Console Gaming Vs PC Gaming

This is a pretty hot topic online, and someone or the other ends up asking this question every now and then. Both the console and PC have existed since decades and this debate has been 'on' since then. But with the rise of the next-gen consoles like the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and the Wii, this debate has further intensified and many console gamers have started doubting the future of PC gaming. But even with all the doubts, PC gaming is here to stay, and is definitely better in a lot of ways, compared to consoles...

The PC is Customizable

Unlike its console counterparts, the PC can be customized. Meaning, that it can be fine-tuned to suit a specific budget that someone might have, and therefore you don't really need to shell out huge amounts of money and can still play games. While console prices have skyrocketed over the years, the steady drop in computer parts have made it easier for people to afford a computer. And to top that, if you are not a hardcore gamer, you don't even need a top-of-the-line system to play, even a mid-end system would do just fine while being easy on the pocket. Further, the second point that we are going to discuss literally ends the debate. The fact that...

PC Hardware is Evolving on a Constant Basis

Unlike Consoles, which get a hardware update every 5 years or so. The PC is bombarded with hardware choices pertaining to Graphic cards, ram, CPU and pretty much everything that goes inside. What it means is that the graphics and physics of PC games is evolving on a constant basis and giving developers a chance to push their limits. When it comes to consoles, the publishers and developers know what they are dealing with, and it becomes easy for them to develop titles for the same. Since, the hardware really won't change. But when it comes to the PC, they really can't afford to have any pre-conceived notions, as we all know that computers do come in different shapes and sizes. So, the developers have to be on their toes every time to satisfy the hardcore PC gamer. Plus if you have a computer then compared to a console, you can always...

Upgrade When the System Gets Outdated

This really is the defining factor and is the strongest point that kills the competition. What do you do, when a new console is released and the one that you have becomes outdated? The answer is simple. You either sell it, or keep it with yourself till you can afford to buy the latest one in the market. Now, what if you have a PC and your PC becomes outdated? Again, the answer is simple... You upgrade. The thing is that you really don't need to bother about your system becoming outdated or the parts wearing off. Since, you can always go out and buy new system upgrades for yourself, which saves you the trouble of having to buy a whole new system, which is not the case when it comes to consoles.

I know that this debate cannot end. And gamers will always vouch for the platform that they love, but no one can doubt the customizations and flexibility associated with the PC. There is a reason why developers and publishers have been developing games for this platform since decades, and we should not forget that even today, some of the most visually stunning and groundbreaking games that have ever come out, have been for the PC.

The author of this article Ankan Bose is a freelance editor/copywriter and is the co-owner of a humor blog http://www.crazyweedia.com/. He is an avid gamer and provides freelance writing services for websites and blogs.

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Gaming - The Good and Bad

It has always been a debate whether playing games are good for you. Since the conception of consoles, parents have been worrying about the negative effect playing computer games have on their children. How to win the argument with your parents, at least getting them to allow you to have your fun with games is easier than you think. There are many research done by the psychologist to find out the impact of playing games in people, particularly those still in school. Let us face it, once we start working, gaming time will be severely limited.

There are many genres of games, and unfortunately these arguments are not valid for some games that promote violence and aggressive behaviour like Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty. Studies have shown that violent games do increase the tendency of aggressive behaviour in children and adult, and so those who like playing these games should limit playing time. For the average person who likes to play games, there are three good arguments.

Otherwise, there are positive studies done to show that gaming does indeed help people think. Role playing games forces people to plan and think about strategies while trying to complete quests. Without proper planning: levelling up skills, upgrading weapons, and setting battle formations, it is almost impossible to win in certain quests and levels. Those who played Shadow of Colossus would remember the infuriating game, and the feeling of triumph every time a monster goes down.

The games have become more intelligent as time goes by, artificial intelligence (AI) had improved so much that zombies now can run and plan a mass attack. In Resident Evil 5, the zombies are faster and now can wield weapons, instead of mindlessly shuffle towards you, showing their bloodied teeth. I still remember the terror I felt when the Executioner Manjini jumped towards me with the big axe, nails and hooks protruding on his back. Not only you have to plan the moves of your character, you have to anticipate that the enemy will be doing, which is becoming harder each year.

