Looking for information on the GE60

I noticed the GE60 on XoticPC's website and according to the specs, price, and weight it seems like a top contender for me. However I can't seem to find any solid information on it. XoticPC shows pre-order status but it just became available today on Newegg. The same exact model number/config and at the same price with the ability to add to cart.

However, I don't really like to do large purchases without thorough reviews so I'm waiting for someone to do a good review on it, especially touching on fan noise and cooling because it's such a light weight (5.3lbs). So if anyone was able to locate some good reviews I would appreciate if you posted them here.

Also, miscellaneous question: On Newegg's site this is listed as the wireless "Canyon Peak1x2 (802.11 b/g/n)" which sounds like an Intel code name but I haven't seen that mentioned anywhere else.

 

To answer my own misc. question: Canyon Peak is the code name for the Wireless-N 105 and 135 according to this document:

http://cache-www.intel.com/cd/00/00/49/86/498689_498689.pdf

Basically single band 2.4ghz, with or without Bluetooth.

 

It appears that newegg has posted the MSI GE70 0NC as "in stock"

Newegg.com - MSI G Series GE700NC-003US Notebook

but not the GE60. Interestingly, other retailers/resellers lists both the GE70 and GE60 as ETA mid May (xoticpc) or temporally out of stock (amazon). I am a bit skeptical of the Newegg GE70. It could either an accidental early release or typo. In any case, I am very interested in the smaller GE60; if xoticpc or amazon are any indication, it will be $100 cheaper than the GE70 with virtually the same specs. Any official information from newegg or other resellers are much appreciated. I agree with autobulb that the noise and temperature are important factors.

 

Eeekpenguin: That's really weird, it was in stock for me this morning (GMT+9) but as you mention it appears to be gone now.

I agree that the better buy is the GE60 over the GE70 because from what I can tell the only benefit is the larger screen. I would think that with the extra chassis space they would add an additional HD bay but it doesn't seem to be the case.

 

Much like the GT series they likely share the same Mobo to save costs.

 

Meaker, so the GT series is just the "premium" version with a different chassis and other misc components?

 

They trade weight and a bit of battery life for gaming performance, you also get more utility with more slots. It's a slightly different target market.

 

I assume the GE60 will be fine for D3 correct? Thats about the only game I plan to play on here for the time being. Do we know if the GPU is upgradable?

 

The GPU won't be if the past models are anything to go by.

 

The GE60/70 are back on Newegg. The GE60 this time with photos.

Newegg.com - MSI G Series GE600NC-006US Notebook Intel Core i7 3610QM(2.30GHz) 15.6" 6GB Memory 750GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M

 

I confirmed with a rep at newegg that the GE60 is in stock. I also see that they are available now on the MSI website. I have my order in with Gentec right now but they have a mid May estimate. Is the clean install worth the wait or should I just cancel that order and grab one from newegg?

 

Do you mean a clean OS install? I'm sure MSI has some bloatware but I think they may be not as bad as other OEMs. Still, doing a clean install is pretty simple by yourself and it's nice to get to know your system when you first receive it. The only reason I would wait to get it from a boutique is to be able to upgrade components, specifically the wireless card as the one that Newegg has is a very basic 150mbps 2.4ghz card. I'd like to be able to do 5ghz as well. That's just personal preference though so do what you gotta do.

Please post some impressions or even a review if you're willing. I really need to get a laptop soon and so far this is the most likely candidate. However, I am not in my home country so I can't afford to buy a system on a whim because returning it would be too much of a hassle so I have to make sure I really want it before I purchase.

 

I'll def post a review once I get it, I'm just getting antsy as I want it for D3 and it looks like my Gentec order will not be here in time for that.

Is the upgraded wireless card that important? My wireless router is in my living room so I should be fine when I am in there, but I do have an office upstairs where I plan to use the computer sometimes as well. Will an upgraded wireless card make a big difference when I am in my office?

 

The wireless card is not a big deal, juts a personal preference. I have a 5ghz router in my home so ideally I want a wireless card that can use that signal. The standard is 2.4ghz and is more than enough, it's just a personal preference of mine. I would say to go with Newegg because I trust them and the standard configuration is definitely rock solid. Plus I want you to get it fast so you can review it

 

Aw, Newegg is out of stock on the 15" model.

I found a mini-review on another forum: [User Review] MSI GE60 - www.hardwarezone.com.sg

Some highlights and lowlights include:

As much as I can judge from an out of focus photograph the screen looks nice and vibrant and the viewing angles looks excellent. The photo showing the ports are at almost a 90 degree angle and there is no color distortion on the screen. Vertical angles are likely not as good as is the case with most displays.

There is a free mPCI-e port with a big fat SSD labeling right next to it suggesting it has SATA lines connected to it and can be used for an SSD card!

Cooling system looks substantial enough but unfortunately he doesn't give any temperature readings. His only impressions are that it gets quite warm when benching. No indication of fan noise or excessive heat.

I don't like how close that copper heatpipe is to the side of the hard drive.

The top lid is a massive finger magnet. I will probably adorn it with stickers if I go with this model. Palm rest looks like it might be the same unfortunately.

Besides that, it's looking good!

 

Ugh, I couldn't take the waiting, decided on the Sager 9150 model instead. My wife made fun of me for my child like patience and my affinity for flashy lights, but I think I will be happy.

 

In the past this hasn't been true with any of the GE series. Also, some of the ge series were MXM 3.0 A. I doubt they have started making them MXM again but who knows.