MSI X-Slim X340 gets reviewed, loved on - despite the 'flexy' keyboard
By Joseph L. Flatley 
posted May 13th 2009 4:50PM
posted May 13th 2009 4:50PM
We've had our eyes on MSI's answer to the MacBook Air (yeah, we said it!) for a while now -- and that includes a shady, late night hands-on photo session live from the Neville Island Motel and a horrifying back-alley vivisection, to boot. Now it looks like the crazy kids at Laptop are dead set on having their say on the X340 13.4-inch ultra-portable -- and why not? The more the merrier! According to the reviewer, what this character lacks in processing power, it more than makes up for in price, weight, and battery life -- at 2.9 pounds the device is certainly lighter than the Air, and its over three hours on a single charge are none too shabby. Even the 1.4GHz Core 2 Solo processor (coupled here with 2GB memory and running Windows Vista) is characterized as "snappy." Sadly, the keyboard is said to be flimsy and graphic performance pretty weak -- but still, at $899 (price as reviewed) this is sure to be right up some of your proverbial alleys. Interested? Hit that read link for all the gory details.
At $399........ sellable
you are kidding right? 1.4 C2D >>>>>>>>>>> 2.0 dual atom, that is not a netbook CPU don't treat it like one.
Its actually a c2s, so I retract my stupid comment. That is all, move along now, nothing to see here.
i didnt even know c2s existed until now...
Nice.
Except for the stupid glossy screen.
They never learn.
This thing looks nice. Not a ton of power, but also not very expensive. I would not mind having this around if I traveled a lot.
But for now I will carry around my 6.5 pound laptop that's not really heavy at all!
HDMI out? Take that MBA!
The flimsy keyboard reminds me of the MSI GT627's infamous keyboard... what is it with MSI and near-perfect laptops?
I disagree about the first statement. So long as they're running different operating systems, neither will be the answer for the other. For another $99 you can get a Rev. A MacBook Air with a faster processor (what, x2 as fast?), unibody construction, and multi-touch. But the ports and weight look pretty nice on the MSI X-Slim X340. It seems like you get the most hardware/dollar (comparing these two thin and light models) on the Air. However, should you be a person who needs Windows, added ports, and the lightest weigh possible, the MSI might be better. I'd just hate to see Vista on a Core 2 Solo.
Sure, at $600 or $700 it's perfect, but at $900 I might as well grab a full fledged PC.
I am no Apple fanboy, but even the Rev A MBA at $1000 would be a choice for users wanted a more durable machine and faster processor.
The HDMI out is nice though.
don't forget the Rev A Air is going to crap out when you watch youtube video's, it's a bad buy.
Rev B is much better but expensive compared to this MSI. But I agree with you this laptop is overpriced for it's specs.
You're forgetting that some people use laptops for on the go, something PCs are not great at
@ Jonathan
Your statement is stupid.
At $899 will fail,.
U can get a returbished mac air for $949
You can get this refurbished for $400, so stfu.
Since when have we started comparing used computers to new ones?
You can get all sorts of ultra-powerful laptops for just as cheap as this MSI if you're willing to go the refurb route.
Why don't we just talk about how you can do better on Ebay next?
If it had multi-touch and a faster processor I'd be sold. Sadly Apple is the only one doing this right now. I don't know about anybody else but it's really pissing me off.
if you use Ubuntu 9.04 it comes with multitouch synaptics
Because multitouch is so useful for ____________
@Information Central
for: expose, siwthc apps, minimize all windows, 3 finger swipe navigation, 2 finger right click, scrolling, etc.
imo, those are pretty useful. you must have not ever used multitouch on a macbook air? trust me, apple touchpads really do rule and i'm mostly a windows/vista boy.
Because multitouch is so useful for: People with only one mouse button
:P
Samsung NC10 does have multitouch. And a few others too. Don't really know/care.
make it $600.00 and we have a deal
When ever I hear Vista and integrated graphics together I cry a little inside.
Aren't vivisections done while something is alive (or in this case, powered on)?
I would rather have this than a (very) high end netbook
BTW they did a comparison between the Air en the X340
http://blog.laptopmag.com/apple-macbook-air-vs-msi-x340-the-super-slim-ultraportable-face-off
I don't like this one in particular, but I am liking the CULV trend..
I always wanted something in between a crappy Atom netbook and a $3,000 ultraportable. Intel finally making some decently priced ultra-low-voltage chips is a great news and should push more development of this segment.
Give me:
- 11" or 12" LED-lit screen. 1333x768 or 1440x900
- 1.4Ghz Core 2 Duo CULV
- 4GB RAM
- 128GB SSD
- 2 USB + USB/eSATA combo port (common on ultraportables and a good space saver)
- < 3.5 Lbs
- < 1" thin
somewhere around $1000 and I'm sold!
This is like the Porsche Boxter in the world of computers. If you buy this, people silently laugh at you, knowing that you couldn't afford the real thing.