This is true for me, at least. Gamers who play mind stimulating games: RPGs, puzzle, fitness and a lot more tend to have good reflex. It is not easy to stare at the screen looking for hidden treasures, looking at the map for potential enemies bursting through some angle, stocking up quickly before a boss fight and not develop a level of dexterity in your mind. Working people can testify to some extend, multitasking is easier for a person who plays games. I still play Dr Kawashima's Brain and Body Exercises on my Xbox Kinect to help keep the brain in sync with the rest of me.

We love to play, gaming is fun and technology has enabled us to play with people around the world without leaving our room. The benefits of gaming are unfortunately not linked to the long hours that we put it. Keeping the gaming time to a reasonable level ensures that we have a real life outside of virtual reality, which is important to function as a member of a community.

Ailyn Koay is a pharmacist in Adelaide, Australia. She is looking to become a writer, if you are interested in her work please contact ailynkoay@gmail.com.

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Wireless Headset - An Absolute Must in Today's Gaming Society

A headset that is not connected directly to its original device is called a wireless headset and the device can be a cell phone, a computer, a TV, a laptop or a gaming console. In some states it is forbidden to talk on the phone while driving if you do not have a wireless headset, so these they offer mobility and freedom to do many things at the same time.

Even though the word is used interchangeably with headphones, a headset generally means a combination headphone plus a microphone. The technology that has been used to maintain the wireless devices is infrared or Bluetooth and the latter is more popular today because its only limitation is distance whereas the former is limited by both distance and sight.

In today's busy world taking time to talk on the phone when you have a hundred million things to do consumes a lot of time, so these headsets enable the user to do other things while talking on the phone. This is especially important in business settings where more and more people are working from home. A good headset will allow you to hear and be heard clearly while performing other tasks in the office or at home. This enhances employee performance, increases user satisfaction, reduces injuries from inattention and makes your company look good.

The headset gives the user the ability to use their hands for other jobs as well as the ability to move from place to place. In the office these devices are invaluable because they increase productivity and the performance of the employees. Their use however is not limited to the office it is put to good use in homes as well and a mother can talk to the office while feeding her baby, two chores that might be necessary at the same time.

For people who are always on the move these devices are an absolute necessity because connecting the headset to their phones gives them the freedom to stay connected while on the move.

Headsets can be categorized based on the method by which they are worn:

1) Over the head - As the name suggests these are headsets that are worn with the aid of a headband over the head with the ear piece fitting over the ears to allow the user to hear the sounds in comfort and with very little strain.

2) Behind the neck - As the name suggests these headsets have a neckband that secures them so that the ear piece and microphone are positioned properly to ensure comfort and flexibility.

3) Over the ear - Similar to the over the head type these are headsets that are very popular with professionals who man call centers. It is placed over the ear putting the ear piece in place ensuring comfort and easy movement.

4) In the ear - Similar to the over ear headsets but as its own name suggests this is a headset that has a cushion around the ear piece to allow it to fit comfortably in the ear. It means that the sound reception is great and it is kept in place by an air ear loop or a head band to maintain comfort. They can be worn for long periods with no discomfort because they are designed to be very light.

For the sake of hygiene headsets should not be shared between users and removable parts such as headset voice tubes and headset air cushions should be replaced every six months to reduce the chance of infections.

Jayson Maxwell is a gaming enthusiast and writes frequently about wireless headsets. His top recommendation is the Logitech Wireless Headset F540. Check out additional reviews from him at the Wireless Gaming Headset site.

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Rat 7 - Cool Gaming Mouse

Are you a gamer? Do you like to have the craziest gear that's out there? I do. I like the latest gizmo's, sure, but I also like the most configurable and most capable. If you are into PC gaming, the you should check out Cyborg's Rat 7.

This little piece of electronic and mechanical wizardry, the Rat 7, is one of the sweetest little pointers I have ever used, to be sure. But there is more to it than that.

Not Just Cool Looking

The Rat 7 is not only just cool looking, though cool looking it is, it's also super accurate and precise. There's reasons for this, but I suspect that this is the main focus of this nimble little creature. They have built in a host of adjustments that you can add to this mouse. Calling it a mouse by the way, is like calling a Ferrari a car. It's just not enough. Nevertheless, they achieve this precision in a couple of ways.

