MSI unveils a new Classic notebook
Andy Ruffell / 13 years ago
MSI, a leading computer manufacturer, has unveiled a new addition to their Classic Notebook line up with the CX480.
With its brushed metal finish, a touch pad with crystal diamond finish and embedded speakers, the CX480 presents a stunning look that allows it to stand out of the crowd, available in three colours, the common gray and black, but the addition of a summer blue is interesting.
Featuring Intel’s second generation Core i5-2410 (2.30 GHz) or i3-2310 (2.10 GHz) processors, the CX480 delivers the speed necessary for a fast computer but MSI also include their own booting technology for faster booting and can also be programmed to boot when the lid is opened.
The GPU also features its own qualities, with a GT520M discrete graphics with 1GB of DDR3 and DirectX11 support, a pleasure for the eyes. MSI gives some treat to the GPU with a Boost technology to give it a little push as well.
Data protection is also guaranteed, with a back up of only 10 seconds, the Time Stamp software included allows for programmed automatic backups. The hard drive is also placed in a protective location, meaning avoiding the borders and is also packed with a special air bag for drop protection.
Usually a notebook also means being away from a plug, so MSI have fitted it with its own Ambient Light System which automatically adjusts screen brightness according to the amount of light provided where you are, it’s own ECO engine power saving technology and an extended standby battery time. All of this will allow you for 8.5 hours of battery power that can be monitored from four lights located above the left keyboard.
Other than the technical improvements, they have also thought about an easier interface, both in the interior and on the exterior. You benefit of the One-touch BIOS update, which allows for an easier update of the BIOS, as well as a function key Fn that provides various functionalities to make the managing of the computer settings easier and more accessible. On the exterior you get more responsive keyboard and a cluster free environment, with all the connectors on the left and only the DVD player on the right, meaning that you won’t encounter any cables when using you mouse…that is if you’re right handed (one of the only thing they didn’t seem to consider with the cluster free design).
So you have a fast computer with good graphics, a good interface, a good battery life, all you need is the sound, and what more to ask for than the SRS PC Sound for realistic high fidelity sound, whether it comes from the built-in speaker, external ones or headset.
Something we’ll be happy to see is the USB 3.0 (hurray!). But there is also Bluetooth 3.0, which is rather new on notebooks and features data transfer speeds of 24 MB/s, three time faster than the older 2.1. All this connectivity is also covered with a dust cover to protect from this little particle to makes a hell out of the system.
More specifications:
CPU | 2nd Generation Intel® Core i5/i3 Processor |
OS | Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium (MSI recommends upgrade toGenuine Windows® 7 Professional) |
Chipset | Intel HM65 |
Memory | DDR3 1333, Max: 8GB |
LCD Size | 14″ HD (1366*768) LED backlight |
Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GT 520M |
Graphics VRAM | DDR3 1GB |
HDD | 640GB/500GB/320GB SATA 5400rpm |
Optical Drive | DVD Super Multi |
Audio | 2 (2WX2) |
Webcam | 1.3M |
Card Reader | SD/SDHC/SDXC, MS/MS Pro/HG |
LAN | Gigabit LAN |
Wireless LAN | 802.11 b/g/n |
Bluetooth | Bluetooth v3.0 + HS |
D-Sub (VGA) | 1 |
HDMI | 1 |
USB 2.0 Port | 2 |
USB 3.0 Port | 1(optional) |
Mic-in/Headphone-out | 1/1 |
AC Adapter | 90W |
Battery | 6 Cell |
Dimension | 343 x 240 x 25.1~31.2 mm |
Weight | 2.2Kg(w/6 cell Battery) |
Nowadays rarely do we see products being unveiled along their release date and their price tag, and this is no exception unfortunately.