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Review MSI FX600 Notebook

Quadrophony. The new all-rounder series is technologically on the cutting edge with an i5 CPU and should also cope with games. A real novelty is the sound system with four loudspeakers. The structural finish puts scratches and fingerprints into the past.
MSI FX600-i5447W7P: all-rounder with four loudspeakers, Core i5-CPU and Geforce GT 325M
MSI FX600-i5447W7P: all-rounder with four loudspeakers, Core i5-CPU and Geforce GT 325M

First present at CeBIT 2010, the FX series has now finally arrived on the shop floors. Technically, it's a mid-range laptop in the price range up to 800 Euro. With a i5-450M processor and GeForce GT 325M with energy saving through Nvidia Optimus the FX600 is technologically up to date. The all-rounder can thus interchangeably use two graphics cards. The Nvidia driver automatically switches between the GT 325M and the economical Intel GPU. In this way, users can use the FX600 for games (GT 325M) and, for example, the train journey (Intel HD).

However, the speciality of the 15.6-incher isn't found in the performance, but rather in the sound system with four loudspeakers (THX certified). Additionally the manufacturer takes a chance with a new barebone, replacing the previously glossy, lacquered surfaces with a non-slip surface finish.

What does the FX600 offer for 799 Euro? Can Nvidia Optimus provide a considerable battery life, despite the low battery capacity? Is the sound of the four loudspeakers really convincing? Is the GT 325M capable of handling games? These and other questions are answered in our extensive test report.

Case

Loudspeaker borders
Loudspeaker borders
Matte, non-slip surfaces
Matte, non-slip surfaces

The case of the FX600 is suitable for both the office, student digs or home because of its matte and non-slip texture (working environment and lid).

Office typists get a non-slip working area, which has no fear of dirty fingers and scratches. The only glossy surfaces are the black display border and of course the display itself. The plastic cage of the keyboard is additionally a dust collector, which separates the keys from one another. The spaces between the keys noticeably serve up the dust. However, after pressing down the keys this area can be cleaned.

The case is suitably stable but less rigid as we would have expected from the CeBIT mock up. With both hands we can bend it, admittedly to a limited extent. The wrist rest can be depressed with some pressure around the stickers. The same goes for the base plate and the lid surface. We can only slightly warp the lid with two hands. Overall the stability is adequate but not above average for home use.

The hinges are seated firmly on the base unit. They are very taut, so much so that we needed to use both hands when opening the lid. The maximum opening angle is sufficient for use on the lap (around 130 degrees). The large flap on the underside allows the user to change the hard disk, RAM or WLAN module. For the Core i5 processor this is also theoretically true.

Connectivity

eSATA, VGA, Ethernet RJ45
eSATA, VGA, Ethernet RJ45

The 15.6-incher only comes along with a minimum of connections for the multimedia standard. Neither ExpressCard nor FireWire nor analogue 7.1 audio jacks found their way into the case. All the same, film enthusiasts can connect external hard drives via the fast eSATA interface and thus move films in a matter of seconds. External displays can be connected by the user via HDMI or VGA.

Data can also be transferred at the highest speed over the Ethernet cable (Realtek Gigabit LAN). The same goes for the Intel WiFi Link 1000: the WLAN card has Draft-N support (b/g/n).

Front: card reader
Front: card reader
Left: Kensington, AC, HDMI, 2 x USB 2.0, headphones/SPDIF, microphone
Left: Kensington, AC, HDMI, 2 x USB 2.0, headphones/SPDIF, microphone
Rear: no connections
Rear: no connections
Right: DVD multi-burner, eSATA/USB combo, VGA, Ethernet
Right: DVD multi-burner, eSATA/USB combo, VGA, Ethernet

Input Devices

Keyboard

MSI deploys free-standing keys inclusive of a number pad for fast number input. The keys have a good amount of space between each other, yet offer the typist a short, dull key stroke. Unfortunately the pressure point isn't particularly well-defined, which is the reason for an unsatisfactory typing feel. The key surface is overall rather firm.

