MSI PRO X340 ultraportable notebook

[Spykar]

Introduction

In recent months the market have been invested by the Netbook phenomenon: small devices, low cost and complete the area of mobility have become desirable objects. Although the data confirm market interest rates of growth for this type of PC it is good to reiterate that the notebook continue to exist, to be designed and perhaps a little 'less than before, to be sold.

The notebook MSI X340 PRO presented at the recent CeBIT in Hannover and has interesting features. In this model, MSI has tried to combine the growing mobility needs of users with a consumer purchase price attractive, in fact, ultraportable laptops have existed for years but their price makes them accessible to a limited circle of potential users.

The products is able to offer ultraportable typically good performance in terms of operational autonomy, with a low weight and a minimal footprint. All this was possible until now using special materials and expensive. But something is changing and the success of Netbook confirms. Even users with less budget products available to small, light and have sufficient autonomy.

MSI has articulated its offering in this range suggesting the x320 and X340 models with panel TFT 13.4 inches respectively, and equipped with Intel Atom CPU and Intel Celeron ULV. In addition to these solutions is the model X340PRO devoted to a more demanding clientele and has cpu Intel Core 2 duo.

A key element on this X MSI is the price: all models are offered at a price less than 1000 Euro, and considering this type of solutions is good news. It should be noted that other manufacturers have expressed interest in similar to those of MSI and promise interesting news soon. in fact, according to some indiscretions Acer is also working on a similar notebook.

In the earlier you can see the cpu Intel Core 2 Solo SU3300 flanked by standard components. In the case of 'MSI X340 PRO will make sure to note the physical dimensions and weight: only 19.8 mm thick for a weight of 1300 grams.

[Spykar]

Design

In developing the X340 PRO one of the main objectives was to create a product superior in terms of aesthetic and physical dimensions contained. The images show the good result obtained by MSI white glossy surfaces of the chassis is contrasted with the interior dull and darker in color. Everything is free of sharp edges and is characterized by radii of curvature very soft.
The diagonal of the display is 13.4 inches and the panel has a resolution of 1366x768 pixels these features provide a good compromise in terms of usability and also offer good opportunities for use of multimedia 'X340 PRO. At the top is inserted a small camera with 1.3 Mpx opposite which is the inevitable microphone.

keyboard
The keyboard is composed of elements of standard dimensions and symbols have a high contrast, then, are clearly visible. The construction of this particular machine is not exceptional: the keys are very close together and typing quickly manifests a disturbing decline in the central area.

touchpad
The sensitive area of the touchpad is located slightly lower , while the selection keys are integrated into a single element in the balance sheet. On these components we remind the generous size of the sensitive even if the buttons are quite noisy. There is no device for the scroll.

[Spykar]

Port connections
At the front edge are inserted several white LEDs useful for controlling the main functions of the notebook: disk access, battery charging and operation of wireless options. The power button on the green backlight is positioned on the left side of keyboard. Carefully observing the front of the notebook to display closed you can see a slight asymmetry between the parties, this feature facilitates the opening of the lid.

The left side of the laptop has a 15 pin connector VGA, RJ45 and the HDMI output for connecting an external panel with this interface. Located in a hidden hand is placed the memory card reader compatible with most common formats. Near a very useful accessory that has been implemented in a large loophole for the expulsion of hot air from inside the notebook. On the opposite side has the 3.5mm jack audio and two USB 2.0 ports.

[Spykar]

Inside Description

The hardware configuration of the X340 PRO laptop that we have included an Intel Core 2 cpu only SU3300 running at 1.2 GHz This processor is characterized by the presence of a single core and a number of other features that make it particularly suitable for ultra mobile solutions. Compared to standard solutions, the SU3300 is set at 800MHz FSB, it is made with a 45nm production process and is not equipped with Hyper Threading technology.

In connection with this cpu and solutions to usability UltraMobile remind the maximum TDP of 5.5 W and the size of just 22x22mm. This cpu was made by Intel in the third quarter last year. The chipset belongs to the category of Intel products for ultraportable notebooks, the GS45, in fact, was until a few ago quarter was integrated portable high-end, just to cite an example we point out the Sony Vaio TT

This chipset integrates technologies graphics Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD that support DX 10, and then allow the use of all the best quality graphics offered by the Microsoft Windows Vista with Aero interface, although it should be considered to these technologies in mobile .

X340 PRO is equipped with a 320GB hard disk, 2.5 inches with standard features than typically used on laptops. the ultraportable equipped with hard disk 1.8-inch, whose performance characteristics are advantage, however, lower consumption of energy and space than 2.5 ". As you see from the following the single SODIMM slot in integrated 'MSI X340 PRO is not accessible through a dedicated door. In addition, the presence of a slot not only makes possible upgrade operations.

battery

The battery of the notebook has an unusual shape, it is very thin and takes up much of the bottom of the notebook. We currently have no details about a higher capacity battery. This MSI X340 PRO was provided by a 14.8 V battery @ 2150mAh (32W). The operating system pre-installed from MSI is Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32bit version.

The 2200mAh battery is a compromise chosen by MSI in order to reduce the weight and size of the product. With this type of battery, we found a range equal to 130 minutes in the test conducted with energy-saving options activated. Disabling these options decreases the autonomy of 115 minutes. Values but no record to be considered in relation to the small battery.

