looking to buy gaming rig; question

I'm not terribly computer savvy but I want to get into pc gaming. Is there anything against getting a laptop for a gaming pc, or is it better to get a desktop? I've heard that heavy gaming on a laptop can shorten its lifespan and such. It's probably worth noting I'm looking to play games like witcher 2 and the old republic on as high settings as possible.

also if you could throw some ideal specs at me so I know what I'm looking for when I'm browsing around, that would be good too.

Gaming will not shorten the life of your laptop.

Gaming laptops exist, but they tend to be bulky and/or very expensive.

You are much better served with a desktop. you can even build yourself a nice small form factor rig about the size of a console if you really were conrened with footprint/mobility.

A deskotp will also both perform better and be cheaper. And will be easier to upgrade down the line.

Please, don't buy a laptop for gaming that's just silly. Desktops >>>>>> Laptops