Precision, Accuracy Comfort
The first way they achieve such awesome accuracy is to fit the mouse to your hand. After all, it's the match between your brain and your hand that is so vitally important in translating your intentions to action! The way they do this is to let you adjust every conceivable angle and axis of the mouse itself.

For example there is a capability that lets you adjust the actual length of the mouse. If you have bigger hands or deep palms, this lets you adjust accordingly. From a comfort and fatigue point of view, it's difficult to beat this kind of setting and adjustment.

In addition to this, there is also an adjustment for your thumb plate. Some people, such as myself, tend to flare their thumb out unknowingly when they are using the mouse. There is an adjustment that lets you fiddle with the amount of flare. This is really nice. It's something that doesn't spring to mind when you are gaming, but the truth is the way your opposable digit connects with the input device is actually quite critical.

Rat 7 Switchable Faceplates

Finally, there is the ability to switch out face plates on the Rat 7. You might be thinking this is a capability for the purpose of vanity. Not so. The truth is each of the three face plate sets have a different finish. The standard face plate is a matte finish. But there are two others. Once raises the height of the mouse, and the other has a rougher finish. Both have their place.

If you are looking a great gaming mouse, check out the Rat 7 by Cyborg. You will never use an ordinary mouse again.

If you are a PC gamer, you owe it to yourself to check the Rat 7. It's pricey, but worth every cent. Check out my reviews.

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How To Choose The Best Gaming Laptop On The Market

Computer gaming has become one of the largest phenomenons if not the largest in recent years. The need to play games at home on a computer has increased greatly and what people look for has changed. When looking for the best gaming laptop you are no longer just looking for a standard laptop anymore you are looking for specifics which will give you the best performance.

Most people believe that the more expensive the machine that you buy is then the better the game experience will be however this is not the case. On average most gamers will look for an inexpensive computer which has a good list of high specifications for the price. So when choosing the your gaming laptop then what specifications should you look for.

If you are looking for the games laptop then you should look for a higher specification than a standard one. A system with a higher RAM should be first on your list as this sort of system will be able to handle the higher resolution graphics and motions that most games these day have.

As most people should know 3D games require the computer to run at high resolutions so with this you need to have a powerful processor. The better the processor then the better it can handle game speeds as well as being able to use faster graphics cards.

If you are looking to buy the best laptop then you should also look for a high end graphics card as they will boost your performance as well. Always remember that when buying a games computer that you try and buy within your means.

The higher the specifications of your machine then the more expensive it will be but that should not put you off. The choice is what you are going to play and what you need. Most games have a minimum requirement of specifications and this should also be consulted before buying your new machine.

There are many brands that design specifically for the games market and it is up to you to choose what you think is the best gaming laptop for you and your needs. Whether you look at the range designed purely for playing or computers that are available through the more mainstream range there is bound to be one out there that will meet you requirements and in most cases will exceed them at the same time. Happy playing!

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Gaming - Boon or Bane?

Sitting in front of my PlayStation after a great game of racing made me think. Why is gaming considered a bad habit by many? Why is it of great disgust to parents? Why doesn't everyone play games? Why does one say I don't have time for such child play? And why does one say that you are wasting your time, when you should be doing something more serious? It made me wonder.

Gaming is considered as an addiction by many all over the world. To an extend it is the truth. With all the violence present in some games, it can motivate kids to wrong doings. And being in front of the gaming screen for hours without any outdoor games or exercise, not to mention the damage caused to your eyes from hours of gaming. There is much other known harm which is caused from gaming. Thus many consider gaming a bane.

Ever since I was a child gaming has been fun and had given me much happiness. Living in a busy city with fewer kids of same age and no one around to play with has always made me feel lonely. Being a shy kid I had fewer friends. Considering all these in hand, gaming was fun and has given me much happiness. So, under the right circumstances with the right amount, gaming can be good. It can make you less lonely. Many constructive games can improve your creative thinking. Imagination in your life can be of great use, and many games provide an opportunity for you to imagine.

Games played online with other humans and not with computers can increase your competitive spirit, which can help you with your life. It also can teach you not only the taste of victory but also it can help you understand the bitterness of failure and make them try till you succeeds.