As with other similar products, we conducted two test sessions of autonomy. in the first test, the options are disabled to save energy and brightness of the display was set at the highest level, while in the second run have enabled the options for energy savings leaving the brightness to the second step available. The Wi-Fi module was left active to guarantee a minimum packet traffic simultaneously appeared in a video loop in WMV format with average employment of the processor by 50%.

[Spykar]

Impressions of use

MSI X340 PRO has been used here in drafting for a few weeks because we believe in a product similar impressions count more than the use of performance tests, often on a pattern of use very different than those of a notebook like MSI X340 PRO . The most striking element of this MSI X340 PRO is the lightness and thickness is very small, and it is even more significant in relation to the fixed cost from a MSI under 1000 Euro.

All doors are placed to expand on both sides of the notebook and the back is entirely occupied by the thin battery. This solution was a choice forced by the need to create a product as thin as possible. Moreover, access to USB, Ethernet, and audio connectors so prepared is optimal for usability.

in fact the goal of MSI was to create a product thin, light and low cost. These three characteristics are poorly suited to the requirement of mechanical strength, in fact, if other manufacturers have opted for the extensive use of carbon fiber or magnesium alloys in similar products but more expensive there must be a reason.
MSI X340 PRO plastics are extremely thin. The display lid flexes a visa at the minimum pressure, and the same defect is also detectable. On the bottom of the notebook are two slits which is ejected the flow of hot air. these are details we seemed quite delicate. To analyze the internal components of 'X340 PRO MSI have completely disassembled the laptop.

The internal construction does not reveal any particularly noteworthy, although we have shown decisively thicknesses of thin plastic, even if the media upon which is fixed and the motherboard. This figure has undoubted effect on the quality of the laptop in terms of mechanical strength and durability.The polished finish initially had raised some concern on our part about the scratch resistance.

Inside the battery compartment, we noted the presence of a small crack near where the symbol is given SIM. In all likelihood, shares the MSI barebones of X in which there is a model with integrated 3G modem for the telephone operators. It will not be difficult to offer that option also on the solutions for the standard distribution channels. That said, there are considerable noise produced due to the small fan used to cool the cpu and chipset. This element is located on the left side of the touchpad, and this we believe is subject to a heating annoying.

[Spykar]

Conclusions


MSI X340 PRO belongs to a category of products which, according to information announced by the OEM, will soon be populated by a number of proposals. In addition to the notebook segment, which reached levels of success very interesting during the past year, proposals similar to portable X340 PRO could meet the demands of the public.


Let's clarify some things. The success of Netbook is due basically to the right balance in terms of usability and price of purchase. This kind of products does have a limit on benefits offered and the size of the display, but those limits could be exceeded by the solutions MSI X340 PRO and future solutions with Intel cpu CULV.

The success of Netbook has revealed a new fact: the user needs consumer has high mobility. UltraMobile solutions are available for some time and for such portable platforms are available and dedicated components, these products are also increasingly integrated constructional details and design of the first order, implying a purchase price too high for the mainstream user. Providing the right balance between construction quality and price could be the challenge.

As mentioned in previous pages, noting the characteristics of hardware MSI X340 PRO you notice the same components in much more expensive solutions. This element highlights another factor: UltraMobile hardware platforms are now available to all producers who can deploy the products on the medium / low.

MSI X340 PRO is a product to be evaluated in relation to the price at which it is proposed, and perhaps in that case some defects identified in testing, in addition to the absence of an optical drive may be accepted by you. MSI goes to take the credit for having achieved a 13.4-inch portable and extremely lightweight with a balanced hardware configuration.

Rather special configuration of X340 in particular as the chosen processor: Intel Celeron 723 CPU with a clock at 1.2GHz, 1MB L2 cache and a 800MHz FSB. This processor has a package of just 22x22mm and a TDP of 10W.

Even x320-platform based on Intel Menlow - there seems a good one but unfortunately MSI tells us that for now this solution will be given to the commercial telephone operators. X340 PRO, whose characteristics are closest to the product tested by us is a product whose price should be "understood" by consumers, now accustomed to and offers of all kinds below. 959 Euros is the price you pay for a 13.4-inch laptop with excellent characteristics of mobility and an improved construction.

[Spykar]

Here below the main features of the model MSI X340 PRO

• Model : MSI X340 PRO
• Processor : Intel Core 2 Solo SU3300
• Chipset : Intel GS45
• Memory : 2GB DDR2
• Display :13.4-inch 1366x768 pixels
• Hard Disk :320 GB to 5.400rpm
• Interface I / O : 2 usb 2.0, Mini D-sub 15-pin ,HDMI
• Connectivity : Ethernet, Wi-Fi 802.11bg
• Weight : 1.3 Kg
• Battery : 2200mAh

[waqyum]

X340 is available on ebay.in for just Rs 20790.Is it worth buying?

http://cgi.ebay.in/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=220530248381

Thanks.

[Dharmesh Arora]

According to my best of knowledge, when the MSI X340 was expected to reach India, its price was expected to be around Rs 65,000. So, its worthful for you to buy out X340 for just Rs 20790. I think you should go for it.