No 1070m or 1080m?? What does that mean?!

[kareemk98]

Hey guys,
As you know Pascal and Polaris were released this year. I was about to buy a new laptop but have been waiting for them to release the 1080m or 1070m so the laptop would be able to run the latest games for quite a few years. However, I am now disappointed at the rumors that Nvidia do not plan to release the mobile versions of pascal and will instead implement full desktop size pascal GPUs in laptops. Now one thing that is confusing me is that does that mean all laptop that will have them will be bu;lky and thick due to it's large size? Because I want to buy a very slim but powerful gaming laptop. Similar dimensions to the Razer Blade. And if so, then should I just buy a laptop with a 980 now? Any help is much appreciated! Thank you in advance!

 

[Chugalug_]

Hey guys,
As you know Pascal and Polaris were released this year. I was about to buy a new laptop but have been waiting for them to release the 1080m or 1070m so the laptop would be able to run the latest games for quite a few years. However, I am now disappointed at the rumors that Nvidia do not plan to release the mobile versions of pascal and will instead implement full desktop size pascal GPUs in laptops. Now one thing that is confusing me is that does that mean all laptop that will have them will be bu;lky and thick due to it's large size? Because I want to buy a very slim but powerful gaming laptop. Similar dimensions to the Razer Blade. And if so, then should I just buy a laptop with a 980 now? Any help is much appreciated! Thank you in advance!

A laptop with a desktop 980 seems perfectly fine.
There are suspicions that the 1070 and 1080 will not in fact be released in the form of a mobile chip, but will instead launch in laptops as full desktop variants, although i'm not sure how voltage regulation and temps will do in this case.
Maybe the 1080 will have a mobile variant and the 1070 will be given the full desktop performance treatment due to its lower voltage draw which is similar to the models which were given a full desktop model in laptops last generation such as the 980.

I would not buy now however.
You typically find with prebuilt laptops with components pre-installed, once a newer architecture in this case releases, the price of the last generation products will drop dramatically in order to clear stock as fast as possible and increase profit margins before they become obsolete or less in demand.
If you desperately want to buy now however, go for it, however I recommend waiting to buy so you can get the best deal.
May I ask why you need a gaming laptop?
They typically have poor battery life and generate a lot of heat, with most lasting around 2-3 hours max under gaming load. If you are moving between houses a mini ITX PC will give you much better value for money, and serve the same purpose.
Sorry if the wording was a bit strange, tricky thing to explain!

 

[kareemk98]

Hey guys,
As you know Pascal and Polaris were released this year. I was about to buy a new laptop but have been waiting for them to release the 1080m or 1070m so the laptop would be able to run the latest games for quite a few years. However, I am now disappointed at the rumors that Nvidia do not plan to release the mobile versions of pascal and will instead implement full desktop size pascal GPUs in laptops. Now one thing that is confusing me is that does that mean all laptop that will have them will be bu;lky and thick due to it's large size? Because I want to buy a very slim but powerful gaming laptop. Similar dimensions to the Razer Blade. And if so, then should I just buy a laptop with a 980 now? Any help is much appreciated! Thank you in advance!

A laptop with a desktop 980 seems perfectly fine.
There are suspicions that the 1070 and 1080 will not in fact be released in the form of a mobile chip, but will instead launch in laptops as full desktop variants, although i'm not sure how voltage regulation and temps will do in this case.
Maybe the 1080 will have a mobile variant and the 1070 will be given the full desktop performance treatment due to its lower voltage draw which is similar to the models which were given a full desktop model in laptops last generation such as the 980.

I would not buy now however.
You typically find with prebuilt laptops with components pre-installed, once a newer architecture in this case releases, the price of the last generation products will drop dramatically in order to clear stock as fast as possible and increase profit margins before they become obsolete or less in demand.
If you desperately want to buy now however, go for it, however I recommend waiting to buy so you can get the best deal.
May I ask why you need a gaming laptop?
They typically have poor battery life and generate a lot of heat, with most lasting around 2-3 hours max under gaming load. If you are moving between houses a mini ITX PC will give you much better value for money, and serve the same purpose.
Sorry if the wording was a bit strange, tricky thing to explain!

Hey! No don't worry the wording was perfectly understandable! And cool thanks for the advice that makes total sense.
And the reason I need it is because I will be travelling a lot and I will also be going to uni in a year. So I cant bring an actual build with me. But do you think I should wait till next year and buy the laptop then?

