However, since all laptop prices have been falling at a steady rate in recent years, if you shop around you can find a half-decent gaming laptop at a reasonable price. Here we're still talking about $1500 to $2500 for a good quality gaming notebook. Although there are probably cheaper ones to be found if you look in the right places.

Now, the main reason gaming laptops are so expensive is because of the high-end components and high-end specs that's needed to produce a superior gaming machine. In a gaming laptop you need top-level Graphics (CPUs), High Processor Speeds, tons of RAM, high-end HD Displays and high-end Optical Drives featuring Blu-ray and the like.

Of course, if you're buying a flashy brand-name gaming laptop like those produced by Alienware or Rock, you will be paying extra for all that style and flash. Now, if money is no object, going with these top brand-names could probably be your best bet if you're playing the name game. Also keep in mind, you don't always have to buy the really expensive "flag-ship" models; going with an entry-level gaming laptop from Alienware or Rock can make them more affordable for the average gamer.

However, if you're on a really tight budget (and who isn't these days) then you have other options when buying a completely good quality gaming laptop. You might not get all the "bells and whistles" but you will get a fast, high-performance gaming machine that will let you play the latest 3D video games on your laptop.

Before you even begin your search, you will have to decide whether or not you're ruling out the possibility of purchasing a refurbished or even a used gaming laptop. If you know what you're doing, some excellent bargains can be had with online auction sites like eBay. Just make sure you thoroughly check out the seller and product before you buy.

Refurbished laptops is another option you can take, just make sure you have some iron-clad guarantees or warranties if you're buying a refurbished gaming laptop. Also remember, check around in your own local area... in hard economic times many perfectly good gaming notebooks may be offered for sale so check your local newspaper ads and online places like Craigslist to see if you can pick up a quality gaming rig at a very reasonable price.

Next, if you're in the market for new gaming laptop, there are several lower price models you could consider.

Gateway P-7811FX ($1,449)

The Gateway P-7811FX is one rather inexpensive laptop you should check out if you're searching for good gaming laptop at a reasonable price. It sports a 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 processor with 4GB, 667MHz DDR3 memory, 200GB 7200rpm, Nvidia GeForce 9800M GTS and a HD-friendly 1920x1200 17.1 inch display.

Which is great value for your money and if you're on a tight budget, you should consider this one.

Qosmio X305 ($1,500 - $2000)

Toshiba has recently launched its Qosmio X305 series of gaming laptops featuring two NVIDIA GeForce 9800M GTS SLI graphics cards. With Intel Core2 Duo Processor P8400 and 4GB PC3-8500 DDR3 1066MHz SDRAM memory - these beauties can handle the most demanding Direct X 10 games and applications.

Throw in Toshiba great 17" Diagonal TruBrite Widescreen Display for full 1680 x 1050 (WSXGA+) resolution and 4 Harman/Kardon speakers with a Subwoofer and you have a good quality gaming machine at a reasonable price.

Know Your Clevo

Furthermore, experienced gamers know their "Clevo" - this is the Taiwan-based notebook maker ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) who supplies many of the Brand-name Boutique OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Falcon, M-TECH, Sager, Rock... with the necessary components and models. By comparing the prices on these Clevo models offered by the different OEMs, you can find the cheapest price that's offered. You can save hundreds, if not thousands off by shopping around and finding the best priced Clevo.

These are just but a few examples of finding a relatively cheap gaming laptop, if you're on the hunt for a good quality gaming rig. But there are many more out there, so shop around and cover all your bases.

Happy hunting!

Copyright (c) 2008 Titus Hoskins