MSI X-Slim X340 review

Such a modest CPU and graphics combination should bode well for success in the battery life stakes, but even here the X340 continues to confound expectations. The battery on the underside is removable, unlike that of Macbook Air, but it doesn't keep the X340 running for much longer. Our light usage test is an absolute best case scenario - wireless off, 50% screen brightness and sitting idle - and even under these favourable conditions the MSI only managed 4hrs 38mins away from the mains.

The End
Make no bones about it, MSI has its eye firmly fixed on that £750 burning a hole in your pocket, and it aims to lure you to the purchase with sleek looks, headline-grabbing weight and an Apple-baiting price tag. Cut through the marketing hype, though, and the X340 is a disappointment.

Mediocre performance, uninspiring battery life and a poor keyboard conspire to leave it tussling with far cheaper netbooks, and its deficiencies almost end up making the MacBook Air look like rather good value for money. Set it against classier ultraportables such as Sony's delightful VGN-Z21MN/B, though, and it's shown the door in no uncertain fashion. As it stands, it marks an awkward halfway house between netbook and ultraportable, while delivering few of the benefits of either.

Author: Sasha Muller