 

[spruce11]

that's not what I've heard. Now more and more people using laptops instead of desktops for the portability and the aggressively improved capabilities, nvidia would surely release the mobile version or at least they'd make it thin enough to implant in a lighter laptop, otherwise, they would lose the market. as for staying with 980(m) or not, my feeling is 980(m) will still be quite powerful for a while. if nvidia launches new series every year, actually you won't always get the latest series. if you're not in a hurry to have one, maybe wait for its launch and test it in person. 980(m) should have a price drop then, and you can make a better decision.

 

[Chugalug_]

that's not what I've heard. Now more and more people using laptops instead of desktops for the portability and the aggressively improved capabilities, nvidia would surely release the mobile version or at least they'd make it thin enough to implant in a lighter laptop, otherwise, they would lose the market. as for staying with 980(m) or not, my feeling is 980(m) will still be quite powerful for a while. if nvidia launches new series every year, actually you won't always get the latest series. if you're not in a hurry to have one, maybe wait for its launch and test it in person. 980(m) should have a price drop then, and you can make a better decision.

That is incorrect.
There is quite a small market for gaming laptops compared to desktop PCs in the community, i'd estimate it to be something like 4-1 or more, which results in price inflation.
Gaming laptops suffer from high thermal output, thick profiles and poor battery life compared to the standard workstation laptop or ultrabook.
This is also the full desktop 980 we're talking about here, not the 980m, so battery life will still be worse in comparison to that.
In response to OP, if you are travelling a lot, don't bring a gaming laptop with you. In hindsight it is a poor investment of money as it offers very little in terms of upgradability.
If you are travelling, give up video games for a bit and enjoy the local environment and culture. Its best to enjoy temporary experiences without heavy technology.
In your case I recommend bringing something like maybe an old laptop or ultrabook with you on your holiday, so you can keep track of all of your stuff and stay organised if you are not travelling in a group.
You'll find that after you have that initial use for a gaming laptop regardless you'll be using it at your desk plugged in all the time, which defeats the purpose of a gaming laptop all together.
Note that also the costs will always be high for these types of laptops.

This costs $2879 at the moment. https://www.amazon.com/XOTIC-P870DM-G-i7-6700-7200RPM-Computer/dp/B0184DFKWM
Here is an example of what desktop you could buy with that money.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/MMwnHN
HUGE DIFFERENCE.
A kickass gaming desktop with top of the line specs, amazing temps, overclocking capability and great visuals that you'll use for a long time?
Or a laptop which will be relevant for another couple of years before falling behind?
Hell, the desktop will even get cheaper over time, as new components will launch, allowing you to put even better performance into your build.
Its your choice if you still want to jump on it, but I don't want you to pour money into a laptop like this if prices are that high. The max I would recommend buying one at is $1500, so if you can find a deal like that go for it, but otherwise wait.
I recommend waiting it out and making do with what you have right now, because the difference you get with a pc is much better.

 

[kareemk98]

that's not what I've heard. Now more and more people using laptops instead of desktops for the portability and the aggressively improved capabilities, nvidia would surely release the mobile version or at least they'd make it thin enough to implant in a lighter laptop, otherwise, they would lose the market. as for staying with 980(m) or not, my feeling is 980(m) will still be quite powerful for a while. if nvidia launches new series every year, actually you won't always get the latest series. if you're not in a hurry to have one, maybe wait for its launch and test it in person. 980(m) should have a price drop then, and you can make a better decision.

That is incorrect.
There is quite a small market for gaming laptops compared to desktop PCs in the community, i'd estimate it to be something like 4-1 or more, which results in price inflation.
Gaming laptops suffer from high thermal output, thick profiles and poor battery life compared to the standard workstation laptop or ultrabook.
This is also the full desktop 980 we're talking about here, not the 980m, so battery life will still be worse in comparison to that.
In response to OP, if you are travelling a lot, don't bring a gaming laptop with you. In hindsight it is a poor investment of money as it offers very little in terms of upgradability.
If you are travelling, give up video games for a bit and enjoy the local environment and culture. Its best to enjoy temporary experiences without heavy technology.
In your case I recommend bringing something like maybe an old laptop or ultrabook with you on your holiday, so you can keep track of all of your stuff and stay organised if you are not travelling in a group.
You'll find that after you have that initial use for a gaming laptop regardless you'll be using it at your desk plugged in all the time, which defeats the purpose of a gaming laptop all together.
Note that also the costs will always be high for these types of laptops.

