Fans of computer games at some point may face the problem of choosing a gaming platform. Most often, the dilemma is between the Sony PlayStation 4 console and a computer or laptop running on Windows. We conducted a comparison of the PS4 and the desktop computer in one of the previous articles, but today we’ll dwell on the choice of a console or gaming laptop.
Laptop and PS4 comparison: what to get for games?
We will carry out our comparison on several factors, such as ease of connection, gaming space comfort, mobility, performance, game licenses and cost of games, as well as modification and ease of repair.
Easy to connect
Surely you know that the PS4 requires a device that reproduces the video signal. It can be both a TV and a multimedia projector. Without it, the prefix is a useless piece of plastic. It should be noted that the TV or projector must support the HDMI interface, since the console manufacturer does not provide another option.
Connecting the console is quite simple - just connect the set-top box and the TV with an HDMI cable, then select the appropriate video source on the last one, then you can immediately start playing. The kit also comes with a wireless joystick, which will also need to be connected to the console. It is noteworthy that its batteries can be charged from the PS4 itself, when you are not playing it.
With a laptop is still easier, because all the necessary components in it is already present. You only need to open the lid and press the power button. Most games are adapted for keyboard and mouse use, and some without them playing is generally problematic. This is to the fact that it is not necessary to additionally purchase a joystick.
Given the need to connect the PS4 to the TV, the winner at this stage is a gaming laptop. He deservedly gets his score.
Comfort playing space
The concept of comfort is not as unambiguous as it may seem at first glance. For some, you need to fall apart on a soft couch or chair, and someone just sit on a hard stool. Nevertheless, there are generally accepted standards of workplace comfort. We will not include special computer chairs for gamers here, but take into account ergonomic features when using the console and laptop.
Since the game is a rest, the opportunity to play, lounging in a chair or on the couch, will be a priority. In this regard, the console is out of competition. By connecting the device to a TV with a large screen and using a wireless joystick, you can take absolutely any position, even though you are sitting, lying, or standing on your head.
The laptop will force you to be tied to the table, especially if you do not use the joystick. It is unlikely that you will be able to sit on the couch in a bent position for a long time if the laptop is on a low table and you have to reach for the keys. We'll have to sit at the table. In addition, there is little what a gaming laptop has a screen diagonal larger than 17 inches. Agree, it is much more convenient to look at 40 inches than at 17. However, you can connect a laptop computer to a TV and use joysticks, then you will not feel much of a difference.
There is no obvious winner in this component. We will each score one point, therefore a draw.
Mobility
By mobility, we will mean the ability to move from place to place without interrupting the game. The obvious advantage has a gaming laptop. The PS4 itself is also compact and no larger than an average laptop, but where do you put the TV? The laptop also takes up minimal space, and you don’t need to think about where to get the TV. It is very convenient to take it with you to rest or constantly carry with you on various trips.
In terms of greater mobility, the laptop wins, so it is he who gets his score. The final score at this stage - 3: 1 in favor of the laptop.
Performance
If you decide to choose a console, you are guaranteed to get maximum performance throughout the entire period in which it is supported. If Sony will release updates, and the developers will create games for this platform over the next 10 or 20 years, each game will run at maximum settings.
To date, absolutely any game goes at the highest possible resolution and with maximum settings. You will never encounter the fact that due to incomplete equipment compatibility, the game slows down or produces insufficient frames per second, which affects the overall perception of the process.
What can you say about the laptop? If you buy a special game model, you can also not think about upgrading in the next few years at least. Nevertheless, computer hardware tends to quickly become obsolete, since gaming corporations try to use the latest equipment to the maximum.
Therefore, you should be prepared for the fact that after 3 or 4 years the processor may be outdated, the video card will no longer support the latest standards, and the amount of RAM will be enough right next to it. If you want to extend the pleasure for a longer period, you have to fork out on the very top model. Nevertheless, even this does not guarantee the full compatibility of all the equipment with a particular game, and even on the most expensive gaming laptop, you can sometimes watch the braking and freezing of the picture.
