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MSI releases the GX600 gaming laptop and GX700...for the ladies
Bringing back some of that 80's flair, MSI is showing off their GX600 gaming laptop at Computex. The black 15-incher is normally clocked at 2.1GHz, but hitting the 386-style Turbo button overclocks the Core 2 Duo to 2.6GHz. Apart from that, it's the usual Santa Rosa action: 800MHz bus, 802.11n, webcam, 512MB GeForce Go 8600M GT, and HDMI out. The GX600 also has some chintzy flame graphics, but they look positively half-hearted next to the GX700 MSI's also got at Computex: we saw this 17-incher back in January, but MSI has decided to throw a "feminine" mural on the lid. MSI's been experimenting with strange cases for a while, and we gotta say, it's not working for you, guys. Check the turbo button in action after the break.
MSI intros Hetis 965 desktop and Media Center PC
MSI isn't stopping with a longevous DAP at Computex, as the firm is also taking the opportunity to announce a new desktop and HTPC. The compact Hetis 965 offers your choice of Intel's Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Extreme, or Core 2 Quad processors, handles up to 4GB of DDR2 RAM, touts Intel's GMA X3000 integrated graphics set, and also includes MSI's Specific Linear Fan Speed Control to intelligently vary fan speeds based on current cooling needs. For the AV crowd, the Media Center PC is powered by AMD64 dual-core processors, features AMD's Cool 'n Quiet and AMD Live! technology, and includes a mysterious NVIDIA integrated graphics set, HDMI output, 7.1-channel surround sound, 12-in-1 card reader, built-in DVD optical drive, and a host of USB 2.0 ports as well. Per usual, there's no word on price nor availability at the moment.[Via 64-Bit-Computers]Read - MSI Hetis 965Read - MSI Media Center PC
MSI's Bluetooth-equipped MS-5552 DAP goes 50 hours nonstop
Looks like Aigo's A215 finally has some decent competition, as MSI's recently announced MS-5552 digital audio player matches the purported battery life minute for minute, but requires just a single AAA battery rather than the more traditional AA cell. Additionally, the larger, more vivid screen sure helps the MSI's appearance, but we're fairly certain that activating the built-in Bluetooth will knock those hours down in a hurry. Still, the aluminum alloy enclosure, D-pad styled controls, and integrated wireless functions aren't anything to sneeze at, but unfortunately MSI isn't so willing to unveil pricing and availability details just yet.[Via FarEastGizmos]
MSI's MS-1037 laptop hits Japan
MSI's laptops aren't always all that distinguishable from one another, expect when they're crystal-studded, but the company is at least churning them out at a steady pace, the latest of which is its MS-1037 model, apparently exclusive to Japan. Unlike its AMD-based M673, this one opts for Intel hardware, with your choice of Core 2 Duo or Core Solo processors, along with the standard 17-inch widescreen display, NVIDIA GeForce 7600 graphics, your choice of SATA hard drive, an integrated 1.3 megapixel webcam, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, with an ExpressCard slot thrown in for good measure. Look for this one to set you back about $1,150 for the base configuration, with the upgrade options likely to tack an extra couple of hundred bucks onto that.
MSI rolls out M673 laptop
If MSI's crystal-encrusted M677 laptop is a little out of your league, it looks like you can now get virtually the same system in a slightly less extravagant package, with the company busting out the similarly spec'd M673 model for the more budget minded. Unlike the M677, the M673 is also customizable to suit your needs, available with anything from an AMD Mobile Sempron 3200+ to a Turion64 X2 TL-60 processor, up to 2GB of RAM, and a max 120GB hard drive, with a DVD burner, NVIDIA Geforce Go 7400 graphics and, of course, its 15.4-inch WXGA display standard. No word on pricing just yet, but with those aforementioned crystals gone, it shouldn't have any trouble staying in the low four digits.[Via PC Launches]
Dell kinda sorta nixes the SideShow-enabled Bluetooth MP3 player?
Remember Dell's SideShow-enabled MP3 player with Bluetooth we saw up close and personal at CES? Yeah, that one. Well, we just received a purported internal Dell document stating that, "No, Dell isn't re-entering the MP3 market." According to the memo we received, the device was presented by an overzealous vendor who was "shopping the idea to Dell and took things a little too far." The memo states that the vendor was "totally out of line to release any information to a 3rd party source such as Engadget." However, it seems that Dell's Latitude team is in fact considering the device, but "still hasn't decided whether they want to proceed or not." Hell, even if they don't pick it up there's always the chance that someone else will -- someone like MSI whose logo was also seen getting friendly with the player. Full text for your perusal after the break.
