I had been saying I was gonna get the game. But a nice load of random events have been poping up to stop me. However now I have the pick from the disk (From Gamestop) Or the Steam version. I would like some input from everyone. 
 
Also I would love some tips. I have not played Mass effect since it first came out.

 
If you're replaying ME1, only talk to Ashley Williams to tell her to STFU.

I like to have a disk, but a steam version will never get scratched.

" GamersGate? "

" @The_Laughing_Man:  I mean as an alternative to Steam. "

theres something really satisfying knowing you own the game and that you dont have to worry about a disk getting scratched or where you have to store them.
 
im converted to steam

It's a tough one. Right now they're both offering the Cerberus Network. With Steam there are no disc scratches and no need to change discs when installing. With the disc you get the awesome feeling of actually owning the case with it. For me I'm going to have to go with the disc. Because I'm sure, later on in the future, that Steam will cut this game down to 75% off. That's how I got the first Mass Effect at $5. So when they do that. You'll have the disc, and for an extra $5, the digital copy.

I really do hope my laptop can handle the game. I have been told I should run it well. But you never know right.  
 
As for gamestop. I got some games I could trade in..but again..disks get scratched.
 
My lappy

I personally am a Steam freak. As much as I like having a tangible box with art and everything that comes with it, I love Steam more.  
 
... GET THE STEAM VERSION!!!!!

I'd go with Steam.

Well steam seems to be favored. However I wanna be 100% sure my laptop will run it first.

I heard the Steam version has the "you can only download it 5 times" thing. is that true?

I would say Steam.
 
I got it on the 360 though (my laptop can't run it, and my saves are on the 360).

Anyone know if my laptop could run it? A few people said it could. Anyone here who can assure me? lol.

STEAM STEAM STEAM. Or whatever option doesn't give money to Gamestop

"

 
If you're replaying ME1, only talk to Ashley Williams to tell her to STFU.

"

How is the DRM for the disc version of the of the game? How does it work? 
 
Also, how does the DLC work for the PC version and are there achievements?

Anyone else have a bit of advice before I pick?

Paranoia aside I see no problem with getting the Steam version.

It's easy and fast, plus I like the Steam network with friends intertwined an all that.

well, there's no drm on either version, unless you count cerberus network.  you can download it as many times as you want, on steam.  the system is a lot like dragon age's, in fact.  just don't get it off the ea store.

" How is the DRM for the disc version of the of the game? How does it work?  Also, how does the DLC work for the PC version and are there achievements? "

Buy it on PC Disc and you get to register it for a digital download via EA Download Manager; which is essentially both.

Boxed versions just sit around on my floor, Steam = win.

Go steam, the only advantage of disc is possibly selling it later.

"

Buy it on PC Disc and you get to register it for a digital download via EA Download Manager; which is essentially both.

"

" It's a tough one. Right now they're both offering the Cerberus Network. With Steam there are no disc scratches and no need to change discs when installing. With the disc you get the awesome feeling of actually owning the case with it. For me I'm going to have to go with the disc. Because I'm sure, later on in the future, that Steam will cut this game down to 75% off. That's how I got the first Mass Effect at $5. So when they do that. You'll have the disc, and for an extra $5, the digital copy. "

For the drm of the game, it only uses a securerom disc check. Just throw in the disc and play the game. It's great if you have to format because you won't lose an installation limit like last time around. On steam if that happens, you have to take a long time redownloading everything, it's quite a big game, it takes two disc to install everything. I say go with the disc, it's not more work putting in a disc than, opening steam, looking for your game list then double clicking it.  
 
Also even if you have the first mass effect on pc, the game will be able to find the save from the config untility, which should be on both steam and the disc version.

" @ch13696 said:

" It's a tough one. Right now they're both offering the Cerberus Network. With Steam there are no disc scratches and no need to change discs when installing. With the disc you get the awesome feeling of actually owning the case with it. For me I'm going to have to go with the disc. Because I'm sure, later on in the future, that Steam will cut this game down to 75% off. That's how I got the first Mass Effect at $5. So when they do that. You'll have the disc, and for an extra $5, the digital copy. "

Lol any idea how long that might be? "  

I think you can run it.
 
Your system looks better than mine and I can run it on my laptop. I'd wait for someone more experienced though. You could try the "Can you run it" system check though

" I think you can run it. Your system looks better than mine and I can run it on my laptop. I'd wait for someone more experienced though. You could try the "Can you run it" system check though "

" @MrKlorox said:

"

Buy it on PC Disc and you get to register it for a digital download via EA Download Manager; which is essentially both.

"

Why would I do that? I don't see the advantage. If you are so afraid of scratches, get a NODVD fix to and put the DVD away. "