Awesome Gaming Laptop Tips

Traditionally, laptop computers have been used for business and academic applications. But as laptop technology has advanced, video game lovers have been generating demand for high-powered gaming laptops for portable PC gaming. Using a laptop PC for video games is a fantastic way to play your favorite games anytime, anywhere. Especially when gathering with your friends in a multiplayer LAN party.

If you're shopping around for a new laptop with gaming in mind, there are some things that you need to be aware of in order to give yourself the best laptop gaming experience possible. We've put together some ideas for you to help you along!


MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Every PC game comes with a list of minimum system requirements needed to play the game. If your specs don't make the grade, then it's game over before you've even begun!

Video games will also list the recommended system specifications that the developers suggest for the best results for playing their games. It's best to look at some of the newest titles that are out right now and look for a laptop with hardware specs that are just above the games' recommended requirements. Not only will you be ready to play the hot new titles, but you'll also have invested in being prepared for games coming out in the near future.


At the time of this writing, we recommend a laptop that has at least a dual-core CPU of 1.6Ghz, 60GB of available hard drive space, and as much RAM as you can get!


PRICE

Naturally, the price of a laptop weighs heavy into how you shop. If you're looking for a laptop that you know you'll want to use for video games, then you'll have spend a bit more. Realistically, low-priced netbooks and "red tag sale" laptops will only frustrate you if you try to use them for video games.

The only exception being if you have a more casual attitude toward gaming and intend to use your laptop to play PC games that are older than 7 years or Flash games found on the web. Otherwise, expect to pay at least $1500 for a machine capable of playing current popular game titles.


VIDEO PROCESSOR

A computer's GPU (or Graphics Processor Unit) is the keystone of a PC video game's performance. What you definitely don't want is a graphics processor that's integrated with the motherboard. A separate graphics card is best since it takes care of the whole video workload by itself, freeing the laptop's system resources.

ATi and nVidia make the best laptop graphics cards on the market right now with 128MB-256MB of video memory.


SCREEN SIZE

How you view your video games is a crucial part of how you interact with them. Luckily, laptop LCD screens have come a long way in quality over the past couple of years. While smaller displays come with the territory of smaller, more portable laptops, size matters for video games.

For the best view of your PC games, you'll want a laptop screen that's at least 15 inches. We recommend a screen that's closer to 17 inches just so you don't have to squint as much while trying to concentrate on a PC game's finer graphical details. A screen with a natural resolution of 1280x800 pixels is also best for getting the clearest quality of picture.

You may need to consider whether or not you prefer a laptop with a standard or widescreen LCD display. More computer monitors and laptop LCD screens are being produced in widescreen format to keep up with trends in high-definition television.


However, not as many PC games are being developed with widescreen displays in mind. Playing a PC game in fullscreen mode on a widescreen display may cause the game to appear stretched out or fuzzy. We recommend a widescreen display because of its advantages outside of gaming and in expectation that more PC game developers will adopt widescreen display options.

Of course there are details like contrast, viewing angles, etc., but that’s a whole different topic in itself! The best idea is to go to your local retailer’s laptop displays and let your eyes be the judge. Note the specs of whichever ones look the best to you and shop around for laptop models with similar displays.


PERIPHERALS

There's always more gadgets that you can add to your laptop to enhance your gaming experience! Most laptop owners that use a laptop at home prefer to connect a full-sized USB keyboard and mouse, as well as connect their laptop to a docking station or port replicator to expand their audio/video options.

Whether you're at home or on the go, we recommend at least using a USB optical mouse with your laptop for the best possible control of your game.

The #1 killer of computer hardware is heat and laptops are notorious for overheating, due to their compact design. Of course, nothing heats up a system more than a CPU/GPU generating high-quality 3D graphics! For this, you should look into picking up a cooling fan for your laptop. If for no other reason than to keep from cooking your legs from resting your laptop on your lap! Ouch!