This costs $2879 at the moment. https://www.amazon.com/XOTIC-P870DM-G-i7-6700-7200RPM-Computer/dp/B0184DFKWM
Here is an example of what desktop you could buy with that money.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/MMwnHN
HUGE DIFFERENCE.
A kickass gaming desktop with top of the line specs, amazing temps, overclocking capability and great visuals that you'll use for a long time?
Or a laptop which will be relevant for another couple of years before falling behind?
Hell, the desktop will even get cheaper over time, as new components will launch, allowing you to put even better performance into your build.
Its your choice if you still want to jump on it, but I don't want you to pour money into a laptop like this if prices are that high. The max I would recommend buying one at is $1500, so if you can find a deal like that go for it, but otherwise wait.
I recommend waiting it out and making do with what you have right now, because the difference you get with a

Hmm I completely understand where you're coming from. I already have an amazing build of my own 😛 The main reason for the laptop is that I wont be able to take my rig with me to University (In another country). That's my main reason for getting a gaming laptop. But it will also be needed to be used for normal uni work, therefore it needs to be very portable. If the new blade had an 8GB 980m I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately it doesn't. Im hoping similar laptops soon come out with 1070ms or 1080ms. Got any more advice? I really appreciate everything!

 

[Chugalug_]

that's not what I've heard. Now more and more people using laptops instead of desktops for the portability and the aggressively improved capabilities, nvidia would surely release the mobile version or at least they'd make it thin enough to implant in a lighter laptop, otherwise, they would lose the market. as for staying with 980(m) or not, my feeling is 980(m) will still be quite powerful for a while. if nvidia launches new series every year, actually you won't always get the latest series. if you're not in a hurry to have one, maybe wait for its launch and test it in person. 980(m) should have a price drop then, and you can make a better decision.

That is incorrect.
There is quite a small market for gaming laptops compared to desktop PCs in the community, i'd estimate it to be something like 4-1 or more, which results in price inflation.
Gaming laptops suffer from high thermal output, thick profiles and poor battery life compared to the standard workstation laptop or ultrabook.
This is also the full desktop 980 we're talking about here, not the 980m, so battery life will still be worse in comparison to that.
In response to OP, if you are travelling a lot, don't bring a gaming laptop with you. In hindsight it is a poor investment of money as it offers very little in terms of upgradability.
If you are travelling, give up video games for a bit and enjoy the local environment and culture. Its best to enjoy temporary experiences without heavy technology.
In your case I recommend bringing something like maybe an old laptop or ultrabook with you on your holiday, so you can keep track of all of your stuff and stay organised if you are not travelling in a group.
You'll find that after you have that initial use for a gaming laptop regardless you'll be using it at your desk plugged in all the time, which defeats the purpose of a gaming laptop all together.
Note that also the costs will always be high for these types of laptops.

This costs $2879 at the moment. https://www.amazon.com/XOTIC-P870DM-G-i7-6700-7200RPM-Computer/dp/B0184DFKWM
Here is an example of what desktop you could buy with that money.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/MMwnHN
HUGE DIFFERENCE.
A kickass gaming desktop with top of the line specs, amazing temps, overclocking capability and great visuals that you'll use for a long time?
Or a laptop which will be relevant for another couple of years before falling behind?
Hell, the desktop will even get cheaper over time, as new components will launch, allowing you to put even better performance into your build.
Its your choice if you still want to jump on it, but I don't want you to pour money into a laptop like this if prices are that high. The max I would recommend buying one at is $1500, so if you can find a deal like that go for it, but otherwise wait.
I recommend waiting it out and making do with what you have right now, because the difference you get with a

Hmm I completely understand where you're coming from. I already have an amazing build of my own 😛 The main reason for the laptop is that I wont be able to take my rig with me to University (In another country). That's my main reason for getting a gaming laptop. But it will also be needed to be used for normal uni work, therefore it needs to be very portable. If the new blade had an 8GB 980m I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately it doesn't. Im hoping similar laptops soon come out with 1070ms or 1080ms. Got any more advice? I really appreciate everything!

