Top 5 gaming notebooks

The prevalence of console gaming has affected the PC gaming market--most games are multiplatform and built to run on aging consoles that aren't the fastest machines. The good news is that this trend, coupled with increasingly powerful notebooks, means that gamers can now play the latest games on mid-range notebooks.

As for specially designed gaming notebooks, they can approach the immersive experience that one gets on a high-end desktop. Features like gaming-optimized keyboards, 3D support and simulared surround audio are typical for this segment. And with the latest Intel Core-i processors, the performance of these notebooks have never been better. Here are our picks for the best gaming laptops available in the market now.

	1.	Alienware M14x (Core i7 2630M Processor 2GHz, 4GB RAM) CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Packs amazing performance into a smaller-than-expected body; plenty of configuration options. The bad: High-end configurations can be insanely expensive; Alienware's laptop design is overdue for a refresh. The bottom line: It's tough to find mobile PC gaming in a package that's neither too big nor too small. The Alienware M14x comes very close, with plenty of component options and a size that's hefty, but not backbreaking. Why it rocks: Alienware is an established brand for gaming and it shows. Many of its features--from the adjustable backlighting of the keyboard to its automotive inspired design--have been imitated by others. The M14x brings the Alienware pedigree down to a manageable 3kg, which is only beaten by the company's M11x.  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GT 555M Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Asus G53SW (Core i7 2630QM Processor 2.0GHz) Outlook The more portable of Asus' Republic of Gamers notebook series, the 15-inch G53SW gets the Sandy Bridge makeover. The GeForce GTX 460M graphics is slightly older than some of its rivals, but its performance remains competitive. Unless you need the G53SX model for its glasses-less 3D technology, the G53SW will run the latest games fine. Why it rocks: Inspired by the design of stealth warplanes, this notebook looks as deadly as its specs suggest. The design is also functional--vents are placed at the rear to direct noise and heat away from the user.  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 460M See full specs | Rate this
	3.	HP Envy 14 (Core i5 2410M Processor 2.3GHz, 6GB RAM) CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Updated with newer Intel processors; new multitouch touchpad. The bad: Touchpad gestures still can't match Apple's trackpad. The bottom line: A much-needed update to its internal components makes HP's Envy 14 one of the best high-end laptops for those looking for a PC with the flair of a MacBook. Why it rocks: While not designed specifically for the gaming segment, the Envy 14's stylish design and competent, all-round performance in a portable 2.4kg package, means that it's actually good enough to grace a LAN party, especially when equipped with the Core i7 option. Those looking for more audio punch can also get the Beats Edition.  Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6630M Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	MSI GT780 (Core i7 2630QM Processor 2.0GHz) Outlook The GT780 is MSI's most ambitious attempt to make its mark in the gaming notebook segment. The company has roped in premium gaming peripheral maker SteelSeries to create the keyboard for this notebook while upgrade options of up to 32GB of RAM and dual hard drives ensure that its performance is only limited by the size of your wallet. Why it rocks: That SteelSeries gaming keyboard has an optimized keyboard design with larger Ctrl and Alt keys, registers 10 simultaneous key presses and comes with five back-lighting modes.  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 560M See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Toshiba Qosmio X770 (Core i7 2630QM Processor 2.0GHz, 8GB RAM) Outlook Equipped with Nvidia's 3D Vision and Nvidia's GeForce GTX 560M graphics, this 17-incher supports 3D games and movies without breaking a sweat. Harmon Kardon speakers with a subwoofer give it the audio chops to go along with its raw performance. Why it rocks: Equally competent at both gaming and multimedia, the X770 has some unique features like dual Webcams. So you can now take 3D images and even videos of your victory dance the next time you achieve a kill streak in your favorite FPS.  Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 560M  See full specs | Rate this