Gaming laptop - 17.3" or 15.6"

[JD50]

I'm gonna replace my current 17" gaming laptop, and I'm not sure if I want to go with a 17.3" or 15.6" (both models are 1920x1080). Has anyone switched from 17.3 to 15.6? If so does it really seem that much smaller? I mainly use this for gaming while sitting on the couch. I'm not concerned with traveling or anything like that.

And yes I'm well aware that it's cheaper to build a gaming desktop.

 

[sgrinavi]

I just went from a 15.6 to a 17.3 - difference is quite noticeable.

 

[mnewsham]

I just went from 17.3" to 15.6", It does not seem all that much smaller to me although I moved from 1600x900 17.3" to 1920x1080 15.6". It took about a week before I didn't notice it at all, and I must say it was a good decision, fits in a LOT more bags and is a lot lighter. (and is more powerful)

 

[nardz84]

I was recently shopping for a gaming laptop as well. Personally the 17" seemed way too big and since most higher end 15" models can come with a 1080p screen, you really aren't losing out on much other than weight.

 

[JD50]

I just went from 17.3" to 15.6", It does not seem all that much smaller to me although I moved from 1600x900 17.3" to 1920x1080 15.6". It took about a week before I didn't notice it at all, and I must say it was a good decision, fits in a LOT more bags and is a lot lighter. (and is more powerful)

Interesting. My current laptop is actually 17.1" and it's 1440x900. The two laptops I'm looking at (Sager 9170 and 9150) are both 1920x1080, one is 17.3" and the other is 15.6"

Everything else other than size is almost identical. Does everything seem really small? 1920x1080 seems like everything would be pretty small on a 15.6"

 

[JD50]

I just went from a 15.6 to a 17.3 - difference is quite noticeable.

Same or different resolution?

 

[mnewsham]

Interesting. My current laptop is actually 17.1" and it's 1440x900. The two laptops I'm looking at (Sager 9170 and 9150) are both 1920x1080, one is 17.3" and the other is 15.6"

Everything else other than size is almost identical. Does everything seem really small? 1920x1080 seems like everything would be pretty small on a 15.6"

Nope, it's not small at all, now granted I am 18 and have good vision, but everything is just fine, at first I thought it might be a little small, but again after a week everything was normal.

 

[Skott]

17" 1440x900 to a 15" 1920x1080? Yes, you will notice the difference. Will it bother you? Only you will know that. Everyone's tolerance levels are different. My suggestion is go to a local store that has a 15" 1920x1080 on display. Judge for yourself. BB usually has some ASUS models with that res.

 

[sgrinavi]

Same or different resolution?

Same - 1920 x 1080.

I had to use my "old" 15" system yesterday and found that the difference was very noticeable. I don't think I would go back unless I had a portability problem. Even then it's not like the 15 is svelte..

 

[blankslate]

Assuming eyesight isn't an issue and the components are largely equivalent.

I would think that the choice between 15.6 inch and 17 inch screens would be how often do you plan on moving the laptop or taking it out to game away from home.

 

[mnewsham]

Same - 1920 x 1080.

I had to use my "old" 15" system yesterday and found that the difference was very noticeable. I don't think I would go back unless I had a portability problem. Even then it's not like the 15 is svelte..

I just don't see how, even a 21.5" desktop monitor isn't a HUGE difference from 15.6" 1920x1080. As long as you are closer, if you are the same distance 21.5" will look bigger, but you should be further away from a desktop monitor than a laptop.

 

[sgrinavi]

I just don't see how, even a 21.5" desktop monitor isn't a HUGE difference from 15.6" 1920x1080. As long as you are closer, if you are the same distance 21.5" will look bigger, but you should be further away from a desktop monitor than a laptop.

I said noticeable, you said HUGE.

And what does the distance you sit from a 21.5" desktop monitor have to do with the OP?

 

[JD50]

Same - 1920 x 1080.

I had to use my "old" 15" system yesterday and found that the difference was very noticeable. I don't think I would go back unless I had a portability problem. Even then it's not like the 15 is svelte..

Thanks for the info. I'll probably stick with the 17.3" laptop, since I won't really be traveling or anything. I like the idea of a smaller laptop, but I think I'd be disappointed once I start playing games.

 

[M0RPH]

Interesting. My current laptop is actually 17.1" and it's 1440x900. The two laptops I'm looking at (Sager 9170 and 9150) are both 1920x1080, one is 17.3" and the other is 15.6"

Everything else other than size is almost identical. Does everything seem really small? 1920x1080 seems like everything would be pretty small on a 15.6"

I have a 15.6" but wish I would have gone 17. This is my main computer, I use it for gaming too, and I don't need much portability. Basically it's a desktop replacement and for that you can't beat 17".

Also for me, 15.6" with 1920x1080 requires me to increase the Windows scaling and zoom in my browser, otherwise stuff is too tiny. I think a 17" with 1920x1080 would be perfection.