Despite the distance between the keys there are grounds for criticism. The keys of the number block and the arrow-, enter- and shift-keys are unnecessarily small and greatly wedged in. Here you can easily mistype. Displacing the arrow keys in the direction of the wrist rest could have separated them from the other keys.

The five hardware keys are seated subtly above the keyboard, which serve volume, the CinemaPro modde, WLAN and opening a program (adjustable). MSI's own eco mode (TurboBattery, Gaming etc.) is opened via the eco-inscribed Fn key (F5).

Touchpad

The multi-touch pad (Elan Smart-Pad 5.1) has no vertical and horizontal scrollbars. It is also not possible to activate these in the Elan Smart Pad software. However, scrolling or zooming with two fingers is possible via gestures. Users can scroll vertically and horizontally with two fingers on the pad.  The keys require a high pressure point, but are clicked relatively quietly. Their glossy surface contrasts the matte, lightly dotted touchpad. Fingers glide with a good amount of grip over the small pimples. The oily film from sweaty hands is thus a thing of the past.

Keyboard
Keyboard
Number pad
Number pad
Special keys
Special keys
Touchpad
Touchpad

Display

The 15.6 inch display (Samsung 156AT05-H01) has a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels (HD ready). The glare panel has room to improve with a low contrast of 161:1. High contrasts point to bright colours and deep black. As it was, the display lacked jazzy, intensive colours. Black has a light, grey haze.

198
cd/m²
200
cd/m²
182
cd/m²
196
cd/m²
204
cd/m²
188
cd/m²
203
cd/m²
210
cd/m²
203
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Maximum: 210 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 198.2 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 87 %
Center on Battery: 204 cd/m²
Contrast: 161:1 (Black: 1.27 cd/m²)

The measurement of the background lighting brightness shows no more than average results. On average brightness is at 198 cd/m². The illumination is consistent (87 percent) as the TFT obtains 210 cd/m² in the brightest area and 182 cd/m² in the weakest. Indoors, brightness of 150 cd/m² is sufficient. When outdoors it could become difficult.

If you go into the sun with the FX600, you won't have much fun surfing, writing or gaming. The TFT panel lacks an anti-glare coating that prevents reflections. The brightness of 198 cd/m² also doesn't protect against reflections. It's too weak to fight against the bright light of the sun. The FX600 can thus only resign from duty as a mobile companion on the terrace.

Sun from the side, reflections
Sun from the side, reflections
Sun from the side, frontal
Sun from the side, frontal
Sun from the side, view from the right
Sun from the side, view from the right

The vertical viewing angles are very small, whilst the horizontal viewing angles are relatively liberal. Horizontally our eyes can deviate up to 40 degrees. Only then do colours become almost completely distorted. Vertically, colours fade and invert even at a deviation of 10 degrees frontally. In a photo darkroom the small vertical viewing angles are clearly visible.

The small viewing angles are problematic for the MSI FX600 as an entertainment laptop. If you watch a film for four or want to watch holiday videos, you'll constantly be worrying about an image that's too dark or unrecognisable because it has become inverted. A constant adjustment of the display is the consequence.

Viewing angles MSI FX600-i5447W7P
Viewing angles MSI FX600-i5447W7P

Performance

MSI equips the i5447W7P version of the FX600 with an Intel Core i5-450M. The 32nm CPU is a strong mainstream processor. It has two physical cores that each clock at 2.4 GHz (standard speed). Through Turbo Boost this can be between 2.4 and 2.66 GHz. The applications (not the user) ascertain how many cores should increase their clock speed. Additionally there's hyper-threading. The CPU feature provides an extra virtual core for each physical core. Applications can thus compute on four threads.