I honestly still think that you're better off getting a cheap i5 workstation laptop seperate, and then building a gaming PC later on, as gaming laptops have very poor battery life (A few hours on a good day), and are not good for using around Uni due to their weight and lack of portability.
Get something like this, which is an absolute bargain atm and build an ITX or mid tower PC when you go to Uni: https://www.amazon.com/HP-Notebook-15-ay011nr-15-6-Inch-Processor/dp/B01CGGOZOM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1468825772&sr=8-3&keywords=i5+laptop

The battery on balanced settings under a regular workstation load (word, email, excel etc.) is rated at 7 hours, which should be perfect for you. I understand what you mean in regards to going to another country, but if you ship your PC using a local trusted mail service under fragile with warranty, you'll be set. Alternatively you can just build the PC in said country.
What country are you going to for Uni may I ask?
Just so I can finalize an opinion.
If you want a good mix of the two, the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is a good in between with 4.5 hours of battery life and a 960M graphics chip.
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-15-6-Inch-Quad-Core-i5-6300HQ-Processor/dp/B015PYYDMQ

 

[loafer987]

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/sager-np9870-g-clevo-p870dm-g-review-by-htwingnut.784981/

This laptop comes with a desktop 980. and uses mxm 3.0b format videocards (100% upgradable) so you can upgrade to the 1080 when it gets launched (next month from the sound of it)
If you read the review, it still gets about 3 hours of battery life watching a movie or wifi browsing. Of course you'll pay for the ability to do all of this in laptop form, however if the budget is there this is the laptop I would want.

 

[Chugalug_]

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/sager-np9870-g-clevo-p870dm-g-review-by-htwingnut.784981/

This laptop comes with a desktop 980. and uses mxm 3.0b format videocards (100% upgradable) so you can upgrade to the 1080 when it gets launched (next month from the sound of it)
If you read the review, it still gets about 3 hours of battery life watching a movie or wifi browsing. Of course you'll pay for the ability to do all of this in laptop form, however if the budget is there this is the laptop I would want.

If you are watching a movie on a gaming laptop, you might as well get a workstation, as you're not even using the graphics card at that point. Watching a movie or wifi browsing as you call it takes barely any processing power, let alone a graphics card. Hell, you can do it on your phone!
In practice, that laptop gets 1 1/2 hours under gaming load, another problem with desktop gaming laptops I explained above.

 

[kareemk98]

that's not what I've heard. Now more and more people using laptops instead of desktops for the portability and the aggressively improved capabilities, nvidia would surely release the mobile version or at least they'd make it thin enough to implant in a lighter laptop, otherwise, they would lose the market. as for staying with 980(m) or not, my feeling is 980(m) will still be quite powerful for a while. if nvidia launches new series every year, actually you won't always get the latest series. if you're not in a hurry to have one, maybe wait for its launch and test it in person. 980(m) should have a price drop then, and you can make a better decision.

That is incorrect.
There is quite a small market for gaming laptops compared to desktop PCs in the community, i'd estimate it to be something like 4-1 or more, which results in price inflation.
Gaming laptops suffer from high thermal output, thick profiles and poor battery life compared to the standard workstation laptop or ultrabook.
This is also the full desktop 980 we're talking about here, not the 980m, so battery life will still be worse in comparison to that.
In response to OP, if you are travelling a lot, don't bring a gaming laptop with you. In hindsight it is a poor investment of money as it offers very little in terms of upgradability.
If you are travelling, give up video games for a bit and enjoy the local environment and culture. Its best to enjoy temporary experiences without heavy technology.
In your case I recommend bringing something like maybe an old laptop or ultrabook with you on your holiday, so you can keep track of all of your stuff and stay organised if you are not travelling in a group.
You'll find that after you have that initial use for a gaming laptop regardless you'll be using it at your desk plugged in all the time, which defeats the purpose of a gaming laptop all together.
Note that also the costs will always be high for these types of laptops.

This costs $2879 at the moment. https://www.amazon.com/XOTIC-P870DM-G-i7-6700-7200RPM-Computer/dp/B0184DFKWM
Here is an example of what desktop you could buy with that money.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/MMwnHN
HUGE DIFFERENCE.
A kickass gaming desktop with top of the line specs, amazing temps, overclocking capability and great visuals that you'll use for a long time?
Or a laptop which will be relevant for another couple of years before falling behind?
Hell, the desktop will even get cheaper over time, as new components will launch, allowing you to put even better performance into your build.
Its your choice if you still want to jump on it, but I don't want you to pour money into a laptop like this if prices are that high. The max I would recommend buying one at is $1500, so if you can find a deal like that go for it, but otherwise wait.
I recommend waiting it out and making do with what you have right now, because the difference you get with a

Hmm I completely understand where you're coming from. I already have an amazing build of my own 😛 The main reason for the laptop is that I wont be able to take my rig with me to University (In another country). That's my main reason for getting a gaming laptop. But it will also be needed to be used for normal uni work, therefore it needs to be very portable. If the new blade had an 8GB 980m I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Unfortunately it doesn't. Im hoping similar laptops soon come out with 1070ms or 1080ms. Got any more advice? I really appreciate everything!