Most PC games come with the option to play with a gamepad or joystick, which is great for people who aren't used to playing on a keyboard. Arguably, the gamer's favorite controller design of all-time is Sony's Dual Shock controller for its PlayStation consoles. By using a PlayStation-to-PC USB adapter, you can connect any PSone or PS2 controller to your laptop.

This includes any other controller accessory made for PlayStation, like steering wheels and dance pads. The most popular use is for connecting arcade-style joysticks for playing classic arcade games or competitive fighting games like Street Fighter IV.


For all of our available video game accessories, please browse through our online store. If you have any questions about PC gaming or for more gaming laptop advice, please feel free to send us an email!

Back-To-School Checklist for Laptops

The new school year is upon us! With the fall semester just about to start, it's important to make sure that you or your student are well equipped for handling all their schoolwork.

To make sure you have everything you need to be prepared, we've put together a list of tips to maximize your gear:


NETBOOKS

Netbooks are the hottest new tool for portable computing. They're ideal for students because of their petite, travel-friendly size, economic prices, and easy mobile web access. While they're not as powerful as most desktop or laptop computers, they pack just enough power to dedicate to schoolwork and basic web-based communication.

Whichever model of netbook you plan to buy, you'll need to make sure that you have all the right netbook accessories. Using a slim, external DVD drive is essential for installing all the necessary software that you or your student may need for school projects. Netbooks lack any kind of optical disc drive, so it's good idea if you need to read or backup any data to a CD or DVD. You may also want to pick up a spare netbook AC adapter, to make sure that your netbook can be fully charged no matter where you go.


LAPTOP BATTERIES
& AC ADAPTERS

Notebook PCs need love just as much as netbooks. If you're frequently on the move, keep a spare laptop battery handy to double your mobile computer work time. And just in case of an emergency, pack a spare laptop AC adapter to make sure that you're laptop is powered up and your work time goes on, uninterrupted.


SECURITY CABLES

Keeping your laptop or netbook secure is crucial to keep from falling into the hands of thieves. Most laptops and netbooks come equipped with slots to connect a Kensington notebook security cable lock. These laptop cable locks will keep your notebook or netbook firmly tethered so that they don't sprout wings and fly away. Laptops are expensive enough to replace, but imagine losing any irreplaceable schoolwork that might be stored inside!


BACK-UP!

Hardware failure, viruses, theft... No matter how you lose your data, it could cost you hours, days, or even weeks worth of work! Back up your data routinely; preferably every day. You can use a USB thumb drive (2GB or more) or an external DVD burner for backing up smaller files or projects, or you can use a larger external hard drive for larger tasks. Remember, though, it's only a back-up if you have more than one copy!


WIRELESS CARDS

Public WiFi access is increasing, with free wireless web access becoming available in most restaurants and other local businesses. However, not every laptop comes with wireless hardware built in. If your laptop doesn't have a laptop wireless card, you should definitely get one. With wireless accessibility, your laptop can truly be mobile, connecting to local wireless networks and WiFi hotspots.

Staying connected is becoming more and more critical for school to keep in touch with teachers, fellow students, and other online resources.


DOCKING STATIONS

If you want to get the most out of your laptop, you can use a laptop port replicator or docking station to expand the functionality of the laptop while working at home.

A laptop itself is excellent for mobile computing, but when you return home to your desk, it's nice to be able to view your work on a larger monitor and hear music through full-sized speakers. A port replicator can get your laptop working like a desktop, allowing it to connect to just about any computer accessory.


TRAVEL BAGS

While carrying around your laptop, you want to make sure that it has as much protection as possible. Most people use laptop travel bags (which are great), but they stand out like a beacon through the eyes of thieves. Your best bet is to use a backpack to blend in with the crowd, but make sure it has extra padding to protect your laptop. Many new backpacks are designed with special compartments for storing laptops or netbooks, so picking up one of those is definitely recommended.


GAMING

Naturally you'll want to have some fun with your laptop or netbook. Any computer you own for the purpose of school or business should be considered a tool first and a toy well below that. But there's always that rule of all work and no play...