A novelty of the Core i5 processors from 2010 is the integration of the memory controller and the GPU into the processor package. The Intel HD in the FX600 works in cooperation with Nvidia Optimus. This technology allows switching between the energy-efficient IGP graphics and a dedicated Nvidia GPU without interruption. In the case of the FX600 there's an Nvidia GeForce GT 325M. The previously standard hardware switch for the hybrid graphics is omitted. Turning off the GT 325M should increase the battery life in unassuming use.

System info CPUZ CPU
DPC Latency Checker Idle OK
System info HDTune
System info GPUZ GT 325M
System info GPUZ Intel HD
System info CPUZ RAM SPD
System info CPUZ RAM
System info CPUZ Mainboard
System info CPUZ Cache
DPC Latency Checker WLAN On/Off OK
System information MSI FX600-i5447W7P
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
2953
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
6727
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
4665
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
3575 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
8188 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
4542 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
14.35 fps
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
2.19 Points
Help
PCMark 05 Standard
6346 points
PCMark Vantage Result
4558 points
Help
4.8
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
6.8
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
5.9
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
4.8
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
6.3
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
5.4

PCMark Vantage rates the combination of CPU, graphics, RAM and hard disk. Its overall result of 4558 points turns out lower than expected, as Core i3-330M systems with dedicated graphics cards typically reach up to 5000 points (e.g. Acer Aspire 8942G-334G64Mn: 4755 points). I5-450M systems like the Dell Vostro 3300 (Core i5 450M, GMA HD) can also reach 5416 points. A reason for the low PCMark Vantage score is the low HDD score in the test. The FX600 achieves 3232 points; the aforementioned Vostro 3300 achieves a better score of 3918 points.

Clearly better performing laptops are equipped with Core i5-520M. These systems, with normal hard disks (no SSD) have between 5500 and 6.000 Vantage points (e.g. Samsung NP-R580-JS03DE: 6026 points). The gaming score is obtained using the Geforce GT 325M (4544 points). Applications that profit from the hardware acceleration of the GT 325M (CUDA, DirectX Compute, OpenCL, H.264), are sped up by the dedicated GPU.

3DMark 03 Standard
13916 points
3DMark 05 Standard
9933 points
3DMark 06 Standard Score
5373 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
2157 points
Help
WDC Scorpio Blue WD5000BEVT-22A0RT0
Transfer Rate Minimum: 7.9 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 67.5 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 50.4 MB/s
Access Time: 19 ms
Burst Rate: 99.6 MB/s
CPU Usage: 1 %

The hard disk (Western Digital WD5000BEVT-22A0RT0) has a capacity of 500 GB and runs at the standard speed of 5400 RPM. HDTune records a below average score of 50.4 MB/s in sequential reading. Additionally the access time is relatively slow at 19 ms. 7200 RPM hard disks have an access time of around 15 ms. The WD disk shows its slowness in the PCMark Vantage HDD score at 3232 points.

Gaming Performance

Metro 2033 800x600 Low 35 fps
Metro 2033 800x600 Low 35 fps
Metro 2033 1360x768 Medium 24 fps
Metro 2033 1360x768 Medium 24 fps

As a dedicated GPU, a Nvidia GeForce GT 325M comes into play with 1024 MB DDR3 memory. The core is clocked at 450 MHz, the memory at 700 MHz. The DirectX-10.1 GPU supports video decoding (H.264, VC-1, MPEG-2) and relieves the processor of load. Also the Nvidia-typical CUDA, DirectX Compute, OpenCL and PhysX characteristics are on board and support the computing work of the processor in particular applications.

In 3DMark06 the 3D accelerator reaches 5373 points. Thus the GT 325M is under the level of a GT 330M. This also confirms the gaming performance. In the following tests the GT 325M constantly limps behind the GT 330M and of course the HD 5650. We tested Metro 2033, Anno 1404 and the Call of Juarez Benchmark.