I honestly still think that you're better off getting a cheap i5 workstation laptop seperate, and then building a gaming PC later on, as gaming laptops have very poor battery life (A few hours on a good day), and are not good for using around Uni due to their weight and lack of portability.
Get something like this, which is an absolute bargain atm and build an ITX or mid tower PC when you go to Uni: https://www.amazon.com/HP-Notebook-15-ay011nr-15-6-Inch-Processor/dp/B01CGGOZOM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1468825772&sr=8-3&keywords=i5+laptop

The battery on balanced settings under a regular workstation load (word, email, excel etc.) is rated at 7 hours, which should be perfect for you. I understand what you mean in regards to going to another country, but if you ship your PC using a local trusted mail service under fragile with warranty, you'll be set. Alternatively you can just build the PC in said country.
What country are you going to for Uni may I ask?
Just so I can finalize an opinion.
If you want a good mix of the two, the Dell Inspiron 15 7000 is a good in between with 4.5 hours of battery life and a 960M graphics chip.
https://www.amazon.com/Dell-15-6-Inch-Quad-Core-i5-6300HQ-Processor/dp/B015PYYDMQ

Ahh, and the country is Canada

 

[ASilver]

PCPer just uploaded leaked specs for the 1070m and the 1060m...it will surprise you!

 

[kareemk98]

PCPer just uploaded leaked specs for the 1070m and the 1060m...it will surprise you!

I actually love you <3

 

[Chugalug_]

PCPer just uploaded leaked specs for the 1070m and the 1060m...it will surprise you!

I actually love you <3

Mor than likely the battery power will still suffer majorly as with all gaming laptops atm.
Remember that these probably won't come out for another few months, and will be extremely expensive when they do due to high demand....
I think you're making a mistake here, even though the performance of the laptops are good, expect the price to match that....

 

[kareemk98]

PCPer just uploaded leaked specs for the 1070m and the 1060m...it will surprise you!

I actually love you <3

Mor than likely the battery power will still suffer majorly as with all gaming laptops atm.
Remember that these probably won't come out for another few months, and will be extremely expensive when they do due to high demand....
I think you're making a mistake here, even though the performance of the laptops are good, expect the price to match that....

Doubt the battery power part as they are more efficient than the 900 line. (980,970,960).
And the cash is not a problem at the moment,, hopefully it says that way

 

[Chugalug_]

PCPer just uploaded leaked specs for the 1070m and the 1060m...it will surprise you!

I actually love you <3

Mor than likely the battery power will still suffer majorly as with all gaming laptops atm.
Remember that these probably won't come out for another few months, and will be extremely expensive when they do due to high demand....
I think you're making a mistake here, even though the performance of the laptops are good, expect the price to match that....

Doubt the battery power part as they are more efficient than the 900 line. (980,970,960).
And the cash is not a problem at the moment,, hopefully it says that way

The 1080m will have essentially the same power draw as a 980m, and is speculated to have similar power to a 980ti. It will have pretty much the same battery life.
The 1070m will most likely see slight increases in this category, but keep in mind that it will only be something like a 15% increase if any.
Under regular use you may see slightly better battery life, but gaming load on laptops will give you a rough battery life of 2 hours with this new generation of cards.
I urge you to keep in mind that you are also essentially paying the same price as a VERY high end desktop for a gaming laptop that won't last as long in terms of relevance, will have increased temperatures and poor battery life.
You seem extremely insistent on buying a gaming laptop, so I don't see the point in consulting forums if you had already made your mind up beforehand.
I've suggested the optimal path economically for you, which is get a workstation laptop that can run esports titles such as CS:GO, overwatch and League, and build a rig in Canada when you go to Uni, as part prices will be moderately similar to the US, just a tiny bit pricier.

 

[Chugalug_]

Note that when I mention battery life increases, I mean mostly exclusively with the 1070m, as the 1080m has only a little less power draw than a 980, meaning it will have minimal impact.
Best case scenario it will be 2 and a bit hours of gaming load, and this is optimally, say a 25% increase if they include a higher capacity battery and a 1070m.
This will be extremely unlikely though, as it would be a roughly 70% increase over laptops made a year ago with the same voltage draws, meaning probably not going to happen unless you have 3.5k in the bank.

 

[Chugalug_]

The 1060m won't have great performance comparatively though, considering the desktop 1060 rivals 970 power.

 

[Draixz]

Hi, I recently graduated from university myself, and let me tell you, laptops are overrated. I started with a light gaming laptop, and after one year, built my desktop, and almost never touched my laptop. A tablet or a non gaming laptop would serve you far better, for portability, and you could build a machine while you're there. Trust me, it's rare you'll need a that much power when you meet classmates to study. It's a more financially sound decision to build a machine and use a small laptop or tablet for studying.

