01kipper: I've seen comparisons of GTAV (for example), and the PC looks very similar PS4. So you're saying those are from computers which are beyond my price range? (It looks like I'll be able to get a laptop which meets the recommended system specs).
Navagon: Those are from high end desktop computers. To get anything like that kind of spec in laptop form... you may as well get a solid gold casing for it and diamond keys while you're at it. Graphics cards are vital for games like that and laptops are normally utterly lacking in that department - usually siphoning off processing power and RAM from your CPU and RAM to create a fake GPU. But not only does that leave you with a weak, fake GPU, it also means you're not getting the CPU and RAM that are advertised. Because a chunk of that power is going towards pretending you've got a graphics card in there. Which you won't.
In short: GTA V on a reasonably priced laptop? Hell no! If you want to play anything remotely like that then you're going to need to go PS4. Just to be clear about this, I haven't bought a console since the SNES so I'm not biased in any way. It's just that there's only one clear option here.
Very good to know, thank you.
01kipper: 2) I am only considering a laptop PC, I do not have space for a second desktop computer and I’m not giving up my Mac :).
ET3D: How is it that you don't have space for desktop, but you have space or a PS4 + 40" TV?
01kipper: I currently have a 2009 iMac
ET3D: If you have a 27" late 2009 iMac, then it should be possible to use it as a monitor for a PC. That might help make a desktop PC an option.
I currently have a low bookcase across my living room from my couch. I could clear off some space on there for a TV on top and a console on the shelf beneath. I don't have enough room for another desk though (my primary computer is already on a desk in my living area). If I got a laptop, I'd probably be using it primarily on my dining table (which is also locating in the living area).
To your second point, I would like to be able to use both my old computer and my new system simultaneously (well not me personally, but by different members of my family).
catpower1980: I really would go against the 1.000$ laptop. Why? Because I've been there.....
In fact, I like the gaming laptops, I find them convenient as I shift frequently of place depending on my mood, plugging it into the TV with a X360 pad (perfect for GTA) or playing a point 'n' click on the side of the kitchen table....
Problem comes in the long run when your laptop specs become obsolete or that some components just break down and you can't change them as you please depending on the manufacturer....
One Vaio caught an unresolved audio plug issue (low sound volume and sound distorded), the fan became louder and louder (even for browsing the web), the blu-ray player didn't work anymore and the hard drive finally died. Could have changed the hard drive but the other issues led me to put it in the trash (recovered the RAM though).
Just 2 days ago with my primary laptop, I had the stupid idea to try updating my graphic card drivers (Radeon) to play Saints Row 4 and boom, I spent half a day going back and forth between multiple drivers update because it fucked up the backlightning of the screen (black screen thus) and disbled some "function" keyboard buttons. Tried lot of solutions but I gave up and now it's at an SVGA resolution maximum (hdmi port not recognized anymore). Needless to say it sucks a lot as I also use it for work and I can't do shit in that resolution.
So, ask yourself: are you willing to put 1.000$ in a non-adaptable product when problems arise?
==>> For your budget (and GTA 5), I think you can get around with a 800$ desktop pc coupled with a 150$ screen (unless your really want a big screen) and a X360 pad (30$ I think)
As I've said previously, unfortunately a desktop PC is not an option for me :(. But you've made some good points about laptops that I will definitely be considering.
