The notebook MSI CX640, has proved a powerful and versatile computer, but the reduced price of only € 700, has forced the company to leave some aspects in the background.
Introduction
MSI CX640 - Click to enlarge
The CX640 is the latest proposal for MSI notebooks media. The configuration includes the latest Intel Sandy Bridge, a very low cost. The quality of materials and assembly is not the best, but for 700 € you are bringing home a latest processor generation combined with a dedicated graphics card which also allows to play. Technical
MSI CX640 | |
CPU | Intel Core i5-2410M, 2.4 GHz |
Chipset | Intel HM65 |
System Operating | Home Premium Windows 7 64-bit |
Grafica | Nvidia GT 420M |
RAM | 4 GB DDR3 |
Schermo | 15,6 pollici, retroilluminazione a LED, 1366x768 |
HDD | 750 GB, SATA 300, 5400 RPM |
Batteria | 4687 mAh |
Connectivity Wi-Fi b / g / n, LAN | |
I / O Interfaces | 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, micrfono headphone jack and , multi-card reader, Bluetooth |
Size and weight | 38x26, 5x3, 5 cm, 2.66 kg |
Power | 90 W |
Guarantee | 1-year international |
price | 700 € |
Design, material and equipment
Plastic materials selected by MSI betray the low price to which it is sold. Cover and share the same internal finish: matte plastic with a texture that evokes the brushed aluminum. Both black and gray, the two colors available, the visual impact is acceptable, although it is not the type of computer fascinating design. MSI CX640 - Click to enlarge
The 15.6-inch screen (1366x768) is surrounded by a frame of glossy black plastic. Just below there is a zone that isolates the two speakers, and no quick access to key functions and applications. On the right side you will see a green LED indicates that the ignition system. Right Side - Click to enlarge | Left Side - Click to enlarge |
Front - Click to enlarge | Rear - Click to enlarge |
The touchpad is large and comfortable to use , even thanks to a well-balanced sensitivity to the factory settings. The surface, however, gives an unusual sense: the microgroove chosen to finish the roughness increases too. Once you get used, however, is not a problem.
The palm rest area is completely clear. As a prototype, the model we tested is also devoid of the classic stickers, something we'd like to see more often. In the lower left are six LEDs instead, to report as many functions.
ports are located on both sides, as well as the link to the 'power - left - and the key for the ignition, right. We 2 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0, VGA, HDMI, LAN, microphone jack and headphone , and DVD burner, in addition to the memory card reader on the front.
Screen
MSI CX640 - Click to enlarge
15.6-inch screen has a resolution of 1366x768 pixels . The static analysis shows a panel of good quality, which gets very close to the sRGB standard. Color rather then the faithful, for a better screen than many others, that will satisfy those who like to watch a movie from time to time, or manage your photo collection. MSI CX640 -
static analysis of the screen is also worth mentioning that this computer has an ambient light sensor that, when activated, automatically adjusts screen brightness according to that of the room. Autonomy and temperature
CX640 The autonomy of this goes far beyond the expectations and exceeds the average computer of this size and with similar power hardware. The estimated mean value is around around six hours, a record price for a product with 15.6-inch display, although some professional products - which still can not go much further. If this parameter per voi è importante, non dovreste avere dubbi sulla scelta di questo computer. Nelle condizioni più favorevoli, e con un po' di attenzione, si potrebbe arrivare a ben sette ore; quindi si può lasciare a casa l' alimentatore con una certa serenità.
MSI CX640 - Autonomia media stimata
MSI CX640 - Prove di autonomia
MSI CX640 - Tempo di ricarica
Non sappiamo in che misura questo ottimo risultato sia dovuto alla nuova piattaforma Intel o al lavoro fatto da MSI. Dopotutto questo è il primo notebook Sandy Bridge che abbiamo avuto modo di testare. In futuro vedremo if the autonomy of this exceptional MSI CX640 will be confirmed for the moment we can only congratulate. Note: The average value is derived from a weighted average of these values. The reading test accounts for 35%, and the same goes for media playback. The heavy load, Productivity , weight instead of 30%. The values \u200b\u200bobtained by each user may vary depending on certain conditions, such as brightness or the use of Wi-Fi module.