 

[ASilver]

Personally I'm gonna wait. I've had my eyes on the Aorus X5 for some time now. They're not much thicker than a MacBook pro and they usually run the SLI GPUs and are the thinnest on the market. I'm going to wait a bit and they'll probably release my ideal size with 1060m's in SLI so I'll be quite happy with that at the $2500 price tag.

 

[Chugalug_]

Personally I'm gonna wait. I've had my eyes on the Aorus X5 for some time now. They're not much thicker than a MacBook pro and they usually run the SLI GPUs and are the thinnest on the market. I'm going to wait a bit and they'll probably release my ideal size with 1060m's in SLI so I'll be quite happy with that at the $2500 price tag.

You do realise that a $2500 gaming rig can easily get you SLI 1080s, an i7 6700k and an AIO cooler right......
The fact that they will be thin means that the battery life will be even shorter.
You need to consider that if you use gaming laptops, you'll always be:
1. Always be overpaying for hardware.
2. Always have poor battery life when gaming.
3. Selling off the laptop as outdated hardware which there will be a small market for.
4. Will most of the time be pushing 60hz rather than the 144hz you can get with a desktop PC.

 

[ASilver]

I am aware of your opinion on what "you" like in a computer as you have stated in every reply that you prefer desktop/low end laptop or mini atx cases.

He wants a laptop as do I. We all know pcs here as we are talking bout the difference between mobile and desktop GPUs. We also all know their capacity to be modified in that respect, but some of us still prefer laptops.

The original question was one based on the viability of buying a laptop now or deal with thickness in laptops with desktop GPUs or whether to wait for the possibility of 1080m coming to the market which has already been answered that it is coming. If you want to help the guy please focus on the question at hand of laptops and provide more information on that, so he has more info to base his decision upon...

 

[Chugalug_]

I am aware of your opinion on what "you" like in a computer as you have stated in every reply that you prefer desktop/low end laptop or mini atx cases.

He wants a laptop as do I. We all know pcs here as we are talking bout the difference between mobile and desktop GPUs. We also all know their capacity to be modified in that respect, but some of us still prefer laptops.

The original question was one based on the viability of buying a laptop now or deal with thickness in laptops with desktop GPUs or whether to wait for the possibility of 1080m coming to the market which has already been answered that it is coming. If you want to help the guy please focus on the question at hand of laptops and provide more information on that, so he has more info to base his decision upon...

I have read OPs comments.
He will be travelling soon and wants a laptop to play games on while doing so.
I've told him that for the short period he will be travelling that it is not worth the investment of a gaming laptop when he will be using it for such a short duration.
He will then be moving to Canada to continue his studies, where PC parts are still quite cheap.
We are saying that unless you are constantly on the move, or moving between locations frequently and regularly, it is not worth getting a gaming laptop for the price most are going at currently/will be going at.
For the same price you can build yourself a GTX 1080 desktop PC with an i7 6700k, and grab a good workstation laptop which can run esports titles maxed 60fps and other games on lowish settings to tide you over while travelling.

Additionally while travelling, your experience will be miles better if you spend your time actually taking in the environments and cultures around you rather than sitting in a hotel room playing video games all day!
So that's also something to consider. The negatives of poor battery life, high temperatures and a heavy form factor for a laptop simply are not worth it for OPs use, and I am attempting to persuade him to spend his money where it will go further, and where it will be better used rather than wasted.

That is all.

 

[thormejh]

that's not what I've heard. Now more and more people using laptops instead of desktops for the portability and the aggressively improved capabilities, nvidia would surely release the mobile version or at least they'd make it thin enough to implant in a lighter laptop, otherwise, they would lose the market. as for staying with 980(m) or not, my feeling is 980(m) will still be quite powerful for a while. if nvidia launches new series every year, actually you won't always get the latest series. if you're not in a hurry to have one, maybe wait for its launch and test it in person. 980(m) should have a price drop then, and you can make a better decision.

