MSI X-Slim X600 review

That 16:9 wide-aspect screen offers enough chassis space for a full-width keyboard and separate number pad. The layout is sensible, with large keys and only a half-height Enter key to annoy, but despite the "Ergonomic De-Stress" design it's not the most comfortable we've typed on. It feels a bit sunken and flat, and the tapered front edge of the laptop digs into your wrists. The large touchpad is responsive, but the mouse buttons are connected at the middle so they can feel a bit stiff if you try to push anywhere but the ends.

You'll need downloaded videos or that optional Blu-ray drive to get the most out of the screen - or use the HDMI or D-SUB ports to output to an external display - and the entertainment potential of the X600 is a bit hit and miss too. The Radeon HD 4330 graphics managed a creditable 58fps in our 1,024 x 768 low Crysis test, although that fell to 12fps at 1,280 x 1,024 and medium settings. Video was decoded with ease, but the Dolby-qualified four-speaker setup produced woefully tinny audio, with no bass and some nasty crackling to go with the fairly loud volume.

That disappointing quality extends to much of the laptop itself. The lid feels like a sharp tug could snap it in half, while the thin base flexes as you pick it up. On top of all this, the plastic finish feels embarrassingly cheap, and collects fingerprints and smudges with every touch.

The rest of the feature list is sparse, with an eSATA port and a card reader for SD and MMC formats, along with three USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet and 802.11bgn wireless. The 500GB hard disk comes pre-loaded with Vista Home Premium, and MSI charges a reasonable 21 euros to ship its Windows 7 upgrade disc.

The MSI X-Slim X600 should be applauded for taking a few risks. With no optical drive and a low-power CPU it manages to get close to that rare oxymoron: the ultraportable desktop replacement. For under £700 it offers an interesting, if flawed, alternative to the usual 16in powerhouses. Unfortunately, if you truly want the best of both worlds you're going to have to pay more than this, as the overall build quality shows only too well.

Author: David Bayon