MSI Computers

Anyone have experience with MSI computers (specifically, their laptops)? Website

So far, I found one post on TW, referencing a netbook...but I'm looking at the 15.4" laptop. Heard of the company through a Maxim ad.

All input welcome. Thanks!

 

ive had some bad experiences with their motherboards about 5 years ago, im not sure about their laptops though

 

a la eMachine? In other words, is MSI an eMachine-like company/computer?

 

Their motherboards are so-so. Never touched a laptop from them.

What exactly are you looking for in a laptop? price range?

 

I am not a huge fan of them. The hardware they use is usually poorer quality. So you will have more issues, more frequently. I would stick with a bigger name brand personally.

 

I'm uncertain...my current laptop is ooolllddd...40 gb hd, <1 gb ram. It's slowing down (despite reformatting the hd yearly), and I need more ram and more usb ports (my current laptop has 2 ports...yeah it's old).

Anyway, long story short, I'm open to suggestions...prefer XP Pro operating system...any thoughts?

Price range: I'd like to spend <$600 and a decent processor -- which is why the MSI was attractive (initially).

 

Most laptops won't have more than 2 USB ports until you get into the high tier. Personally, I prefer Toshiba's. I've had terrible luck with HP's, I despise Dell, and the Lenovo's price doesn't justify the specs. Acer = no. I've had a decent experience with Asus laptops.

I repair computers on the side. Laptops are a living hell to repair. Most of the ones I see are the ones I listed up there. I have only worked on 1 Toshiba laptop...and that was because the owner's dog pissed on it

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834114805

That one has 3 usb ports and plenty of power for everything you should need. Unless you will be gaming or doing CAD work on this laptop you won't need much more out of the performance category.

 

Do you have an XP install disc? It will be hard to find a laptop now that comes with it installed. If you haven't tried Windows 7 I highly recommend it. It isn't very hard to get used to.

 

AMD vs. Intel...what's your opinion?

 

If I'm going for all out top of the line performance, Intel. I prefer Intel over AMD simply because I am a power user and I know my way around an Intel chip. In a laptop, I'm picking whatever is cheapest, which is normally AMD.

You will probably be using it for surfing the net, play a few internet games or so. Download some music or something I'm guessing? Honestly, you won't notice a difference in speed unless you really stress your computer. AMD makes great, reliable chips.

 

Thanks tburner...my buddy has a Toshiba (maybe the same one...I'm going to check w/him tomorrow), and has had good luck with it. I think that I'm going to pull the trigger next paycheck. (+1)

 

No problem man. If you have any questions feel free to ask!

 

their motherboards are fine (better than the first few people mentioned)... don't know a thing abot their laptops.

 

As a brand, they're hit and miss. Their netbook was reportedly quite good.

You'll need to look closely at reviews of the individual product itself to make the decision.

Check sites like Tom's Hardware and MaximumPC especially the forums on both sites. Would probably even be worth creating a membership on the forums to post a should I buy in the right sub forum.

 

There are actually only about 4 Manufacturers of laptops. Everyone else just has theirs made by one of these with their name on it.. MSI and Asus are the only ones that actually make their own laptops.


Good read on this:

http://www.xoticpc.com/laptop-manufacturers-really-makes-laptops-ip-11.html

 

Good advice from all...thanks guys!