That is incorrect.
There is quite a small market for gaming laptops compared to desktop PCs in the community, i'd estimate it to be something like 4-1 or more, which results in price inflation.
Gaming laptops suffer from high thermal output, thick profiles and poor battery life compared to the standard workstation laptop or ultrabook.
This is also the full desktop 980 we're talking about here, not the 980m, so battery life will still be worse in comparison to that.
In response to OP, if you are travelling a lot, don't bring a gaming laptop with you. In hindsight it is a poor investment of money as it offers very little in terms of upgradability.
If you are travelling, give up video games for a bit and enjoy the local environment and culture. Its best to enjoy temporary experiences without heavy technology.
In your case I recommend bringing something like maybe an old laptop or ultrabook with you on your holiday, so you can keep track of all of your stuff and stay organised if you are not travelling in a group.
You'll find that after you have that initial use for a gaming laptop regardless you'll be using it at your desk plugged in all the time, which defeats the purpose of a gaming laptop all together.
Note that also the costs will always be high for these types of laptops.

This costs $2879 at the moment. https://www.amazon.com/XOTIC-P870DM-G-i7-6700-7200RPM-Computer/dp/B0184DFKWM
Here is an example of what desktop you could buy with that money.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/MMwnHN
HUGE DIFFERENCE.
A kickass gaming desktop with top of the line specs, amazing temps, overclocking capability and great visuals that you'll use for a long time?
Or a laptop which will be relevant for another couple of years before falling behind?
Hell, the desktop will even get cheaper over time, as new components will launch, allowing you to put even better performance into your build.
Its your choice if you still want to jump on it, but I don't want you to pour money into a laptop like this if prices are that high. The max I would recommend buying one at is $1500, so if you can find a deal like that go for it, but otherwise wait.
I recommend waiting it out and making do with what you have right now, because the difference you get with a pc is much better.

Why is still an argument people make. Guess what. Some people want a gaming laptop for many different reasons. I worked out of state for a year straight. I should've just given up gaming for a year? What kind of stupid answer is that. Everyone is different. Everyone has different needs. Stop acting like desktops are the only reasonable thing to buy when gaming laptops are getting better and better. My laptop has the 980m and its heavy. But it does all of my work and plays any game at 1080p. That's worth the extra weight to me. Everyone's different. Don't ever forget that.

 

[ReviewFever]

that's not what I've heard. Now more and more people using laptops instead of desktops for the portability and the aggressively improved capabilities, nvidia would surely release the mobile version or at least they'd make it thin enough to implant in a lighter laptop, otherwise, they would lose the market. as for staying with 980(m) or not, my feeling is 980(m) will still be quite powerful for a while. if nvidia launches new series every year, actually you won't always get the latest series. if you're not in a hurry to have one, maybe wait for its launch and test it in person. 980(m) should have a price drop then, and you can make a better decision.

That is incorrect.
There is quite a small market for gaming laptops compared to desktop PCs in the community, i'd estimate it to be something like 4-1 or more, which results in price inflation.
Gaming laptops suffer from high thermal output, thick profiles and poor battery life compared to the standard workstation laptop or ultrabook.
This is also the full desktop 980 we're talking about here, not the 980m, so battery life will still be worse in comparison to that.
In response to OP, if you are travelling a lot, don't bring a gaming laptop with you. In hindsight it is a poor investment of money as it offers very little in terms of upgradability.
If you are travelling, give up video games for a bit and enjoy the local environment and culture. Its best to enjoy temporary experiences without heavy technology.
In your case I recommend bringing something like maybe an old laptop or ultrabook with you on your holiday, so you can keep track of all of your stuff and stay organised if you are not travelling in a group.
You'll find that after you have that initial use for a gaming laptop regardless you'll be using it at your desk plugged in all the time, which defeats the purpose of a gaming laptop all together.
Note that also the costs will always be high for these types of laptops.

This costs $2879 at the moment. https://www.amazon.com/XOTIC-P870DM-G-i7-6700-7200RPM-Computer/dp/B0184DFKWM
Here is an example of what desktop you could buy with that money.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/MMwnHN
HUGE DIFFERENCE.
A kickass gaming desktop with top of the line specs, amazing temps, overclocking capability and great visuals that you'll use for a long time?
Or a laptop which will be relevant for another couple of years before falling behind?
Hell, the desktop will even get cheaper over time, as new components will launch, allowing you to put even better performance into your build.
Its your choice if you still want to jump on it, but I don't want you to pour money into a laptop like this if prices are that high. The max I would recommend buying one at is $1500, so if you can find a deal like that go for it, but otherwise wait.
I recommend waiting it out and making do with what you have right now, because the difference you get with a pc is much better.

This guy is overly opinionated.

Many gaming laptops offer the same punch as current non 10 series desktops. If you are looking for mobile functionality be near an outlet. And over half of the newest gaming laptops aside from asus and hp (because they solder the gpu and cpu) ate offering upgradability for cpu and gpu.