MSI CX640 - General PCMark 05 score
MSI CX640 - General 3DMark 05 score
MSI CX640 - Score generale 3DMark Vantage
MSI CX640 - Tempo di avvio calcolato con la configurazione di fabbrica
Questo computer è anche molto silenzioso . Quanto al calore, si fa sentire solo durante le attività più impegnative. Nei nostri test lo abbiamo notato durante i benchmark dei videogiochi – che potete vedere alla prossima pagina. Avrete notato, infine, che tra i test non c'è PCMark Vantage. Anche dopo diversi tentativi non siamo riusciti a ottenere un risultato utilizzabile da questo noto benchmark. Un problema che può capitare, quando si provano i prototipi dimostrativi come questo, e che non indica nulla sulla qualità del notebook stesso.
Prestazioni 3D
Come altri notebook che abbiamo provato recentemente, anche questo MSI CX640 è presentato come un prodotto multimediale . Significa sostanzialmente che l' azienda lo propone come un notebook per lavorare e navigare, particolarmente adatto alla fruizione di musica, video e immagini. Abbiamo già visto che lo schermo conferma questa vocazione, ma è naturale domandarsi come l'hardware si comporti con i giochi 3D. MSI CX640 - Far Cry 2
MSI CX640 - DiRT 2
MSI CX640 - World in Conflict
MSI CX640 - Starcraft 2
Tests have shown what we expected. You can start your favorite games, but to enjoy them in the best way you have to accept some compromise , how to lower the details, giving up the filters and in some cases also reduce the resolution because the native is too busy. A result common to this MSI CX640 to other computer media, even more expensive. The result is very satisfactory . This is not a computer addressed to lovers video games, but who wants to play only occasionally finds its performance more than adequate.
Ergonomics, assessment and conclusions
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the CX640 MSI stands out from the first moment for cheap materials and assembly just discreet. Overall it seems pretty solid, but some aspects could be very unpleasant , such as compliance in the area of \u200b\u200bthe palm rest and keyboard support . It should be said, however, note that only by applying a lot of strength: we doubt that during normal use this flaw to emerge. MSI CX640 - Click to enlarge
The quality of this computer are in line with their competition. Outstanding the two USB 3.0 ports, one element is still relatively uncommon on laptops and on motherboards for desktop . The two ports in question are both located on the left side, while on the right are two USB 2.0. It is probably not the best choices , because these two pairs of doors are fairly close together, and it will be difficult to use more than one device on each side, if the connectors are not standard ones. The touchpad has large dimensions, and is very comfortable to use. However, MSI has chosen a finish microgroove in making it too harsh. The gray bar and shiny which is the left and right buttons is rather well done, although it tends to get dirty easily. The CX640
shines in autonomy, something really important for those seeking to use a computer often away from home. Showed in fact a resistance record, matched only by the best netbook and some professional products. The cheaper versions may also be even better from this point of view because they have less powerful hardware and - imagine - the same battery. About
power of the hardware, the CX640 has proven to expectations, and went beyond. Manage your media files will not be a problem, you can easily do a little 'video editing and play occasionally.
regard to prices, finally, remember that the CX640 is the flagship of a new product family with a 15.6-inch next-generation processor. The cheapest model costs 500 €, is based on an AMD platform and proposes a system Brazos Operating FreeDos. Brief assessment
Category | Pro | Against |
---|---|---|
Screen | Good color accuracy, automatic brightness control. | The glossy finish is unsuitable for use in outdoor or direct sunlight. |
Keyboard | isolating design. | who deserves much notice a certain weakness. |
Performance | Suitable for multimedia applications and video editing. | Only suitable to play occasionally, with strong trade-offs. |
Design | - | Materials and assembly are adequate. |
Ergonomics | Touchpad great. | USB 3.0 and 2.0 divided between the two sides, doors a bit 'too close. |
Portabilità | 2,6 Kg è un buon risultato per un 15,6 pollici. | |
Autonomia | Eccellente per la categoria. | - |
Temperatura | Durante le attività comuni non è un problema. | Il calore si nota quando si gioca. |
Prezzo | € 700 list are tempting, and probably they will get less in a few months. | - |
Source: tom's hardware