MSI's X-Slim X340 now shipping in US for $899.99

It's hard to say if our harmless threats influenced the MSRP here, but either way, we'll take it. MSI has finally (finally!) come clean with a set price on its succulent X-Slim X340, and while we heard through the grapevine awhile back that it would ship here for under a grand, we definitely had our doubts. Starting today, eager consumers can order one for the low, low price of $899.99, which buys you an Intel ULV SU3500 processor, Vista Home Premium, a 13.4-inch 1,366 x 768 resolution display, GMA 4500MHD graphics and 2GB of DDR2 RAM. There's also a 320GB hard drive, gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, 4-cell battery (an 8-cell is optional), 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, twin USB 2.0 sockets, VGA / HDMI outputs and an SD / MMC card reader. The 0.78-inches thick machine is shipping today in the US of A from a bevy of e-tailers, and you can peek the full release just after the break.

Update: Looks like some e-tailers even have it at $799. Nice!
MSI US ANNOUNCES AVAILABILTY OF THE ULTRA-SLIM X-340

The X340 features an HD LCD, Intel's new CULV CPU, and a 320 GB HDD

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – May 26, 2009 – MSI Computer, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is excited to announce the availability of the ultra-slim 13.4" MSI X340 Notebook. The X340 notebook weighs just 2.86 pounds, is only .78 inches thick at it's widest point, and is now available for only $899.99. It is the first notebook to feature the new Intel® ULV CPU, which uses 1/6th the power of a regular mobile CPU. The X340 also offers users an HD 1366x768 resolution LCD and an HDMI input for high definition video playback.
"We are excited to bring such a thin yet powerful notebook to market," said Andy Tung Vice President of Sales, MSI US. "The X340 truly is the optimal convergence of mobility, form, and functionality.

In addition to its biggest in class hard drive and outstanding performance, the X-340 notebook's aesthetics are second to none. Its sleek exterior and the clean design is available in sleek Silver and stylish Black at Amazon.com, Newegg.com, Buy.com, Zipzoomfly.com, JR.com, and Excaliberpc.com.

MSI also offers customers a 3-year limited warranty with the X340 and extended customer services hours at 1-888-447-6564.

FULL SPECIFICATIONS BELOW

About Micro Star International Co., Ltd.

Established in 1986 and headquartered in Taipei Taiwan, Micro Star International Co., Ltd. (MSI) strives to design and manufacture superior technology and innovative products, while offering outstanding customer service. The MSI portfolio includes Notebook Computers, Mainboards, Graphics Cards, Desktop Computers and Wireless Communication Products. MSI develops all its product lines with the goals of promoting and empowering the environmental protection movement. To learn more about MSI's complete offering please visit http://www.msicomputer.com.


About MSI Notebook

Based in City of Industry California, MSI Notebook manufactures and sells a wide array of mobile computing products that includes Gaming Notebooks, Ultra Portables, The Essential Series, The Professional Series and MSI's award winning line of Wind Netbooks. Each product line is designed with the latest technology to meet a specific set of needs for the various classifications of mobile users. To learn more about MSI Notebook's complete offering please visit http://www.msimobile.com.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:04PM]

wow, I'll put my macbook pro on ebay right now... NOT

[DavidVogt Posted May 27th 2009 2:10PM]

Quit your bragging, a MBP costs twice as much as this thing. Not everybody can afford the best of the best, and this is a step in the right direction.

And in case you didnt realize it, MBP owners aren't exactly the target customers for this notebook.

[skyblaze Posted May 27th 2009 2:19PM]

and who ever said the macbook pro was the best of the best anyway?....

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:27PM]

almost every neutral review with both win and osx.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:27PM]

I charge my macbook in a lead-lined box, I wonder if this one sets fire too.

[DRHouse Posted May 27th 2009 2:33PM]

Macbook pro is best of the best ripping you off with its overpriced spces "100% Macbook bro specs can be bought for 1000$~ in newegg" while apple charge twice as much and more

[DRHouse Posted May 27th 2009 2:44PM]

Macbook pro 2500$ http://store.apple.com/us/configure/MC026LL/A?mco=NDE4NDI1Ng

Asus laptop 1200$ same specs for less than half the price http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220499

PLUS it came with things the macbook pro doesnt with default settings or not available
E sata port ,
Upgraded GPU (9650 GT)
faster hard drive (7200RPM instead of macbook pro default 5400)
HDMI (Hello apple its 2009 even netbooks have it now and no i dont want to use converters and lame stuff)
So apple fans take your macbook and shove it we do not care about overpriced and outdated Tech

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:05PM]

However, there is no question when it comes to build quality.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:10PM]

@Dr. House

True but the build quality, almost half the thickness, a pound lighter, DDR3, wireless N, higher resolution screen, slick design and most probably better battery life do account for something.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:12PM]

Even the footprint is smaller...