The fact he had to ask why you need a gaming laptop shows he just sits in his room all day doing nothing.

There is a huge market for gaming laptops or there wouldnt be so many iterations and the new laptop 10 series cards will begin coming out most likely starting with MSI since they tend to get newer cards first.

I have 2 gaming quality desktops and 1 gaming quality laptop currently and the reason having a gaming laptop for traveling makes sense is becaust sticking it in your briefcase and being able to video edit, compile coding programs, generate 3d renderings and game if you want to is a lot easier than trying to get through customs with a monitor, tower, and kb/mouse. Not to even think what that would do to your tower internals being thrown around by baggage handlers or worrying about losing your luggage at the destination.

Acer predators offer a 15 inch so-so computer for $1500-2000.

Clevo offers a full desktop 6700k i7 and desktop gtx 980 for $2500-4000 in 15 or 17"

Or go for an Aurus x7 dt which gives you a 6820hk and desktop 980 all in under 2 cm thickness

The aurus is the thinnest and does throttle under heat but using a cooling mat keeps it within measurable norms

On firestrike standard benchmarks those computers average:

Acer. 8,500
Clevo. 12,000
Aurus. 10,500

All are on par with a 9xx series $1500 desktop

If you want the laptop pay the premium for the benefits and don't buy into the hype. Do your due diligence and research, but for Gods sake don't believe that a gaming laptop is bound to bring a giant, clunky, weight of hot lava.

I also recommend the Asus g701 and MSI gt72s if you get them with the 980 desktop model theyre fantastic but you should expect to pay $4000 or more for the proper configuration. Though they are not offered in a sub 17" package so that does need to be considered. Benchmarks are negligible between them at north of 11,000 on standard firestrike.

 

[ubware]

that's not what I've heard. Now more and more people using laptops instead of desktops for the portability and the aggressively improved capabilities, nvidia would surely release the mobile version or at least they'd make it thin enough to implant in a lighter laptop, otherwise, they would lose the market. as for staying with 980(m) or not, my feeling is 980(m) will still be quite powerful for a while. if nvidia launches new series every year, actually you won't always get the latest series. if you're not in a hurry to have one, maybe wait for its launch and test it in person. 980(m) should have a price drop then, and you can make a better decision.

That is incorrect.
There is quite a small market for gaming laptops compared to desktop PCs in the community, i'd estimate it to be something like 4-1 or more, which results in price inflation.
Gaming laptops suffer from high thermal output, thick profiles and poor battery life compared to the standard workstation laptop or ultrabook.
This is also the full desktop 980 we're talking about here, not the 980m, so battery life will still be worse in comparison to that.
In response to OP, if you are travelling a lot, don't bring a gaming laptop with you. In hindsight it is a poor investment of money as it offers very little in terms of upgradability.
If you are travelling, give up video games for a bit and enjoy the local environment and culture. Its best to enjoy temporary experiences without heavy technology.
In your case I recommend bringing something like maybe an old laptop or ultrabook with you on your holiday, so you can keep track of all of your stuff and stay organised if you are not travelling in a group.
You'll find that after you have that initial use for a gaming laptop regardless you'll be using it at your desk plugged in all the time, which defeats the purpose of a gaming laptop all together.
Note that also the costs will always be high for these types of laptops.

This costs $2879 at the moment. https://www.amazon.com/XOTIC-P870DM-G-i7-6700-7200RPM-Computer/dp/B0184DFKWM
Here is an example of what desktop you could buy with that money.
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/MMwnHN
HUGE DIFFERENCE.
A kickass gaming desktop with top of the line specs, amazing temps, overclocking capability and great visuals that you'll use for a long time?
Or a laptop which will be relevant for another couple of years before falling behind?
Hell, the desktop will even get cheaper over time, as new components will launch, allowing you to put even better performance into your build.
Its your choice if you still want to jump on it, but I don't want you to pour money into a laptop like this if prices are that high. The max I would recommend buying one at is $1500, so if you can find a deal like that go for it, but otherwise wait.
I recommend waiting it out and making do with what you have right now, because the difference you get with a pc is much better.

I'm in the same position as OP. Sometimes it isn't possible to buy even an itx system for university. (You can't pack all that on a plane, and if you do it is another 200$ to check all the extra luggage for the case, monitor, keyboard, speakers, etc.) It's easier to just pack a laptop that you can use for gaming, cause if you pack a thin and light laptop AND a PC for gaming, you're now packing two pieces instead of one. Desktops are always better bang for the buck obviously, but sometimes its okay to pay for a little convenience.