MSI C-Series with Core i3 and Blu-ray options available for as low as $700
By Joanna Stern 
posted February 16th 2010 3:27PM
posted February 16th 2010 3:27PM
MSI North America Announces the Availability of Four New Powerful Classic Series Notebooks
Posted on: 16 February 2010
The three 15.6-inch and one 16-inch start at just $529.99 and all feature Windows 7 and HD displays
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – February 16, 2010 – MSI Computer, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is proud to announce the availability of four new additions to its Classic-Series notebook line. The 16-inch CR600 and 15.6 inch CR620-030, CR620-033 and CR620-031 all feature the Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System and HD displays to deliver amazing performance in a stylish notebook.
The CR620 models are all built on Intel's Arrandale platform and feature new Core i3 or Core i5 processors. The notebooks' powerful image processing cores are capable of transmitting HD images and combine with backlit 16:9 cinematic HD displays (1366 x 768) to offer the ultimate viewing experience. Each of the three model features 4GB of DDR 3 memory, either a 320 or 500GB hard drive and the CR620-033 comes with a Blu-ray DVD combo drive. MSI also upgrade all of the CR620 models with a raised chiclet keyboard for grater accuracy and comfort while typing.
The CR600 features the NVIDIA's GeForce 8200M, and like the other Classic models, is loaded with an 802.11 b/g/draft n high speed wireless connection, an HDMI out port and a built-in 1.3MP webcam with MSI's Easy Image Recording tools.
The new C-Series notebooks also all feature a minimalist design that includes a sharp 45 degree angled-edge, which elegantly positions the side I/O ports and heat vents. The models' 6-cell batteries sit flush against bottom of the case to create a smooth curved design. MSI coupled the new Classic notebooks' flowing footprint with its Color Film Print Technology to create a fashionable line of notebooks that are sure to turn heads.
The new Classic notebooks start at just $529.99 and are available now at Newegg.
Posted on: 16 February 2010
The three 15.6-inch and one 16-inch start at just $529.99 and all feature Windows 7 and HD displays
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – February 16, 2010 – MSI Computer, a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, is proud to announce the availability of four new additions to its Classic-Series notebook line. The 16-inch CR600 and 15.6 inch CR620-030, CR620-033 and CR620-031 all feature the Windows 7 Home Premium Operating System and HD displays to deliver amazing performance in a stylish notebook.
The CR620 models are all built on Intel's Arrandale platform and feature new Core i3 or Core i5 processors. The notebooks' powerful image processing cores are capable of transmitting HD images and combine with backlit 16:9 cinematic HD displays (1366 x 768) to offer the ultimate viewing experience. Each of the three model features 4GB of DDR 3 memory, either a 320 or 500GB hard drive and the CR620-033 comes with a Blu-ray DVD combo drive. MSI also upgrade all of the CR620 models with a raised chiclet keyboard for grater accuracy and comfort while typing.
The CR600 features the NVIDIA's GeForce 8200M, and like the other Classic models, is loaded with an 802.11 b/g/draft n high speed wireless connection, an HDMI out port and a built-in 1.3MP webcam with MSI's Easy Image Recording tools.
The new C-Series notebooks also all feature a minimalist design that includes a sharp 45 degree angled-edge, which elegantly positions the side I/O ports and heat vents. The models' 6-cell batteries sit flush against bottom of the case to create a smooth curved design. MSI coupled the new Classic notebooks' flowing footprint with its Color Film Print Technology to create a fashionable line of notebooks that are sure to turn heads.
The new Classic notebooks start at just $529.99 and are available now at Newegg.
school me on MSI. where do they fall along the Asus Dell spectrum, in terms of quality?
@ror And while you're at it, could someone explain, is Core i3 the new Centrino or the new Celeron?
@Ryan Trevisol
Neither, Centrino is a platform, not a chip.
And the new Celeron's are the new Celeron.
The i3s are the new low-to-mid range Core 2 Duos.
@jon i3 >>>>> Core 2 Duo
@paradigm
Clock for clock, by about 20%.
But a C2D T9x00 running at 2.8-3.06GHz will beat an i3 350M at 2.26GHz.
@jon The systems aren't exactly exciting, but with pricing will start from $549.99 in the US, with a UK launch highly likely, that's not too much of a criticism. Features are shared somewhat between the various systems.
Under close view: http://bit.ly/msi-c-series-unleash
Bought! Thank you HR Block!
I think this laptop includes an exclusive blu-ray performance of my hit single Cold Blooded.
But seriously, this is pretty exciting.
uggghhh... that's the sound of me regretting buying that T8700 IdeaPad on Black Friday. Oh well, at least mine has a GeForce GPU instead of that Intel crap.
@Bandigolo
i don't see what you're regretting. i would rather have a lenovo than MSI
@Bandigolo
Yea I think you're still in the clear. That MSI would have even me tempted (and I am very happy with my FL90) if it had a decent GPU. Hell, even ion here would be a huge win. If ion were more widely used it would be make laptop purchasing a lot easier
Hahahahhahahah you guys are joking right?
I got an i5, bluray player, 4gb ram, 320gb hdd, 15.6" LED screen Gateway laptop (yes I know, ew Gateway) for $499 from Bestbuy.
Try again
@peacein0000
While I was glad to get in on the Gateway/Best Buy mishap too, it's important to note that it was an *error*, not an intentional $500 i5 blu-ray playing laptop deal. The MSi deals are priced competitively and seemed to be fairly sound keyboard-wise judging from our local Fry's.