To provide some extra comfort in your game time, we offer the PlayStation-to-PC USB adapter. This little gadget will let you connect any PSone or PS2 controller or accessory to your PC. It's compatible with any desktop, laptop, or notebook computer with an available USB 2.0 port. It's great for any joystick-enabled PC games or ports of classic games found on download services like Steam.


With all this kit on hand, you should be ready to make the grade! Of course, if you're ever in need of repair or upgrade service for your netbook or notebook PC, Triangle Laptops offers it's fantastic laptop repair service in order to keep your computer up and running! For more information, please visit the Triangle Laptops homepage or call 1-919-620-6886.

Re-Use PlayStation 2 Controllers with Your PlayStation 3!

One of the biggest hassles of buying a new video game console is that you have to buy all new accessories! When the PlayStation 2 was released, not only were older PlayStation games playable on the PS2, but you could use all the same controllers as well. But when the PlayStation 3 entered the scene, Sony went wireless, creating a need to buy accessories that are PS3-specific.

Luckily, there’s still a way to re-use your older-generation controllers on the PS3! The PS2-to-PS3 controller adapter will allow you to connect PS2 controllers to the PS3 via its USB ports. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never owned a PS2 before; you can still save money buying much less expensive PS2 hardware. You won’t get the full functionality of a PS3 controller, but for many games on the market, this is still a wise, economical solution.

Here’s just a few...

In this past year, there has been a revolution of arcade-style fighting games. Series like Street Fighter, King of Fighters, and Tekken have had a long-running fan following, with new gamers eager to get on board. Fans know that the best way to play these games is with a full-sized arcade stick. But buying an arcade stick with the game can quickly turn a $60 purchase into a $130 purchase ($200 if you buy a stick for player 2).


But with the PS2-to-PS3 controller adapter, you can revive your old PS2 arcade stick for under $10! This is fantastic for those who have already invested in beautiful, custom-made arcade sticks, which can go for hundreds of dollars online. Casual players who still want to share the arcade experience can pick up cheaper arcade sticks for the PS2 for as low as $15. Quite a deal!

Similarly, music and rhythm games have grown in popularity over the past decade, starting with Dance Dance Revolution and leading up to Guitar Hero and Rock Band. The PS2-to-PS2 controller adapter makes it possible to use their PS2 counterparts on PlayStation 3.

Now you don’t have to burn money away on getting a healthy dance workout or rocking out with your friends!

And of course, it only makes sense to use PS2 controllers when playing PS2 games! Early adopters of the PlayStation 3 are able to play older PS2 and PSone games on their current-generation console. Plus, more classic PSone titles are being made available to download on the PlayStation Network, with talks of PS2 games to come!

Also available in our store is the PS2-to-PS3 memory card transfer cable, for moving your old game saves off your PS2 memory card onto your PS3’s hard drive!

E3 Predictions Confirmed!

The big E3 show is just about over and the most exciting announcements have been unleashed upon the drooling geeky masses.

Predictions Confirmed:

Sony PSP Go

We all saw it coming, but that doesn't mean Sony won't go through the formality of properly debuting their new PSP Go device. It's slightly smaller than the PSP-3000 model with no UMD drive. It comes with 16GB on-board storage and designed to take advantage of the PlayStation Network download services.

Many who hoped that the PSP Go would be an upgrade to their older models of PSP are disappointed at the Go's lack of features. Sony asserts that the Go isn't a replacement for the traditional PSP, but a lateral alternative for those who don't already own one and are now considering it. The PSP-3000 will be sold and supported along side the PSP Go, just as Nintendo supports both the DS and DSi side-by-side.

Sony didn't address the "PS3 Slim" rumors, leading many to believe that the "leak" was a hoax. However, now that we've seen the packaging that's been designed for the PSP Go, there's a noticeable congruence between the two. This goes on to support the theory that the PS3 Slim is a reality that will make it's official appearance closer to the holidays.