Metro 2033

The demanding shooter is a model for a hardware-intensive 2010 game. Even GPUs of the upper mid-range like the HD 5650, HD 5730 or GT 330M can't provide a frame rate of more than 30 FPS in high details. We only tested it in medium and was played at 24.4 FPS. Only at minimum settings the shooter runs fluidly (35.5 fps), but the pixelated graphics leaves little atmosphere remaining. If you'd like to play Metro 2033 on a laptop with at least medium details, you at least need a GeForce GTX 285M or a HD 5870.

Metro 2033
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1360x768Normal DX10, AAA, 4xAF24.4 fps
 800x600Low DX9, AAA, 4xAF35.5 fps

Anno 1404

Blue Byte's strategy epic is also unplayable fluidly in high details. As the frame rate is very high at low details, gamers will have luck somewhere in the middle, at medium details and a low resolution (1024 x 768). In order to play Anno 1404 fluidly at high details, you at least need a GeForce GTX 260M, HD 5730 / HD 5850 or a HD 5650 paired with a fast quad-core processor (Deviltech Fire DTX, i7-720QM).

Anno 1404
 ResolutionSettingsValue
 1280x1024very high, 0AA, 4AF18.4 fps
 1024x768low, 0AA, 0AF89.6 fps

Gaming Verdict

Geforce GT 325M and 5373 3DMarks06 – if you regularly want to play demanding games, you'll stay well away. Only with an ATI HD 5650, HD 5870 or GTX 280M can the real gaming fun begin. Gamers have to put up with real losses in details and resolution with the GT 325M in the MSI FX600. Details of the performance of different current games are to be found in our games list.

low med. high ultra
Call of Juarez Benchmark (2006) 13.8
Anno 1404 (2009) 89.6 18.4
Metro 2033 (2010) 35.5 24.4

Emissions

Air outlet
Air outlet

System Noise

Without load (idle) or with very low office load the noise level doesn't climb above 33.1 dB(A). The Western Digital HDD sporadically makes itself known with an audible clacking of the read/write head. If you want to comfortably watch a DVD film, you'll unfortunately be disturbed by a constantly loud optical drive. This clamours around and is clearly audible at 37 dB(A). Luckily the good sound system can drown out this noise.

In the stress test, in which the CPU and GPU are fully loaded, we managed to force the FX600 up to the 48.1 dB(A) mark. At this level the fan bellows almost like a siren, only not as piercingly. In games and constant 3D load the sound remains clearly more pleasant at 39 dB(A).

Noise Level

Idle
32.5 / 32.7 / 33.1 dB(A)
HDD
33.1 dB(A)
DVD
37 / dB(A)
Load
39.2 / 48.1 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light    (15 cm distance)
Stress test: CPU max. 94 degrees
Stress test: CPU max. 94 degrees

Temperature

If the 15.6-incher just remains idle, the average temperature of the underside is only 30 degrees Celsius. The wrist rest remains pleasant at 32 degrees. It's surprising how evenly the heat waste is distributed across the upper side and underside.

Secondly, we performed a stress test with Prime95 (CPU) and Furmark (GPU) in order to bring the components to their maximum head production. The stress test only has minimal effects on the upper side. Some measurements even show cooling, as the active fan gets rid of the previously present heat accumulation. The working area at most heats up to 37 degrees. This is only four degrees more than when idle (in places). On the underside, only temperatures near to the fan and the heat pipe (48.2 degrees) are noticeable.

