability and size features of a laptop, while still maintaining the price, and upgrade features of a regular desktop. Although these types of machines are less-utilized, they are starting to make a strong presence among gamers. Many are shaped like cubes or small rectangular boxes, and some even have handles for easy transportation. And although separate peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) would still need to be carried with the machine, it’s a bargain many are willing to take because of its overall advantages.

Ok, I know we normally talk about computer gaming here, but there is so much new and exciting technology available for the PC, that I wanted to take some time out to talk about a few “must haves” for your personal computer and laptop. Not only is this list more of a “dream” list than a practical list, it also highlights an exciting portion of the future of technology. Without further adieu, I bring you the list:

1. Rovio is one of the coolest high tech gadgets I have seen in a long time. This is basically a WI-FI enabled robot that has a webcam and microphone attached to it. This sweet little device can give you access to basically anywhere in the world and is remote controlled for full functionality. With Rovio, you can basically see, speak, and hear from anywhere and in two places at the same time. It works with PC, Mac, and any other WI-FI enabled device and costs approximately $300. I’ve got to get one of these!

2. The Slingbox Pro-HD is a new version of the Slingbox that allows you to actually stream HD quality video to any WI-FI connected PC or Laptop. This is a sweet feature that allows you to watch your HD TV from anywhere, although it does require a high amount of upload bandwidth to be successful. These units cost about $250 and are currently available at many retail and online stores.

3. Flip Mino HD – This isn’t really a gaming device per se, unless you like to record yourself playing games, which could work I suppose. Regardless, this pocket-sized Flip video camcorder can record up to 60 minutes of HD quality video that can easily be transferred to your PC. The decive isn’t as good quality-wise as a larger camcorder. But, for the size and price ($209 on Amazon), you simply cannot go wrong with this new toy.

4. OCZ Neural Impulse Actuator – This device is definitely an example of what we can expect for technology in the future. It uses brain waves, eye movements, and facial movements to control your gaming movements. It basically consists of a headband and a little black box. And, although it isn’t perfect, it is surprisingly more effective than expected. This device converts your movements and alpha brain waves into keystrokes inside of your gaming environment, allow you an entirely new way to play games. Although you would think this would be expensive, it can actually be purchased around $125-$150.

5. Last but not least, we’ll show you a gadget that can save you a lot of frustration. I am sick and tired of my laptop battery dying during the middle of important work. and this device fixes that by giving you an additional 7 hours of battery life when fully charged. It is called the Tekkeon myPower ALL Plus and costs around ($150). It charges via a regular output in as little as 4 hours and can save you a lot of pain down the road.