Anyone of any ages can play games. Escaping from the real world into the virtual gaming world at times is advisable. One can get relieved from stressful situations through games; there are also many games which can improve one's memory power, typing skill, hand-eye coordination, and reflex. It is said that when you are alone your mind starts playing with you in many ways. Positive thoughts comes less while negative ones will be filled in your mind, also habits like drinking and smoking may come into your life. But when you pass your time with something like gaming it can help your mind be occupied with the game which can help you forget all the stress and tension, without any smoke or drinks.

Many go for paid yoga classes, therapies, counseling and all to get relieved from ones stress and tension and the diseases caused by it. But I say get an Xbox or a PlayStation, get a good game, game with your friends, family in weekends, and have a get together. And this will give you the same results. Thus I consider gaming a boon.

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Alienware - Top Gaming Laptops

Alienware is probably the best manufacturer focused on producing top of the line gaming computers. Their gaming laptop line is second to none, and this is because they pay special attention to the gamers' needs and make their laptops stand out by simply being the best at what they do.

Aside from their alien head logo, Alienware laptops distinguish themselves from the masses with special lighting effects, their illuminated keyboards which make nighttime gaming sessions a reality for any gamer. This is one of their own key signatures and it works very well since the laptops look stunning during the night.

Also, their sleek design might send you thinking you're actually owning a jet fighter rather than an actual portable computer.

Even though Alienware gaming laptop can get a bit pricey, the cost is not an issue when looking at the installed hardware on each of their models.

Alienware Laptops General Specs

Performance is in high demand when it comes to modern games. Alienware incorporates some of the best processors found in today's market to built highly reliable gaming machines. When a new processor line hits the market, you're sure to find an Alienware laptop model which has one installed.

That being said, rest assured knowing that each model is packed with a very powerful processor either from Intel or ATI, depending on the configuration.

RAM is what it's all about when multitasking comes to mind. These laptops carry enough RAM to run anything, and then some. On an average, an Alienware gaming laptop will have about 6GB of system memory, but will support much more if you ever intend to upgrade such a beast.

Since most state of the art applications state that they only need about 2-3GB RAM to run properly, one can see that with such a high amount of memory multitasking become quite easy to achieve.

The dedicated graphics cards installed on Alienware laptops are the best at what they do, and some models even incorporate more than one card for true gaming immersion. Since not all of us game on a regular basis, this feature could also be great if you're into graphic design, since these applications require both a high amount is system memory and a powerful GPU as well.

Another great thing about these laptops is their unusually big screen sizes and resolutions. Alienware knows that visual quality is important to any gamer, so their laptops are highly capable of true high definition representation.

See and learn more about Alienware Gaming Laptops.

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The Current State of PC Gaming and the "Sysifos Problem"

Full disclosure before you start reading this article; I am a PC gamer at heart. But I am also a gamer that enjoys great games on whatever platform they are available.

I currently own an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii (hey, don't laugh, it seemed like a good idea at the time) and a Nintendo DS.

So I bear no ill will towards consoles, even though the majority of my everyday gaming takes place on PC.

It seems that as of late the PC is having somewhat of a resurgence as a major platform for "Triple A" games.

Battlefield 3 is a good example of a major release that flexes its muscles on the PC platform in comparison to the console version.

The current generation of consoles are getting pretty long in the tooth by now.
With 5-6 years under their belt, it is no wonder that game developers are trying to squeeze out the last drops of gaming juice from these partially mummified fruits of gaming hardware.

Of course, this also means that the current console generation has a huge audience by now, so there is plenty of incentive to still keep pumping out your games on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

But it does look like new games are now first shown on the PC, where developers can give a truly stunning presentation, before a more toned down version that can run on consoles is demonstrated.

This is a very natural development, as game makers will of course always be chasing those stunning visuals that will make the jaws of the public drop open and do their best "fish-on-land" impression.

Since the guts of the consoles have pretty much given all that they are going to give, it is becoming almost impossible to get this sort of reaction from simply being clever with your coding.

You need more horsepower than what you can find withering inside a PlayStation or Xbox.
Enter the PC with its constantly shifting hardware that has by now completely and utterly eclipsed that of the consoles.

