To be honest, you also really don't want to look at a laptop for gaming. Mostly the cost, in the long run is just not worth it.
For most people, yes. They are expensive for what they are and the vast majority have a limited shelf life due to upgrade limitations.
But for a smaller percentage of more 'enthusiastic' users, the question of how long constitutes 'a long run' and is it worth trading better performance
now that will last
longer for mediocre performance out of the box?
Admittedly, for what I paid for my laptop I could have bought a Macbook Pro or a high end desktop (current desktop is good enough), but instead I opted for something I needed and that is essentially a portable desktop replacement.
17.3", 8GB, 2 drives+blu-ray and easily upgradeable CPU
and GPU. With a few key upgrades, I could still have this laptop when others are already on to their third. Ultimately spending more money in the long run too may I point out
For me, it suits my needs
now (I'm sitting in a hotel room, listening to music , browsing the web after watching some vids and playing some games at 1920x1080 with high details.) Much more preferable to using some of the laggy "browser/music only" laptops I've used in the past.
However I digress to reiterate that it's not for everyone. Initially expensive and quite heavy/cumbersome to carry around compared to a smaller 15"> 'normal' laptop. Battery life is a paltry ~2hrs with all power savings on. The power pack is also the size of a xbox 360 power pack...
If you have the means, and the need; go for it. otherwise, save the money and buy a good desktop, as mentioned above.