Max. Load
 34 °C
93 F
32.5 °C
91 F
28.2 °C
83 F
 
 30.2 °C
86 F
36.9 °C
98 F
31.6 °C
89 F
 
 30.5 °C
87 F
35.2 °C
95 F
31.1 °C
88 F
 
Maximum: 36.9 °C = 98 F
Average: 32.2 °C = 90 F
24.5 °C
76 F
33.4 °C
92 F
48.2 °C
119 F
26.3 °C
79 F
36.7 °C
98 F
35.8 °C
96 F
25.9 °C
79 F
35.2 °C
95 F
30.4 °C
87 F
Maximum: 48.2 °C = 119 F
Average: 32.9 °C = 91 F
Power Supply (max.)  51.7 °C = 125 F | Room Temperature 20.6 °C = 69 F
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 32.2 °C / 90 F, compared to the average of 31.2 °C / 88 F for the devices in the class Multimedia.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 36.9 °C / 98 F, compared to the average of 36.9 °C / 98 F, ranging from 21.1 to 71 °C for the class Multimedia.
(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 48.2 °C / 119 F, compared to the average of 39.1 °C / 102 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 31.5 °C / 89 F, compared to the device average of 31.2 °C / 88 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (35.2 °C / 95.4 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.8 °C / 83.8 F (-6.4 °C / -11.6 F).

Loudspeakers

Two loudspeakers sit above the keyboard (middles, lows, bass), the two others towards the front under the wrist rest (highs). A sticker "THX TruStudioPro" points towards the quality of the system, yet what does this mean? THX isn't a sound system with its own hardware, much like Dolby Surround or DTS. It's a normative system from the George Lucas group Lucasfilm, which was originally applied in cinemas. The soundtracks should thus be edited so that they sound consistent in a standard cinema. The technology used is irrelevant for THX.

For years THX Ltd. has certified not only cinemas but also AV receivers, amplifiers, DVD players and PC loudspeakers. So why should the sometimes inflationary THX stickers not grace laptops too? If everything is according to the rules, MSI has had their "theater class 4 speakers" certified by THX, meaning they fit the demands of "THX TruStudio". According to the THX homepage the requirements for certification are: a virtual surround channel; low frequencies are enhanced by bass; speech separates itself clearly from accompanying music; sudden volume changes are accommodated; the frequency range of compressed music is broadened.

So many promises, but what's the result? Highs and middles are balanced when playing music. As we listen we can clearly recognise that highs come from the frontal loudspeakers. The subwoofer above the keyboard provides bass, yet this could be more powerful. The volume is comparatively high and can fill a 40 m² room with sound. A light vibrating of the hand rest attests the loudspeakers' bass.

What we liked (from music encoded to a suitably high quality) is the clarity and diversity of playback. We consider MSI's THX promises to be fulfilled in this respect. Our test device doesn't measure up to the Asus N71JV (17-inch, Sonic Master) for lack of strong bass, which has a subwoofer on the underside as well as 5.1 audio outputs.

We tested connecting external loudspeakers to two active Yamaha speakers (YST-M20SDP). The listening test is positive; we can't hear any electronic noise. If you want to play it safe, you can output a lossless stereo signal via the SPDIF outputs (combined with line out).

Battery Life

The battery life of the MSI FX600 could have been crucially souped-up by Nvidia Optimus. In some test devices with Nvidia Optimus it worked quite well, as the Asus U30JC lasts for seven hours in the WLAN test, despite a dedicated Nvidia GPU. Admittedly it had a strong 84 Wh battery on board, not one with just 49 Wh, like the FX600.

A glance towards the achieved battery life makes it clear that the FX600 doesn't share the same success. Three hours in the WLAN test (186 minutes) and not even two hours for a DVD film. These are not particularly good figures, as many previous notebook generations have performed similarly without Optimus. We consider that despite the weak battery capacity, a three-hour battery life is reachable. This is formidable and would not have been possible for comparatively strong laptops in the past.

Charging 166 min.
Charging 166 min.
WLAN surfing 186 min.
WLAN surfing 186 min.
DVD film 97 min.
DVD film 97 min.
Load 59 min.
Load 59 min.
Idle Reader 215 min.
Idle Reader 215 min.
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
3h 35min
WiFi Surfing
3h 06min
DVD
1h 37min
Load (maximum brightness)
0h 59min

The MSI FX600 has no large hunger for energy. As long as all possible energy saving options are exhausted, the idle energy consumption is 12.8 Watt (Turbo Battery Mode). This sounds extremely low, yet even a Samsung R780-JS03DE (17-inch) with a stronger i5-520M processor and dedicated GT 330M needs only 14.2 Watt in this state.