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:23PM]

@DR House:

also (from the laptop you showed on newegg) the MBP has DDR3 ram, is less than an inch thick, has two graphics chipsets, has a higher screen resolution, and illuminated keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, and, lacks the ultimate fail; vista, so not REALLY quite the same specs...

now a DECENT argument would have been MacBook vs. Dell Studio XPS 13...sucks to be you

i do love House though, kudos on SOME good taste.

[superhobo Posted May 27th 2009 4:03PM]

DR House, seriously you're making us look bad. Find a laptop with DDR3 at least.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 4:18PM]

Here we go again... Why is a MacBook Pro even being brought up here?!

This is pretty nice for it's size. HDMI is nice. Wish it had 9400M graphics and wireless N!? Not sure how weak the cpu will be too.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 5:46PM]

DDR3 has been a disappointemnt in the performance over DDR2. Theres a chance that DDR3 goes the way of the Vista, used by only some until next standard comes a long and most skip the DDR3,

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 9:52PM]

as much as it pains me to say this, this is a blatant macbook air clone... cant the chinese ever restrain themselves from makin knockoffs?

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 5:52AM]

Wow this is awesome! I know the design is sort of an Apple rip, but I love it. This is *ALMOST* perfect. I am very happy to see the Core 2 ULV chip instead of that POS Atom, but I wish it were the dual-core variant. Intel needs to get off their ass and get the dual-core ULV chip into the cheaper "CULV" family.

[Demo22 Posted May 27th 2009 2:11PM]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834152113

That is this, correct? If so, nice price from Newegg.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:48PM]

I bought mine from newegg Friday and I'm using it to type this reply right now. I also sent this info in to engadget on Friday, but apparently they don't read anything that comes in through their contact form... otherwise this would be old news.

I got it for 799 on newegg. I've installed windows 7 rc1, and it runs great. however a few things I dont like.

the keyboard is not the best. seems slightly deformed in the center bending upward, and really might annoy me long term.
Also when I rest my right hand on the keyboard the plastic frame bends and makes a snapping noise (depending if I rest my hand or take some of the pressure off).

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:21PM]

Looks to be.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:14PM]

Wait a second, the PR mentions "HDMI input", not "HDMI output". Is this just a badly written PR, or this is indeed the first HDMI-in laptop in the market? Would be good if it is, as it could help with HDMI recording (so we bypass AVCHD/HDV artifacts altogether in the field while recording with our camcorders).

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:19PM]

I think you spelled "Gb" wrong

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:21PM]

Also, is the SD slot supports SDHC? This is also not mentioned in the specs (neither over at newegg).

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:07PM]

I think in 2009 SDHC is kind of a given. At least I hope so...lol

[ZaxCG2 Posted May 27th 2009 2:22PM]

Put THAT in your milk, apple.

[Nzo Posted May 27th 2009 2:23PM]

Is it just me or does that 'picture' look like a bunch of line art and gradients?

[superhobo Posted May 27th 2009 4:03PM]

Yep, it is a render.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:27PM]

And what about white?
In Europe they sell a white version too, the US market won't get that?

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:29PM]

I know it's a small notebook, but I still wouldn't pay anywhere near that kind of money for such poor specs.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:32PM]

Was hoping the type of tape used to affix the internals would be mentioned in the specs.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:34PM]

At $600, this thing is a must-buy. At $700, it's worth considering.

Knock a couple hundred off the price and I'm sold.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:46PM]

What's with this new obsession with 16:9 displays? What was wrong with 16:10? I am used to 1920x1200, don't take away the extra pixels, man!

[Fanfoot Posted May 27th 2009 4:38PM]

Assume it started because they were trying to save money, sharing glass between small TVs and desktop displays. With the smaller stuff I'm not really sure... sharing glass with auto DVD players?