This allows game developers to create those stand out visuals that will get heads turning and preorders rolling.
Even if it turns out to be a bit of the old smoke and mirror, showing off the PC version of the game on a super high end PC, while Joe Mario Kart ends up ordering the Xbox 360 version that only has half of the graphical bells and none of the whistles of the PC version.

This is something that we have seen before and it's a cycle that I call the "PC Sisyfos problem".

Picture the preference for PC's as a big hill.
At the bottom of the hill is a large rock that gets pushed up to top of the hill as PC games slowly gain momentum against their console counterparts, as their technology continues to evolve.

Every new major console generation launch sees the release of hardware that is usually equal or better to most hardcore gaming PC's that are out at the time.
Coupled with the fact that you are working with a fixed platform, this means that developers are able to churn out some games that put most of the contemporary PC games to shame and makes all gamers go "oooh, shiny shiny!".

The rock is at the bottom of the hill

This effect starts to wane a bit, but after the first couple of years it's not that pronounced, because developers may be struggling with hardware that is slowly becoming obsolete, but they are also learning all the tricks that they can use to cram still more power out of the box.

The rock starts slowly being pushed up the hill

Inevitably of course, this development of squeezing ever more power out of the same hardware reaches a limit.
This is when you start noticing that PC games are beginning to look noticeably better than their console counterparts, and probably where we were at about 12-18 months ago.

The rock is now very close to the top of the hill

Finally we enter a brief period, where it is evident to everyone that the PC is just punching the consoles in the face and taking their lunch money in terms of hardware power.

All the visually impressive stuff is being shown on PC's and consoles have well and truly hit their performance ceiling.

The rock reaches the top of the hill and everyone wipes the sweat off their faces and enjoy a brief and ill advised round of "hells yeah, in your face Microsoft/Sony/Sega/Nintendo".

This is the point where the next generation of consoles is announced.

Crammed full of next generation hardware and sporting tech demonstration videos that make PC gamers weep salty tears of envy, they immediately rally the gaming public towards this new beacon of visual splendor.

The rock tumbles headlong down the hillside, crushing any PC fanboys foolish enough to try to stop it.

Right now we are just coming up on the hilltop.

The PC is markedly stronger than the consoles and we have yet to see a response from the big two console makers (Nintendo has pretty much already given up on trying to create consoles that are hardware powerhouses).

So to all my fellow PC gamers that are pushing the rock alongside me I say; Enjoy our brief moment of glory and spot in the sun.
It's been a fun ride and I'll see you all at the bottom of the hill next Christmas.

Don't stop pushing!

I'm a passionate gamer and lover of science fiction.

With more than 25 years of gaming and consuming sci-fi in every media form, I consider myself something of an expert.

I write reviews, impressions, opinion pieces and things that are just meant to make you smile.

If you like this article, then you'll probably like my site, which you can find here:

http://www.lightspeed-gaming.com/

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What the iPhone 4S Means for iOS Gaming

Apple has always been known as an innovator and a forward-thinker, especially in recent years. Thanks to the success of their flagship product the iPod, the company has gone on to produce some of the most popular gadgets of all time. Take the iPhone for example, since its launch in 2007 it has taken the world by storm, and the numerous renditions of the hardware have made their way to every corner of the world. Now Apple have released the very latest addition to the iPhone family in the form of the iPhone 4S. It looks identical to the popular iPhone 4, but with plenty of extras inside. And one of the biggest focuses for the new device is graphics. Apple claims that the new A5 dual-core processor is capable of delivering seven times the graphical power along with other enhancements. So what can we expect the new iPhone 4S to bring to the world of iOS gaming?

Better graphics

Let's start off with the easy one: the new hardware will be able to produce games that look significantly better than the existing iPhone. The Retina Display is still intact, so graphics will remain crisp and sharp, but now the actual visuals will get an overhaul. Developers have done a lot with the existing hardware, with games like Infinity Blade and Shadowgun being notable cases -- so it'll be great to see what comes next. When Apple announced the iPhone 4S they showed a clip of Infinity Blade II with awesome effects that we can only dream of on the current iPhone, so who knows what other games developers can do with the new iPhone 4S.