MSI's new PR200 ultraportable packs another unannounced Intel chipset
That 17-inch GX700 behemoth isn't the only laptop from MSI packing a previously unannounced Intel chipset; the PR200 does that fresh Intel stuff in an 12.1-inch widescreen ultraportable form factor. At 3.96 pounds, we've definitely seen smaller in our day, but with a 1280 x 800 screen, Core 2 Duo, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, 1.3 megapixel webcam, a 4-in-1 card reader and, most surprisingly, a built-in super-multi DVD burner, it's hard to complain much about the weight. Integrated graphics, courtesy of the new 965GM chipset -- also brought to you by the letter "X" and the number "3000" -- are of the X3000 variety, but that's about the best we know for specs here. The 965 "Crestline" chipset featured in here should be busting out with the Intel Centrino Pro platform in Q2 2007, so we should probably expect this little guy around then.
MSI's GX700 gives way to Intel 965PM and NVIDIA NB8P
It's no secret that CES gave way to a smorgasbord of new kit for us all to drool over, but it seems that MSI showcased two forthcoming technologies that weren't exactly set for public unveiling. NotebookReview happened to take a gander at the innocent looking 17-inch GX700, and in the process of admiring its expansive WSXGA+ display and Core 2 Duo processor, they also noted the strange black line crossing out the Intel 965PM chipset feature, which is supposedly the yet-to-be-disclosed "Crestline" chipset that will support the Santa Rosa (er, Centrino Pro) processor platform. Additionally, the lappie sports a full-size keyboard, dual-layer DVD burner, 4-in-1 card reader, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, an optional DVB-T tuner, ExpressCard slot, audio in / out, and curiously enough, an NVIDIA NB8P graphics card, which also lacks a formal announcement of its existence. Of course, both of these mysterious components could face naming changes or technical revisions before getting official, but it's fairly safe to assume that we'll be seeing a new chipset / graphics card finding homes in laptops here before too long.[Via Laptoping]
MSI to announce S300, another crystal-studded laptop
MSI is answering the calls for all you aspiring luxists who were hoping for the style of an M677, but demand something a bit more portable. The soon to be announced S300 offers the same 120 Swarowski crystal-encrusted ring, but rather than a 15.4-inch screen it sports a more manageable 13.3-inch. The rest of the specs are pretty standard for this kind of laptop: a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB of DDR2 memory, 3-in-1 card reader, and a 120GB hard drive. While there's no mention on availability or price yet, with all the cake you'll save over the Tulip's Ego, you can snatch up one of these and still be able to splurge on that "one of a kind" Vertu.
Electrocardiogram on a laptop, just what we always wanted
Look, this whole electrocardio business is all well and good, but we must confess our initial disappointment when we realized that the little display on the left palm rest of this laptop was no SideShow apparatus -- though we suppose you already knew how we feel about that little bit of Vista goodness that is SideShow. All the same, there ain't much wrong with this HATO NB electrocardiogram doohicky that MSI slapped onto its latest laptop. The included electrodes can be hooked up to your aesthetically pleasing lady friend, allowing the laptop to record her vitals or even allowing a doctor to remotely examine the patient. You can also print out information the gadget gathers, or place the data on an SD card for doctor perusal. The rest of the details on this thing are sadly lost in machine translation, but it looks like MSI will be showing it off at CES next week, so we'll keep an eye out.
MSI's Mega Player 529 caught running SideShow on an auxiliary display
With the consumer release of Windows Vista growing ever closer, we're hearing an awful lot of buzz surrounding that nifty SideShow feature, which lets users take advantage of secondary displays to utilize widgets, media players, and other random (but sure-to-become-necessary) widgets, and now we're seeing a real-world implementation of SideShow on a laptop auxiliary display. According to Tech-On, MSI's Mega Player 529 portable media player has been successfully integrated into a laptop palm rest, and can utilize Microsoft's SideShow to play music, media files, open PowerPoint presentations, receive email alerts, and handle a few other basic tasks (quite literally) on the side. Purportedly relying on PortalPlayer's "preface" system, the device is said to sport a 320 x 240 resolution display, built-in DAC, 1GB of integrated memory, and a USB interface. It can also be removed from the lappie when you want to take your tunes on the go, and can reportedly last "around two to three" hours before needing a recharge, and while we've no idea how soon this gizmo (or the sleek laptop housing it) will hit the mainstream here in the States, consider our interest piqued.[Via SlashGear]
MSI announces M677 luxury laptop