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:50PM]

acer timeline 3810t seems much better. and is cheaper too

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 2:56PM]

Refurbished Macbook Air is a way better deal. The Air is put together solidly thanks to its unibody aluminum construction, isolation keyboard, and ambient light sensor which brings the backlight on the keyboard up when the light goes down. The MSI is put together using masking tapes, and it runs Windows, which is a shame. Every Mac comes with iLife and OSX, the world's best operating system.

[Dalhectar Posted May 27th 2009 3:05PM]

...And don't forget to call a physician if owning a MacBook Air gives you an erection lasting longer than 4 hours.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:16PM]

I'd feel bad about getting the X3100 when 9400 is RIGHT THERE

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:20PM]

@iKurt5D

How does an isolated and backlit keyboard make it more solid? you're making yourself and other mac fanboys like you look like computer novices. really.

i can go on about the specs and compare them, saying how the specs trounce those of the Air, but i'm not sure you won't care or whine back then move to the next pro-PC topic.

bottom line, your macbook is too big to be shoved up your ass and stop using the hole in your leopard DVD as a sex toy.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:33PM]

@ryanpeters:

I'm pretty sure they were seperate thoughts, but $899 for this vs. $999 Refurb MacBook Air, he is right, the MBA is a better deal, even if you just smoosh your Mac Partition to the tiniest possible size, and use Win 7 in boot camp...maybe you might not like the 80gb hard drive in that model, but idc, i don't store loads of shit on MY computer...thats what the internet is for, right?

[superhobo Posted May 27th 2009 4:06PM]

If it's so good...why did someone get rid of it?

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 4:37PM]

because it is technically off topic...it's ok to respond, just not to bring it up

even though this particular laptop is kind of designed to be a windows MBA...albeit gimpy
damn you microsoft and intel, keeping me from having a dual core atom, ion based, thin and light!!!

[(Unverified) Posted May 28th 2009 5:57AM]

I do like the Macbook Air's design and construction, but I refuse to buy it because of the ridiculous lack of ports. I absolutely will NOT use USB to transfer files to an external drive. There is NO Firewire, NO eSATA (many ultraportables now have eSATA/USB combo ports), NO expresscard (to add eSATA or FW800 or 3G), 1 USB port that is too recessed to even support most USB 3G modems, and no removable battery or extended battery option. Also, although the display is LED backlit, the screen resolution and overall display quality is fair at best.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:03PM]

"Glare" is not an option. It comes standard with MSI.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 3:09PM]

Adamo killer?
Yes.

Miss the dual core?
Buy two, it's still cheaper.

rofl

[jackbravo Posted May 27th 2009 4:50PM]

it's 799 at new egg.

i'm confused though. it's gfx card is the x4500 and it's supposed to support full HD. But according to wikipedia, it's the x4500HD that supports full HD (including blueray).

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 5:18PM]

GMA 4500MHD = NO HACKINTOSH

Not buying.

[Fanfoot Posted May 27th 2009 5:18PM]

I can't find a US retailer or even a US price for the Acer Aspire Timeline, though it certainly looks nice. I can only find UK prices, which at around £609 would translate to about $978, which would be significantly more expensive. I know, you can't just do that.

The two models are very simlar. The X340 is (slighty) thinner. The X340 has a 1.4GHz Core 2 Solo ULV. The Acer has a Core 2 Duo at 1.4GHz, or did in one review model. Similar GPUs too.

[Xephrey Posted May 27th 2009 9:28PM]

Intel GPU = fail.

Nice design though! This thing looks great!

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 9:40PM]

Its 1.3kg, a bit lighter than the Air.

[(Unverified) Posted May 27th 2009 10:04PM]

The main point of owning the Air is the slim factor. This one got this for half the price. As for the spec, the MSI is slower but it well enough to do everything the Air can do anyway.

You dont need a beast computer to surf the web, watch videos (even HD) and work a bit. As for the Intel 4500HD, its less good than the 9400m but it will play older games just fine. Wow, Call of duty, Oblivion at low settings... no problem. (I use to play that on my 6600gt!)

I think its really a good deal.

As for me, Im in need of a new laptop and I hesitate between this or a fully equipped Studio 15 from Dell for the same price. I guess I'll take the big one and endure the weight.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 3rd 2009 7:55PM]

I suggest waiting for a coupon and snag a refurb Studio XPS 16...the screen is stunning, i hear

[linhares Posted May 28th 2009 10:51AM]

Intel, where is the love for us, "BSD" folks?