Introduction
With everything going digital because of the global pandemic, many have transitioned to playing poker on the internet. While most online poker software can be run on most computers, they are not built equal. We know that there are a bunch of sites for Texas Hold’em you may have been already eyeing, however, if you are looking to start grinding on online poker, we recommend that you should use the proper tools for the job. It may be intimidating when you have no idea where to begin, but this article will cover most of the basics you will need to pay attention to when selecting a laptop, and we will give you some recommendations from a variety of price points as well!
Important Features To Look Out For
For most online grinders, there are some features that they look out for when picking a laptop. Do consider each of these things when choosing the right laptop that is suited for your needs.
1. Screen Size and Resolution
Most grinders lookout for good screen size and resolution, this is important so that you are able to see clearly when playing multi-table poker, after all, it is a visual game. The laptop’s screen size would affect the number of tables you are able to play at once. So if you are able to handle more than 10 tables then a 17-inch screen laptop and above would be ideal. 14 to 15-inch laptops are generally a good middle ground as any laptop smaller than that would limit you to playing one or two tables. You could get external monitor screens to combat this, but when you are out and about the small screen size could be an issue.
Good screen resolution would be helpful and make the experience a lot more enjoyable and you will be able to see graphics in higher quality and detail. This could also be useful if you plan to watch videos and movies on your laptop.
2. Portability
Being able to bring your device around would be another important feature when choosing a laptop especially so that it would be easy to carry around and travel with. After all, this is one of the big advantages of using a laptop compared to a desktop. This factor is dependent on your travelling patterns and habits, bulky laptops can be a huge hassle if you move around a lot.
3. Key Specs to Take Note of
- A dual-core CPU would be alright for online poker, so it will perform operations quickly.
- Four gigabytes of ram space minimum to play.
- You would probably need at least four hours of battery life in case you do not have access to a charger, or if you are playing on the go
- Online poker does not require a big hard drive, 128 gigabytes would work just fine. In recent years, the upgrade to solid-state drives has allowed poker software to load online poker faster, this would really accelerate the process.
4. Operating System
When it comes to operating systems, we would recommend you to use Windows as compared to Apple. Some poker websites and software are not compatible with the Apple operating system so you would have to play in a browser, which is not ideal. While Chromebooks are affordable, you will also only be able to play on browser sites too.
Top Poker Laptop Recommendations
We have chosen three laptops that are great for online poker, they are all from differing price points, depending on your budget. Our assessment of these laptops takes into user reviews as well to ensure fairness.
Dell Inspiron 15
This laptop is great for its price, hence it is our pick if you are on a budget. It is a steal, retailing for only $249 and comes with a dual-core processor and four gigabytes of ram space. As compared to other laptops in the same price range, the Dell Inspiron 15 is sleek and lightweight, making it convenient to carry. This laptop offers a 15.6-inch screen, meaning you have a decently large screen to work with even though the quality is not fantastic (1366×768). There is a version of the Dell Inspiron 15 that includes a touchscreen and DVD features if that is what you prefer, although, in our opinion, it is not necessary for poker. Based on the Dell website, has pretty good reviews all around too, averaging four stars, this laptop is a solid, inexpensive pick.
Acer Aspire V7-582PG-6479
In comparison to the Dell Inspiron, the Acer runs at a much faster speed. For the reasonable price of $499, this laptop has a better resolution and has two times more ram space than the Dell. Weighing almost five pounds, you can carry it around with no issue. Another bonus is that if you face any technical issues, their customer support is reliable and fast. You can play poker for around six hours before needing a charge and runs at a relatively fast speed. So. if you are looking for a mid-priced laptop this is the one for you.
Razor Blade Pro 17
This gaming laptop can give you a desktop-like experience with the portability of a laptop. It is one of the most powerful laptops out there, used by many professional gamers. Its hefty price point might be an initial turn-off, but this laptop’s 17-inch high-definition screen display and monster CPU is worth it. What’s more, if you are playing at home, the laptop can be easily plugged into many screens if you would like to play multiple tables of poker. Unfortunately, it does have a pretty short battery life, and can probably last four hours of use before it needs a charge.
Conclusion
While the debate between desktops and laptops is ongoing in the online gaming community, we have narrowed down a few points and recommendations if you are starting online poker. When choosing your device, it boils down to your needs and lifestyle too, for those who are constantly on the go, a laptop is a great portable option. The switch to the digital version is not as difficult as long as you have the appropriate device to play with. With a little bit of research, you will be able to find the perfect laptop to help you win your next online poker tournament.