If Tulip's high-priced luxury laptops aren't to your liking, perhaps MSI's latest bit of gadget excess will suit your style better. The Taiwanese company recently took the wraps off its M677 notebook, packing some impressive enough specs and, more importantly, an ample amount of bling to go along with 'em. The less-than-unique part of the equation includes a 15.4-inch widescreen display, AMD Turion 64 X2 processor, up to 2GB of DDR II RAM, a 5,400 rpm hard drive of unspecifed size, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7600 graphics, and a 1.3 megapixel integrated webcam. But what MSI really hopes will attract your attention are the 120 pieces of genuine Austrian crystal not-so-subtly inlaid around the MSI logo. What MSI hasn't said, however, is how much of a premium that'll cost you, nor have they said when it'll actually be available -- which means that if you're really looking to impress this holiday season, you'll probably have to look elsewhere.[Via laptoping.com]
MSI announces new S430 lappie, adds DTV
Another day, another laptop -- this time, it's MSI who's treating us with its new S430, a 14-inch AMD Turion 64 X2-based machine. Like its predecessor the S425 (pictured), the S430 packs WiFi, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and supports up to 2GB of RAM, but this time adds a dual-layer DVD burner, NVIDIA GeForce Go 6100 graphics card, a built-in DTV tuner and an infrared remote control. However, MSI was so excited to tell the world of its latest creation that it somehow forgot to include pictures, prices and locations where we could purchase this example of prime laptop power.[Via Laptoping]
MSI's new Crystal 945 barebones all-in-one
While barebones PCs are nothing new, and neither are all-in-one form factors, it's seldom that we see the two ideas meet. MSI's new 17-inch Crystal 945 barebones PC, however, does just that, allowing you to build a family-friendly PC with the heart of a hacker. Well, almost the heart of a hacker. The 945G chipset running this thing only supports up to a Pentium D processor, so you're not going to get a lot of power no matter how well you spec the rest. Most everything else looks pretty snazzy otherwise, including a 7-in-1 card reader, a PCI Express x16 slot (and integrated graphics if you don't want to spring for a full-on GPU), a mini-PCI slot for WiFi action, gigabit Ethernet and a bunch of other perks. With all that expandability, the Crystal is a bit on the bulky side for an all-in-one, measuring a full 3.8-inches thick, but there's really a lot to love here if you can overlook the processor limitations -- and if you've got the DIY spark to build your own PC in the first place. No word on price or availability.[Via Randomly Accessed]
MSI's StarReader "52-in-1" card reader handles SIM cards, too
It's actually pretty hot that MSI's new StarReader USB flash memory card can handle something like 52 different formats, including CompactFlash, MicroDrive, MemoryStick Pro, MemoryStick Duo, MemoryStick Pro Duo, SD, miniSD, microSD, MMC, RS-MMC, MMC mobile (when you click on the link and read the full list you'll see they're being a little shady and counting even slight variations in formats as different card types), but what we're really digging is that it can handle SIM cards, too, something that's still relatively rare in an all-in-one card reader.[Thanks, Oliver]
MSI announces world's first "HDMI certified" graphics card
To be honest, we weren't really aware of the existence of such certification, or that it was lacking in most graphics cards, but MSI is parading around their new shiny gold star they just received from the HDMI Authorized Testing Center (ATC) in regards to their new NVIDIA-based NX7600GT Diamond Plus. They're claiming to have received the first such certification for an HDMI graphics card, which means their card matches certain standards for compatibility and stability that will allow it to play nice with all the other HDMI kids. Apparently HDCP is in full effect here as well, so there shouldn't be any problems with that end of standard support. MSI's card also offers some D.O.T. II overclocking performance along with all that compatibility, but we're not sure on price or availability of the new card.
MSI's NX7600GT Diamond Plus brings NVIDIA & HDMI to retail
For future-proofing PC builders looking ahead to HDCP, you now have an NVIDIA-based graphics option for your HDMI-compatible Media Center box. While Sapphire was the first to release an ATI AMD ATI-based HDMI graphics card, the MSI NX7600GT Diamond Plus brings its copy protected digital audio/video output to the masses, unlike previous NVIDIA HDMI cards which were only available in Sony OEM boxes. Beyond the 560Mhz 7600GT GPU and 256MB of GDDR3 RAM this card utilizes an Silicon Image SiI 1930 HDCP PanelLink Transmitter for both encryption and audio mixing, with support for 7.1 audio sources. If for some reason you don't want your A and your V in one cable, there are DVI-I and S/PDIF outputs available, but why? 1080p output, PureVideo HD support and a pricetage between $200 and $250 make this an ideal card if you're looking to build your own Blu-ray or HD DVD player, shipping later this month.
MSI releases 12.1-inch, dual-core S271 laptop
MSI has just released another 12.1-inch dual-core laptop, and the specs seem very similar to their S262 ultraportable that we spotted earlier this year, except that the Core Duo processor has been replaced with an AMD Turion 64 X2. Like the S262, the S271 ships with integrated graphics, 256MB or 512MB of RAM (expandable to 2GB), 4-in-1 memory card reader (really just 2-in-1, as it accepts only SD/MMC and MemoryStick/MS Pro formats -- where's the xD love?), and a "Super Multi DVD" drive, but manages to shed a few ounces and add a 200GB HDD option. Available immediately, this model will set you back around $1,500.