On that note, the Best Buy employee was pretty amusing when I picked up my laptop... "We never sell Gateways like this -- Can I ask you why this one?" To which agreed to, but only after checking out... :)
@Pausanius
Mmm, to provide slightly more insight -- the Gateway i5 processor was the error in the above reference. The laptop was supposed to contain an i3 + Blu-ray for $500 (which is of course not too shabby); however, Gateway mislabeled their i5 line with the i3 stickers/UPCs. Thus those who bought the $500 i3 deal actually got a laptop with the better chip.
@Pausanius
Actually I think there was a statement by Gateway that said they ran out of i3 chips and instead of waiting for a new shipment, they just filled em with i5s.
Not 100% sure if it was legit though
@cherryboom
Chill out hahahaha why would I even want to watch bluray on a 15.6" screen. The whole point is that it has HDMI out so I can play em on my tv, meaning I won't have to buy a stand-alone bluray player. And seeing as how TVs are plugged in to a nearby outlet, I'm sure the laptop will be able to as well, so no battery life problem
@cherryboom, @peacein0000
To Cherryboom's point, PCs are getting close to throwaway electronics price but it's only throwaway now if you bought it for the wrong specs.
Battery life so far hasn't been semi-acceptable, the trackpad is awful... but the Win 7 Premium/BR/i5 is worth their weight. I bought this one to stay plugged in 99% of the time as a small, easily concealed 2nd BR player for the living room. Movie quality is more than sufficient and it can stream children YouTube videos for the little ones :)
To that point, my primary concern was having to use the trackpad (which is pretty awful) to navigate menus -- I've since remedied the situation by discovering Logitech's TouchMouse app for iPhone. Reviews are mixed, but I've come away extremely impressed with its sensitivity/accuracy -- I daresay the iPhone capability is better than the trackpad itself.
Now, if only they'd add a built in IR port to the iPhone/Touch, I'd have a true TV/BR remote, TV Guide, Netflix queuer and Tivo scheduler all in-one and retire my Harmony :)
@peacein0000 Ew, Gateway. I'd rather pluck my eyes out.
@peacein0000
There is still a Gateway with similar specs that is $630 available at Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gateway+-+Laptop+with+Intel%26%23174%3B+Core%26%23153%3B+i3+Processor+-+Midnight+Blue/9739389.p?id=1218164404838&skuId=9739389
Is the MSI that much better than a Gateway?
@subdc
Thats actually the same one (just a different color).
I wouldn't buy it now though, since the new shipments have the stated i3 processors instead of i5, and the price has gone up $130
This sucks, I just bought my c series MSI on black friday, I should of waited:(
@Shawnzee
Not only that, you also should HAVE waited.... ;)
@John H
You maek me feel not smart:(
hmm... just when i was considering an asus ul30
will have to wait a few more months before the final decision
I don't see much point to a Blu-ray drive that isn't also capable of burning to BD-R(E)s in any machine other than a dedicated HTPC. Compared to a laptop, Blu-ray STBs are generally cheaper, integrate better into your existing home theater setup, and avoid the hassle of hooking up to the home theater on-demand. A laptop display isn't really big enough to show much of the benefit of Blu-ray over DVD that's obvious on a TV, even if it's a 17" 1920x1200 panel (even my 24" 1920x1200 panel doesn't look THAT much better compared to the difference on my 50" Kuro, especially if I'm more than 6 feet away). On the other hand, being able to put 25 or 50GB of data onto a blank disc is a HUGE benefit from a data backup perspective. That's pretty much the only reason I have a BD drive in my laptop.
@John H
Well I suppose you are right but eh.....how bout being able to watch bluray at a person's place who's got HDMI but no bluray?
Frankly, BD-R media is still so expensive that I suppose you can chalk up the excitement to not much more than people wanting to get more bang for their buck.
@John H
i agree to a point but its nice bein able to carry my whole movie collection anywhere not just my old dvds. and that bein said i hardly buy dvds any more
@jascop
That's a good point. I agree that it would be frustrating not to be able to watch certain movies on the go just because I didn't have a Blu-ray drive in my laptop, because in that scenario I'm not wanting Blu-ray to enjoy the crispness of HD on a tiny panel, but rather so I can just watch the movie itself.
Can someone tell me is there a huge difference between I3, i5 and i7? After the Duo Core stuff, I've pretty much given up on the whole "speed" race.
@malexandria1
This page on Intel's site has a way for you to compare specs of various processors (though you can't simultaneously compare processors across different families): http://ark.intel.com/
Just off the top of my head, my understanding is that i3 processors are not all quad core (in fact I think none of them are quad core), i5 processors I believe have less cache, and i7's are supposedly the range-topping models, though some newer i5 chips have feature edges over older i7 chips. It's just Intel over-convoluting the waters (again), and I think they're all based on the same architecture but are artificially limited for marketing purposes, kind of like down-level SKUs of NVIDIA and ATI graphics cards.
@malexandria1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nehalem_(microarchitecture)
Read this. For the most part, if that page doesn't make sense, buy whatever you can afford.
@(Unverified)
Click the "did you mean" link. That link never works here.
Two USB ports? Really? Most netbooks have three.
Question is... Can you hackintosh these.
I just think I should have waited for the Core series and BDP combo drives to mainstream. Not the end of the world though.
godly