Gaming Notebooks

Finally we have two models that should appeal to those that fancy a bit of gaming on the move, the GX600 and the GX700. Both these models feature a GeForce 8600M GT graphics card, which is the top of the range solution from Nvidia. The difference between the two models is that the GX600 has a 15.4-inch display and the GX700 has a 17-inch display.

Both machines have Dolby Home Theatre certification and feature digital TV tuners as an option. This also allows for video input from analogue sources. Another reason to buy one of these notebooks is the addition of HDMI for high-definition video output with sound, although neither model seems to offer a high-definition optical drive as an option. If you are a gamer you might like the fact that these models offer strengthened W, A, S, D keys with extra clear markings on them. These models are also available with a fancy painted lid and some other tweaked parts to make them look cool. Features wise we are looking at a Core 2 Duo, PM965 chipset, up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 512MB of graphics memory, 4.1 sound, Express Card slot and all the usual stuff that the previous models have such as a web cam.

MSI has launched a full range of Santa Rosa based Centrino Duo notebooks and it seems like MSI is very serious about the notebook market. Early on MSI did not really have too much with which to compete, but these models are really looking like they can take some market share from some of the more established players out there. The only question is how good the quality is of MSI's notebooks and how much of a brand name MSI can make for itself in the notebook market, as it is already a cutthroat business with many well established players.