MSI X320 at Staples only $799!

[rockyworld]

Saw this at Staples the other day - looks almost like a Mac book Air
at half the price! Feels like it has almost no weight at all but still feels pretty solid!

X320

Features:
1.60GHz Intel® Atom™ Z530 Processor
2GB DDR2 System Memory
250GB 5400 RMP Hard Drive
UMA graphics
13" TFT-LCD display
Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN and modem module built-in 802.11b/g/n WLAN card, bluetooth is optional
2 speakers
2-in1 card reader (SD/SDHC/MMC)
I/O ports: D-Sub X 1, USB2.0 Port X 3, Mic-in Port X 1, headphone output X 1, LAN port X 1
Webcam
Windows Vista Home Premium
4 cells battery
330(L)mm x 224(D)mm x 19.8(H)mm
Weight: 1.3kg.

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=73%2C74%2C75,4555&webid=799355&affixedcode=WW



X340

Features:
1.4GHz Intel® Core™ 2 Solo Processor SU3500
2GB DDR2 System Memory
320GB 5400 RMP Hard Drive
Intel GMA 4500MHD Graphics
13.4" TFT-LCD display
Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN and modem module, built-in 802.11b/g/n WLAN card, bluetooth is optional
2 speakers
2-in1 card reader (SD/SDHC/MMC)
I/O ports: D-Sub X 1, USB2.0 Port X 2, Mic-in Port X 1, headphone output X 1, HDMI Port X 1, LAN port X 1
Webcam
Windows Vista Home Premium
4 cells battery
330(L)mm x 224(D)mm x 19.8(H)mm
Weight: 1.3kg.

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=73%2C74%2C75,4555&webid=800137&affixedcode=WW

[yhap2003]

The price is higher on the website
It's too pricey for a netbook

[GQ001]

The price is higher on the website
It's too pricey for a netbook

This really isn't a netbook- Atom vs CULV processors and the CULV offers almost double the performance, plus it runs Vista. It's just a thin & light for work/personal (no gaming) use. (x320 is a cold deal with the Atom + $800 price tag). OP is right, it's over 50% price difference from a MacBook Air, it just loses some performance in the processor and no dedicated graphics card.

The reviews have been good and I was waiting for this to come and finally got a chance to check it out at Staples. Unfortunately the big issue in the reviews is that the keyboard was very flexy and they had assumed it was only in their pre-production models- turns it its just a crappy keyboard. Keyboard does not feel sturdy at all, but rather feels cheap. I would recommend anyone buying it to check out the keyboard in store first. Turned me off from the purchase

[Kalvster]

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

[Montague]

The price is higher on the website
Because it includes the "Provincial Electronics Recycling Fee".


It's too pricey for a netbook
Too bad this thing is not a netbook.

[iam_noob3]

The price is higher on the website
It's too pricey for a netbook

I believe the price on the link included envirement fee, thats why is a few dollar higher. Very nice looking and light weigh laptop.

[Tracer]

It's far too pricey for a pda.

[galiven]

Too bad this thing is not a netbook.

The X320 mentioned in the subject line is an Atom processor. Maybe not considered a netbook due to its size but it is certainly underpowered like a netbook.

The X340 is CULV (much more powerful) but it's $999.

[Kalvster]

The X320 mentioned in the subject line is an Atom processor. Maybe not considered a netbook due to its size but it is certainly underpowered like a netbook.

The X340 is CULV (much more powerful) but it's $999.

Though I could never justify about $1000 for style, it can be had for a little under $1000 at Newegg.

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

[golden]

Maybe the refurb Macbook Air is a better buy? I think the MSI is too pricey.

[Kalvster]

Maybe the refurb Macbook Air is a better buy? I think the MSI is too pricey.

True true... the more powerful one is $900 while a more powerful refurb Macbook Air is $1099. $199 price difference (and the Air can run OS X!)

[Montague]

The X320 mentioned in the subject line is an Atom processor. Maybe not considered a netbook due to its size but it is certainly underpowered like a netbook.

This also has an atom CPU:

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=73%2C74%2C75,4557&webid=787372&affixedcode=WW

But you would hardly call it a netbook (oddly enough - that is exactly where Stooples stuck this thing online).

[fyrefly]

True true... the more powerful one is $900 while a more powerful refurb Macbook Air is $1099. $199 price difference (and the Air can run OS X!)

Yeah. The fact that the X-slim has the Intel GMA 4500 graphics card and can't run OSX is a dealbreaker. MBA for the win! Backlit keyboard, core2Duo (much better than solo or atom), etc...