More voice integration

The new iPhone comes with a voice-recognition system known as Siri, offering phone users an entirely new way to use their phones. They can do anything from sending a text message to making an order for truck rental, all in just a few words. It's much more than simple voice commands and it's integrated deeply within the phone's firmware. So how will Siri affect gaming? Well, there's been no official confirmation that Siri will be used within games; however if the functionality is there, why wouldn't there eventually be some games that use it? With Siri's first-rate voice recognition capabilities there are all sorts of gameplay twists and turns developers could try out. Sure, they may not all work out, but it'd be a really interesting step for iOS gaming to take.

More developers making better games

With the focus that Apple has put on graphics with this new hardware, it's clear that they're really serious about the iPhone being a 'real' handheld gaming console. There is no doubt that developers will take inspiration from this and start to develop better and better games. Plus, if Apple continue to focus on gaming, we could see some of the big triple-A console titles making their way to the iOS platform. With plenty of controller peripherals in the works for the iPhone and iPad, these games won't even be limited to just touch screen controls anymore -- and let's not forget about the potential of voice control!

The future of iOS gaming

So does the iPhone 4S mark the beginning of something special for iOS gaming? Well, we certainly think so. Apple has created the most powerful smartphone ever and given it bleeding edge tech with which to create better graphics, smoother gameplay, and more possibilities. We can only assume that Apple will continue this trend with the next rendition of the iPhone, and of course, the iPad and iPod Touch too. The entire family of Apple products is likely to grow to allow for more games to be played and to give players more ways to enjoy them. With companies like Nintendo opening the door to gaming for all, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see Apple using the success of their products to make them credible gaming devices. At the moment many people look at them simply as phones, tablets and MP3 players -- but they have so much more potential, especially in the gaming market and we couldn't be more excited to discover what Apple will do with them next.

PocketFullOfApps specializes in iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad Game News, Reviews, Previews, and Giveaways. Follow us on Twitter or Like us on Facebook.
http://pocketfullofapps.com/

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Looking for Flexible Options to Enhance Your Video Gaming Experience?

For many gamers, renting video games from their local video or movie store was once the best and only way to rent games. This old-fashioned method of both renting and buying games is really a thing of the past. Online shopping has truly changed the way that we do just about everything in our everyday lives, especially when it comes to video gaming. The recent shift in our society toward doing most of our business online means that many of the stores that previously carried video games have gone out of business or closed their doors for good. This means hard times for those businesses, but also hard times for the gamers who used those stores for purchasing games. When doing your online shopping for other important items, consider searching for the latest and greatest in video games as well. Here are some tips to get you started.

1- Consider your Current Collection

It seems that so often, we buy the same types of games over and over again. Or, we purchase a new video game and stop playing our old and outdated games and they just lie on a shelf and gather dust. If you have a large collection of video games at your home and rarely or never use any of them, consider selling them for money. Look through your entire collection with a critical eye and weed out the games that you do not like or no longer play. Selling these items online is a great way to make extra money that can be used towards buying the next great new game right as it is release from the video gaming companies.

2- Search for the Best Websites

There are hundreds of websites on the internet dedicated to games and gaming needs. Do a general search for information and products and then narrow down the best and brightest in the industry. Doing your online shopping is easy and it is much more convenient than having to get in your car and drive to the local store. You can now buy all these games from the comfort of your home and have them delivered right to your doorstep. It's just that easy. A lot of websites let you sign up for an account and pay a small fee to actually rent games either one at a time or four at a time, depending on your needs. With these services, you can rent a game, send it back and then receive a new one a few days later. There really is something for everyone when it comes to these video gaming websites and services.

3- Use Technology to your Advantage

If you have a full-time job or other major obligations, it can often be very hard to find the time to search through the racks at your local video game or electronics store to find the latest games. Or, you do not have the time to search through rack after rack of games for the best deal or your new favorite game. This is where online shopping saves you the time and hassle of having to go through this process. It's just that easy!

Learn about the latest in video games and purchasing options for your favorite hobby. Search for the best pieces and deals at MyReviewsNow.

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PC Vs Console Gaming

In the gaming world, there are several options to choose from when it comes to the platform the game is being played on. There are PC games, and there are console games. The difference lies within the way the game is played.

Gaming is literally a lifestyle choice so each person prefers a slightly different approach when it comes to the way they play a game. Some like computer games, because computers allow them to customize the way they play the game along with certain tweaks in visual details and controls.