If the Nvidia GT 325M is active during 3DMarks2006, the active power increases to 58.9 Watt. Realistically, interested parties should assume averages of 20 to 25 Watt (Office) and just under 60 Watt (gaming). We obtained the maximum energy consumption in the stress test (Prime95 and Furmark). The multimeter displays 88.8 Watt. This is precisely suitable for the 90 Watt power supply.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.3 / 0.7 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 12.8 / 15.9 / 17.2 Watt
Load midlight 58.9 / 88.4 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Verdict

With the FX600-i5447W7P MSI produces a 15.6-incher for daily use. It's only suitable for current games with some losses (details, resolution), yet it scores points with its very good sound (four loudspeakers), low heat waste and insusceptible matte surfaces.

Due to the slow 500 GB hard disk the application performance is below the Core i5 system performance we would expect and is rather on the Core i3 level. The battery life of only three hours when surfing via WLAN is disappointing. The energy consumption is indeed low (idle 12 Watt) thanks to Optimus and the newest Intel Core i5 processor. However, MSI economizes in the capacity of the battery: 4400 mAh. Sun worshippers will be bothered by the low contrast glare screen with relatively low brightness. Working in the sun is no delight (reflections).

If you're not looking for a gaming laptop but attend to office work and enjoy music and films at home, you'll be right on track with the FX600. The inputs aren't perfect for intensive typing, yet are usable after getting used to them.

If you want a laptop for games, you don't necessarily need Nvidia Optimus. Also the Geforce GT 325M isn't the ideal candidate, as our gaming tests once again showed. If you want to play, you should at least consider making an ATI HD 5650 or HD 5730 your own.

MSI FX600-i5447W7P: mid-range performance meets balanced four-speaker-sound.
MSI FX600-i5447W7P: mid-range performance meets balanced four-speaker-sound.
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In Review:  MSI FX600-i5447W7P
In Review: MSI FX600-i5447W7P, provided by:

Specifications

MSI FX600-i5447W7P (FX600 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i5-450M 2 x 2.4 - 2.7 GHz, Arrandale
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce GT 325M - 1024 MB VRAM, Core: 450 MHz, Memory: 700 MHz, DDR3, 258.96
Memory
4 GB 
, PC3-8500
Display
15.60 inch 16:9, 1366 x 768 pixel, Samsung 156AT05-H01, glossy: yes
Mainboard
Intel HM55
Storage
WDC Scorpio Blue WD5000BEVT-22A0RT0, 500 GB 
, 5400 rpm
Soundcard
Realtek ALC269 @ Intel 82801IB ICH9 - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
3 USB 2.0, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Kensington Lock, 1 eSata, Audio Connections: Line out, microphone, Card Reader: SD/MMC/MS/MS-PRO
Networking
Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel WiFi Link 1000 BGN (b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/)
Optical drive
Optiarc DVD RW AD-7560S
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 32 x 383 x 249 ( = 1.26 x 15.08 x 9.8 in)
Battery
49 Wh Lithium-Ion, 4400mAh BTY-S14
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 2.0MP
Additional features
Magix Fotomanager 9, 24 Months Warranty, THX Sound with four loudspeakers
Weight
2.487 kg ( = 87.73 oz / 5.48 pounds), Power Supply: 358 g ( = 12.63 oz / 0.79 pounds)
Price
850 Euro

 

