Guild Wars 2

Hello,
im looking for a decent laptop that will play this and last at least a few years.
im looking at a small laptop that will do the job and still run this game at high if not ultra settings. a desktop is unfortunately not an option due to space in my home.
ive been looking at the cheapest one on here:

http://www.dell.com/uk/p/alienware-14/pd.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

and was wondering if any of you clever folk can tell me is it worth paying £150 extra for the 1920×1080 display over the one currently on this system. and is it worth paying the extra for the middle spec system?
also im open to your opinions on another laptop that will do the job around this sort of price range.

Many Thanks in advance.

Do you plan on taking the laptop around to different locations or just staying at your place. If it’s never going to leave your place save the money and get a desktop. If it is going to be moving around then yes get the laptop but there is also a way to get a bigger screen (like what I do with my laptop). A simple HDMI cable and adapter to plug into the laptop and now I have a 32 inch screen which is always nice.

Thanks for the reply. i didn’t think of the HDMI port on it :P it is going to be moved around alot otherwise i would have built a desktop so the actual display on the cheaper one (1366×768) would be ok or do you think ist worth the extra for the 1920×1080 display?

I have the AW 14R2 laptop and i went for the better screen on recommendations from other purchasers. I don’t think you’ll regret it. You won’t get highest graphics settings or ridiculous FPS though. GW2 is simply too graphics intense. Please note the fan on the laptop, while very quiet while doing non-gaming tasks, sounds like a jet engine while playing this game. Seriously. It. Is. LOUD. That being said i think it runs the game beautifally and does not burn my hand (which my prior HP laptop did). It is a great gaming laptop. My loadscreens are as fast as my high end gaming tower (not AW).

You’re welcome and as to the jet engine inside the laptop that is true. Mine does that too especially at the maw.

I always go better if I can afford it – but only if it is better. In this case, I’d say both the screen and higher specs will be better (not just for GW2), but if you had to choose one or the other, I’d probably go better specs. But it comes down to personal opinion as to what matters more to you, the screen or the specs. And also how long you think you’ll envisage having this laptop (some people swap things out only a year or two in and some people keep the same model for years as long as it can play a game).

I think Alienware do great gaming laptops (as ozmaniandevil said, however, the fan is loud). I’m not sure what else on the market can compete, but I do know that Alienware items tend to be pricey, so shop around a little. Then again, in my experience, you get what you pay for with Alienware.

is it worth getting then? or are there any similar units that you can recommend that will do the job equally for a better price? i hear that alienware are just an overpriced unit for what it is but as i have never owned one i cant comment

As I said, Alienware are known for being overpriced, but I can’t recommend others because I always get Alienware and I’ve never ever felt like I have been shortchanged. I’m no expert at gaming computers, and part of what I love is that Alienware usually just comes in a nice package, all done for me (probably this is where the extra cost lies), whereas I probably don’t know enough to build my own computer from scratch.

I don’t think they’re overpriced in the same way Sony Vaio are overpriced (regular computers, not gaming ones) …. there, you pay double what you would for the same spec on any other brand, and everyone I’ve known who’s had one (including myself) has had problems with it and generally considered it only worth it for the looks (ie, not worth it at all). With Alienware things, I have always been a very happy customer.

Jezuz.8472:

is it worth getting then? or are there any similar units that you can recommend that will do the job equally for a better price? i hear that alienware are just an overpriced unit for what it is but as i have never owned one i cant comment

As for pure gaming on a laptop there aren’t many others that compare at a lower price IMO so yes you can get a cheaper laptop but i think you will have to make some concessions. If you want great looking games that run fast then Alienware is a good brand. Check out www.notebookreview.com. MSI is an alternative. I believe ASUS makes gaming laptops also. You can compare those with AW but they won’t be cheaper. I think for a graphic intensive game like GW2 you’ll see a big difference in look and performance going with a true gaming laptop over a “regular” one.

Thanks very for all your input everyone if in doubt… ask the community! ill stick an order through now and see you online!