Thanks to much better optimization and absolute compatibility of equipment with any game, the PS4 gets the deserved score. The final score at this stage - 3: 2 in favor of the laptop.
Cost of
If you want to get the most productive device for adequate money, it is better to stay on the PlayStation 4 game console. Its price is 30-40 thousand rubles. If there is a TV, it will be all waste. If you do not have it, then a good LCD panel is worth about the same. Total maximum of 100 thousand rubles.
A top-end laptop that will allow you to forget about upgrades for years to come will cost much higher. The most sophisticated models reach 250-270 thousand rubles. But this is the most sophisticated. For 100.000, you can also buy a good machine, but do not be surprised if it simply does not pull a part of the games, as it will have average results.
True, such a fancy gaming laptop can be a source of pride, and they can also show off to friends and acquaintances. Thanks to a much better combination of price and quality, the PS4 scores. The final score is 3-3 draw.
License cost and number of games
Many prefer Windows due to the fact that you can easily play pirated games without any manipulations with the equipment. The Internet is full of specialized sites and torrent trackers, on which pirated applications are distributed.
If you live honestly and buy a license, Windows has a number of undeniable advantages. Firstly, there are many platforms that distribute computer games, the most famous - is Steam and Origin. Each platform often carries out various discounts, and Steam is known for its low prices.
If you want to play on the console, be prepared for the fact that without interfering with the equipment to use the hacked games will not work. It is worth noting to mention that today there are no working options for hacking the PlayStation 4. Therefore, a license and only a license. Regarding the cost, PS4 games are much more expensive than similar products for PCs, their cost reaches several thousand rubles. Are you ready for such regular spending?
As for the number of available games, Windows takes the number, and PS4 - the quality. Maybe in the quantitative ratio of games for PS4 is less, but each of them is a real masterpiece. Even if one developer makes games for both platforms, it is the PS4 that first of all receives the latest developments. For example, take a series of football simulators FIFA company EA Sports. When the need arose to introduce a new game engine, first of all it became available to owners of consoles. Other developers either deploy a cropped version of the console game on the PC, or they work on an outdated engine.
In this component, none of the competitors has a clear advantage. If you need a lot of games and are ready to sacrifice their quality for this, choose a laptop. If the quality for you is in the first place, be sure to take the PS4. In this component, each competitor will receive one point. Overall score - 4-4.
Modification and ease of repair
Despite the fact that the upgrade laptop is not as easy as a desktop computer, the PlayStation 4 does not even have such features. Most laptops are well-versed, and components such as a hard disk, RAM, or a video card are fairly easy to replace. In addition, a number of manufacturers leave a few free slots for connecting additional memory rails.
What can you say about the console? You throughout the entire period of operation will have to use what is. The only thing that can be changed is a hard disk. However, for this you need to have certain knowledge or contact a special service center. The fact that the laptop is easily disassembled, and the console - no, can not affect the ease of repair. If something breaks in the laptop, you will fix it in any workshop. If problems arise with the PS4, the repair will cost you a pretty penny.
Indisputable advantage in this component - for gaming laptops. It is he who gets the winning score. The final score is 5-4 in his favor.
findings
Although the overall performance was won by a laptop, it is impossible to say for sure that it is still better - a gaming laptop or a PS4 console. Your choice in the end will still depend on personal preferences and on the conditions of use. Let's summarize briefly the arguments for the console and the laptop.
For the console:
- Lower cost in comparison with the top laptop.
- Absolute iron compatibility.
- Maximum performance and work at maximum settings throughout the period of official support of the console.
- Many exclusive games.
- Higher playing space comfort at no extra cost.
For gaming laptop:
- Full mobility, the ability to play almost anywhere.
- A number of games is designed to use the keyboard, which greatly simplifies the gameplay.
- A huge number of games, lower cost initially.
- The ability to use pirated toys and custom modifications.
- Relatively easy equipment upgrades, easy repairs.
What choice did you make? Tell us about it in the comments.