[galiven]

This also has an atom CPU:

http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=73%2C74%2C75,4557&webid=787372&affixedcode=WW

But you would hardly call it a netbook (oddly enough - that is exactly where Stooples stuck this thing online).

You're right. But you aren't going to use that as a mobile computing device either. Good luck using that puppy on a plane or train. The X320 is a laptop form factor with an Atom processor = netbook.

In general, laptop form factor or smaller portable device with an Atom processor will be associated with the term "netbook". Like you said, even the stores categorize Atom-based devices like this. Consumers are typically less informed (barring RFD folks who are the exception) and will also categorize them as netbooks.

[Montague]

You're right. But you aren't going to use that as a mobile computing device either. Good luck using that puppy on a plane or train.
Especially since it is not powered by batteries (only via power adapter).:razz:

Yeah. The fact that the X-slim has the Intel GMA 4500 graphics card and can't run OSX is a dealbreaker. MBA for the win! Backlit keyboard, core2Duo (much better than solo or atom), etc...
To be fair you are comparing a brand new unit with a refurb unit (which of course is going to come at a discount over what it was originally sold for).

[fyrefly]

To be fair you are comparing a brand new unit with a refurb unit (which of course is going to come at a discount over what it was originally sold for).

Apple refurbs are generally considered some of the best in the biz. Machines look and perform just like new. They're not exactly "scratch and dent sales". ;)

[Montague]

Apple refurbs are generally considered some of the best in the biz. Machines look and perform just like new. They're not exactly "scratch and dent sales". ;)
But there are not "new" - hence Apple would be selling for the same price as "retail".

[vpower]

any info on the battery life?

[Cisco KId]

As a comparison to the MSI Wind netbook how would a Dell 12" netbook be with Z530, 1GB DDR2 , 80 GB drive w Intel Accelerated Graphics @ $430 plus tax w recycling fee. Runs Xp but one can change that, it is so thin and light but comes with a 3cell battery only

[golden]

Don't forget this plastic in MSI vs metal in Apple. Read some reviews and you'll know which one is better. I would go for the refurb MBA.

[DynomiteHunter]

went and checked this out at the local staples today, i must say- cosmetically, this is GORGEOUS, its super thin and sleek and shiny, very impressive.

But once my hands hit that keyboard it felt like a little part of me died. The keyboard is so plasticky that it feels like im playing on those fake demo laptops they have at ikea. It literally felt like a toy with a plastic keyboard that could fall off. I might consider getting this just for the screen/size/portability, but i would definitely get a folding keyboard to carry along with me so i dont have to type on that plastic crap.

kinda defeats the sense of portability though so i'm considering the toshiba protege they have at staples instead, much less portability but much nicer keyboard.

[golden]

How about the new Acer Timeline 13" notebook? It's reasonably priced with Core solo processor, 8 hrs battery life, slim profile and pretty light at under 4lbs. Looks like a good alternative to MSI X.

[risktaker84]

How about the new Acer Timeline 13" notebook? It's reasonably priced with Core solo processor, 8 hrs battery life, slim profile and pretty light at under 4lbs. Looks like a good alternative to MSI X.

Pretty good articles here on Acer Timeline vs MSI X ...

First Article (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2009/tc20090611_434229.htm)

Second Article (http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/acer-timeline-as3810t-6415.aspx)

And yes i do agree, Acer timeline is far better then the MSI X.

[GQ001]

Pretty good articles here on Acer Timeline vs MSI X ...

First Article (http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/jun2009/tc20090611_434229.htm)

Second Article (http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/acer-timeline-as3810t-6415.aspx)

And yes i do agree, Acer timeline is far better then the MSI X.

the 13" acer is available at Best Buy now

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10124072&catid=20354

But they only carry the one with the SU2700 :-(

Oh and those comparing the MBA, isn't the refurb version also the older model? With the smaller HD space, less ram and something else. And don't forget the some real USB ports + and HDMI out + card reader on the MSI. I love the design of the MBA with the metal chassis, but the fact that the thing has connections from the stone age is just unforgivable.

Seriously, the MSI does have a great package, just that !$*( keyboard. I guess theres no such thing as perfect :-D

[golden]

But I bet the SU2700 is faster than the Atom in MSI X320. I wish the higher end Acer 3810 is priced lower.

[DynomiteHunter]

the acer timeline doesn't look nearly as good as the Msi though, it just looks...well acer.

[golden]

I found the Acer looks like a big Asus seashell netbook in black. Review indicated cheap keyboard. The Acer looks pretty good in person. It's no Macbook Air, but also cheaper and much longer battery life.