Consoles don't demand that you make such tweaks, since they're built with only games in mind. So when a game comes out and it's destined for PlayStation, then, if you own such a console, you're certain you can play that game.

But when a game comes out and it's made for PCs, then you have to check on what the system requirements that game has in order to be played properly. Since games rely heavily on the specs, or hardware of the "console" they're run, for PC users this would mean there's a constant struggle to stay ahead of the gaming developer world and build or purchase the ultimate gaming computer.

In certain cases, it's a lot easier to escape this struggle by purchasing a console and not having to worry if your system meets the necessary minimum hardware in order to run a game.

The downside to consoles is, in my opinion, the lack of precision in movements and control. For instance, if you were to play a shooter game or FPS for short, it would be really hard to aim at the opponents using a game pad.

On the other hand, when using a computer, it's really easy to aim using your mouse at the opponents since you can fine tune the mouse sensitivity and actually get the mouse to work at what speed you require.

Some peripherals allow you to adjust that sensitivity right in the gaming environment and those are called gaming peripherals. These are built only with PCs in mind.

Consoles on the other hand have developed in recent years to create a more engaging environment for the player.

We have seen a lot of new advancements in this area from the Wii remote, allowing you to physically "swing" a golf club, or in the Kinect world, actually detecting your body movements to interact in the gaming world. This means that a console user might get a bit more exercise than a regular PC gamer.

Also, there are certain games which might not work on consoles, like strategy games. These games rely heavily on the use of a computer mouse for unit selection and issuing commands.

There are a lot of advantages to PC gaming as well as console gaming, and there are specific games that can be played on both platforms, without the possibility of moving from one type to the other. It's a matter of level of engagement or immersion that each gamer requires that he get from the game itself.

We, Markets, have made a page about this specific topic entitled: PC Versus Console Gaming with more detailed information about the advantages and disadvantages of both types of platforms.

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Why Buying Your Gaming Computer May Be Better Than Building

Building your own gaming computer may be cheaper and more rewarding, but there might be some pitfalls out there that builders fail to see. Here are four reasons why buying a high performance gaming computer from a company may be better idea than building one yourself.

1. You may not have the right knowledge
Building a computer may seem like a simple process. In essence, it's fitting several different parts into a shiny black box and turning it on. However for a first time builder, problems may arise that you won't necessary be able to fix yourself. Common problems that could occur include motherboard bios errors, incorrect cables fitting and problems when installing the operating system. These are problems that a system builder would come across every day, but they will have the knowledge to fix it themselves.

2. Warranty issues
When you buy a gaming computer or any electrical product from a shop, you always have the reassurance that you can always take the item back if something goes wrong. That may not be the case when buying and installing computer components yourself. Manufacturers warranties on computer components generally last between 1-2 year and claim back can be a nightmare. Ringing surround trying to send back your faulty graphics card may sound easy enough but trying to prove that there is something wrong with it over the phone can be a tricky game to play. If you were to buy a computer form a retailer, you can be rest assured that if any problems arise, you will always be able to send it back to them.

3. Buying the right components
With so many different brands and ranges on the market at the moment, it may seem daunting buying gaming computer components if you don't do your research. Different versions of graphics card, processors and motherboards come out every month, so buying the wrong one could make your new computer out of date already. Also prices fluctuate in the computer industry all of the time, so you know need to know when it is good or bad to start building your computer. Also selecting components that are all compatible together can also be difficult. A certain processor may not work with a mother board you just bought.

4. Quality of build
When you buy a computer from a retailer you can always expect to take it home turn it on work first time. However when you build your own gaming computer you run the risk of installing the components incorrectly and fail months down the line. For example, not applying enough thermal paste on the processor could lead to important parts burning up prematurely, wiring up the PSU incorrectly may cause short circuits. The build quality for each retailer ranges depending on how much your willing to spend, but you can reply on the product to leave the factory working

To conclude, building your own computer can be a more cost effective answer to buying a new computer, however you don't necessarily get the same reassurances and guaranties from building rather than buying from a retailer.

For more information on buying gaming computers please see http://www.jackalcomputers.co.uk/

Liam Miller
http://www.jackalcomputers.co.uk/

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