Nintendo: More of the Same

As expected, it was the same news we receive every year from Nintendo. A new Mario, a new Metroid, and a showcase of upcoming peripherals.

In Nintendo's defense, they may announce the same next-generation ports for old franchises every year, but once those ports are released they're usually very well-received. When Super Mario Galaxy was first announced, most brushed it off as, "Oh, it's just Mario on the Wii." But now it's regarded by many as the best game of that year and possibly the best Mario game to date.


Extras

• Left 4 Dead 2
  
  On the PC front, the most impressive title to look forward to is Left 4 Dead 2, a team-based online survival horror pitting 3 players against the entire zombie apocalypse.



• More Metal Gear!
  
  Hideo Kojima announced two new Metal Gear titles, Metal Gear Solid: Rising for the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker for the PSP. Kojima's team has also taken on the next Castlevania title, giving everyone hopes that it may yet be possible for a 3D Castlevania to be done well.



• Final Fantasy XIV Announced
  
  While fans wait patiently for Final Fantasy XIII to finish production, Square-Enix went ahead and announced the next installment in the franchise. FFXIV will be an MMORPG; the next-generation sequel to FFXI.



• "Project Trico" Unveiled
  
  The developers behind the amazing titles ICO and Shadow of the Colossus have been secretly working on a new project over the past couple years. Gamers finally got their first official look at the game, titled The Last Guardian. The story of the game centers around a boy and his giant baby gryphon. Not much is known about the gameplay, but so far the cinematic trailers have been rich with eye candy.

E3 2009 Predictions

Next week is the Electronics Entertainment Expo, also known as E3! From June 2 – 4, we’ll be hit with a series of exciting announcements and first looks of upcoming gadgets and software. Just days before the show, several predictions are already spreading like wildfire.

For PCs, the highest expectation is for video game developer, Valve, to finally address Half-Life 2: Episode 3. Half-Life 2: Episode One first hit the scene five years ago with the promise that the game would continue with regular episodic installments. Yet, gamers have been patiently waiting for the next chapter since Half-Life 2: Episode Two was released in 2007. This year’s E3 may hold the answer to their prayers. Maybe with a sequel to Portal...?

Despite its Games For Windows campaign attempting to rekindle the struggling PC game industry, Microsoft isn’t expected to have much to offer this year. Many are eager to see more announcements on the upcoming release of Windows 7, expected to be available this fall.

Most of this year’s focus will be on console and handheld gaming. For Microsoft’s Xbox 360, there’s been much speculation over a motion capture camera that will enable motion-controlled games, similar to those found on the Nintendo Wii.

Speaking of Nintendo, no one knows what to expect from them this year. Last year’s keynote by Nintendo was absolutely horrible, with embarrassing demonstrations by clueless representatives. This year will hopefully be better, with announcements that will truly excite gamers. If nothing else, perhaps a new Legend of Zelda title and a sneak preview of DSi exclusives.

The lion’s share of anticipation goes to Sony, whose been fighting off rumors left and right as to what they have coming later this year. A new model of PSP (named the PSP-Go!) has been all but officially confirmed by Sony, and everyone believes it will be Sony’s big reveal this E3.

This new model is rumored to have no UMD drive, following Sony’s intention to more fully embrace digital distribution through their PlayStation Network. Also rumored that there will be two versions, each with different sizes of internal flash memory to store games and media files. Many further predict that it will have a much larger screen that will slide upward to uncover the devices control buttons.

For the PlayStation 3 console, several rumors are swirling about; the most significant being a possible “slim” redesign and/or price break. Photos were leaked earlier this month, supposedly from a factory in China that is well under way for mass-producing this new model of PS3. Experts predict that if these photos are legit, Sony still won’t unveil the redesign at E3 in the hopes that current supplies of older models of PS3s will dry up from retail shelves first.


That’s all for predictions! Check back next week when we cover which ones came true and what showed up to surprise us!