In a world awash with Eee PCs and Macs, it’s always nice to see an alternative ultra-portable computer vying for your lap space. The MSI X-Slim X340 is one of the first ultra-slim full-size lappies that packs all the best bits from a full-size laptop into a body that weighs a mere 1.3kg and measures well under an inch at its thickest point. So, is it any good? Read the full MSI X-Slim X340 review after the break…
The MSI X-Slim X340 has a 13.4-inch screen, but that doesn’t mean it’ll take up all your manbag space. Yes, it’s a full-size lapto, but it’s so thin and light (it weighs just 1.3kg) that you won’t exactly suffer a hernia carrying it around.
Fighting the Apple MacBook Air in terms of size and style, then, the MSI X-Slim X340 beats it into submission with the spec of a full-sized lappie. We’re talking 2GB of RAM, 320GB hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an HDMI port, two USB ports, and an Intel CULV 1.4GHz processor. You can even squeeze out about seven hours of battery life.
Thanks to that HDMI port, the MSI X-Slim X340 doubles up for home use too, as it can be hooked up to an HD monitor or TV. That’s not to say that the X340’s screen isn’t impressive, because it is, boasting MSI’s own Vivid Image Enhancement technology, which gives a better ‘3D expression’. Watching movies especially seemed more vivid than on other laptops this size. The X340’s screen also uses the LED Power-Saving backlit technology, which provides an improved colour contrast and warmer definition, and a generally improved experience.
It’s not all roses and chocolates, though. Just because the MSI X-Slim X340 is thin, doesn’t mean the keyboard keys have to be so bobbly, squashy and spongy – it makes typing seem like a real chore. It’s certainly not comparable to the MacBook Air’s chiclet keys.
Also the CULV processor, while it’s better than the usual Atom offering found in most netbooks, doesn’t seem up to the task of running Windows Vista. If you ask us you should upgrade to Windows 7 as soon as possible.
But these niggles aside, the MSI X-Slim X340 is an excellent MacBook Air rival. If you’re in the market for a netbook, but want something with a bigger screen, then this is a bargain at under £500.
Verdict
MSI has really taken the fight to Apple and its MacBook Air, but also offered a perfectly viable alternative to a netbook. And all for an unbelievably affordable sum. Now that’s a bargain!
Best features
Great battery life
It’s a full-size laptop
It’s super skinny
Not so good
CULV processor’s not so powerful
The keyboard keys are spongy
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Closest rivals
Acer Aspire One A150
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Advent 4211c Netbook
The screen and keyboard are the same size as the Samsung NC10, make this a smashing, and cheaper alternative, but it can’t quite match the battery life
Asus Eee PC 900 12GB
Packing everything you’ll need into this 8.9-inch netbook hasn’t been easy but Asus has managed it, and delivers on the battery life front too
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