The MSI FX600 is a significantly crafted 15.6-incher
The MSI FX600 is a significantly crafted 15.6-incher
The interfaces offer a bit more than standard, alongside USB, HDMI and VGA there's also eSATA.
The interfaces offer a bit more than standard, alongside USB, HDMI and VGA there's also eSATA.
The front accommodates a card reader
The front accommodates a card reader
and on the lid there's an inconspicuous webcam.
and on the lid there's an inconspicuous webcam.
The input devices have weaknesses: a high pressure point and a short stroke on the mouse keys
The input devices have weaknesses: a high pressure point and a short stroke on the mouse keys
and narrow, small keys on the keyboard.
and narrow, small keys on the keyboard.
Stable workmanship is also observed on the underside.
Stable workmanship is also observed on the underside.
The surfaces are only slightly dented at the largest fan opening.
The surfaces are only slightly dented at the largest fan opening.
The battery is removed in a rocking motion
The battery is removed in a rocking motion
and has a capacity of 4400 mAh.
and has a capacity of 4400 mAh.
The small power supply weighs 358 g and has a performance of 90 Watt.
The small power supply weighs 358 g and has a performance of 90 Watt.
Which is enough for the maximum energy consumption of 88 Watt.
Which is enough for the maximum energy consumption of 88 Watt.
Details like this off button for the touchpad seem well thought through.
Details like this off button for the touchpad seem well thought through.
The high frequencies are covered by two loudspeakers under the wrist rest (THX sound).
The high frequencies are covered by two loudspeakers under the wrist rest (THX sound).
There are not just two but four loudspeakers.
There are not just two but four loudspeakers.
with a non-slip, matte surface structure.
with a non-slip, matte surface structure.
If you hate fingerprints and dirty fingers, you'll like it.
If you hate fingerprints and dirty fingers, you'll like it.
The 2.5 Kilo device lies well in the hand and gives a solid impression.
The 2.5 Kilo device lies well in the hand and gives a solid impression.
Core i5-450M and GeForce GT 325M provide a good base,
Core i5-450M and GeForce GT 325M provide a good base,
but the FX600 is no gaming laptop.
but the FX600 is no gaming laptop.
Whilst almost all surfaces are matte,
Whilst almost all surfaces are matte,
the display is a glare type with disturbing reflections.
the display is a glare type with disturbing reflections.
The case is stable and made cleanly.
The case is stable and made cleanly.
The hinges are so firm that we need to use both hands to open the lid.
The hinges are so firm that we need to use both hands to open the lid.
The special keys alongside power on activate WLAN,
The special keys alongside power on activate WLAN,
start the Cinema Pro mode and change the volume.
start the Cinema Pro mode and change the volume.
Recovery media have also become extinct for MSI.
Recovery media have also become extinct for MSI.

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Pros

+Low energy consumption
+Cool case
+Good sound
+Insusceptible surfaces
 

Cons

-Loud under load
-Low contrast
-Display lacks anti-glare coating
-Slow hard disk
-Low gaming performance
-Spongy keyboard

In ShortCut

What we liked

Non-slip, insusceptible surfaces and a look that almost immediately seems high-quality.

What we missed

A stronger battery would have also helped Optimus on the road to success. As it was, the technology is only capable in this case of energy saving.

What surprised us

Four loudspeakers can't make up for a lack of a subwoofer, yet they provide a clear, differentiated sound.

The competition

Asus N71JV – same performance but with a better sound with a subwoofer. Sony Vaio VPC-F11Z1/E – without subwoofer, more expensive but clearly of higher performance. Samsung NP-R780 Harry – cheaper and has better gaming performance with the GT 330M. Dell Studio 1747 – more performance, similarly bad TFT but more heat wastage and noise. Acer Aspire 7740G: somewhat larger at 17-inches, weaker hardware but only 640 Euro.

Rating

MSI FX600-i5447W7P - 12/04/2010 v2(old)
Sebastian Jentsch

Chassis
84%
Keyboard
78%
Pointing Device
78%
Connectivity
64%
Weight
81%
Battery
71%
Display
69%
Games Performance
71%
Application Performance
86%
Temperature
84%
Noise
79%
Add Points
84%
Average
77%
77%
Multimedia - Weighted Average
Sebastian Jentsch, 2010-08-27 (Update: 2013-06- 6)