MS-1057 Core Duo 12"

specced out on MSI site

http://www.msicomputer.com/NB/product_spec.asp?model=MS-1057

you can thank me for begging MSI for it later. (okay, it probably wasn't my whining that did it. probably Unleaded's)

 

Hah, that's pretty hot no matter who gets credit.

 

"stealth black"

seems like a decent rig. Is it the same chassis as a 1012/3?

 

it looks like it - there will be some internal changes with the expresscard and such, but the exterior will be similar.

I had hoped we'd get a bit sleeker finish with the new chassis, but MSI seems to like their design for the 12" models.

 

Its kinda ugly..... Though its a good Idea.

 

looks like this one is coming quick - no two month wait for the 1057. If you're planning on a portable 12" solution, wait a week.

 

thats awesome, but u should have whined more maybe they would have thrown in dedicated graphics. lol

 

yeah, but then you'd have a heavier laptop, and who wants to play games on 12" screen? (oh, i'm sure some of you do)

 

I didn't actually push on this one, so you get full "whining" credit

 

It's just because I used the s250 and the 1013 for so long, i wanted a new 12" systems to play with.

but yeah, i'll take credit wherever i can.

 

The units arrived as scheduled today.

 

Not too many fully configurable 12" Core Duo systems on the market.

 

and.... what are they like. build one up already.

 

Any info about the memory type? I know it is DDR2, but is it 533MHz or 666MHz in default 1057-SKU6 package?

I can already order it from Germany, though they do not have detailed specifications.

 

Do these come standard with the 4400mHh version of the battery? I read some other reviews saying they only get 1.5 hours of battery life with the 2200mHh version.

Also, does anyone know where you can get the pearl white version? RK Computers only has it in black. Thanks.

 

Preconfigured systems come with the bigger 8 cell battery in Europe. Barebones by default have the smaller one. Could you give reference to the review you mentioned? 1.5 sounds smallish even for the smaller battery. I have seen 5 hour figure for the bigger battery.

I already placed my order for this lappy since I have nothing but good experience with my current MS-1012.

 

Barebones in the States come with the 8cell battery (4400mAh)

The white version will be coming soon, currently it's only in black.

 

CoffeeShark, thanks for your reply. I'm glad to hear that even the barebones version comes with the bigger battery!

Unclezam, This was the review I was talking about that mentions the 1.5 hour battery life. However, I just noticed it was in reference to the Japanese model, so maybe you get the smaller battery over there.

 

Vinayp, I read the 'review' and it seems like they did not even have the real device to test, but just specifications from some source. Definitely it is the smaller 2200mAh battery for the 1.5h figure, and still the figure seems too low, if you compare it to 4-5h figures seen for 4400mAh. Well, I guess we will soon find out, when the devices find their way to customers.

It would be really nice if anyone with early access to these devices would give a comment on the battery life.

 

Just curious if anyone has acquired an MS-1057 yet, and if so, can you give us an estimate of the battery life? A general review would be great too, and much appreciated.

Also, unleaded and CoffeeShark, any exact dates on when the white version will be available? Thanks.

 

Mine is on its way. Might take several days to arrive it being an international shipment. Hopefully I get it next week so I can make quick review and a comparison to MS-1012.

 

Excellent! Thanks Unclezam. BTW, where did you order yours from?

 

I live in Finland, where unfortunately MSI has no distribution for notebooks as far as I know. So I have been ordering them from Germany (there's a good selection of internet shops carrying them: http://geizhals.at/deutschland/a187214.html). Also, Germany seems to have cheapest notebooks in Europe, maybe due to low tax. I have been doing business with Primustronix and Avitos, both of which have handled the orders well but with some delays, maybe due to availability. It seems three models of preconfigured S262 are available (white, black std and black premium model with more memory, bigger HDD and faster CPU).

 

Quick update: I received the device yesterday. Initial impressions mostly good:

- Display: Maybe a tad brighter than MS-1012. Some light bleeding noticeable in top region with high brightness settings in dark environment, still nothing to be worried about.

- Battery life: With comfortable brightness (5/8) and CPU in power conservative mode, battery life estimation in windows around 4½h for full battery. It should be noted that the display seems to play a role in power consumption, with dim screen estimations were up to 5½h. *EDIT* I could not reproduce the top 5½h figure. Maybe it is due to configuration changes. Anyway, over 5h figures are possible with power conservative settings.

- Performance: 3d seems to have gained some from the previous model. In Windows use, the system seems to be really responsive (maybe the dual core benefit).

- Heat/noise: Heat can build up, specially if used on lap without any ventilation to bottom. For light use, temp seems to settle around 47 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, the fan off, so the system is very quiet (you can hear some noise from the HDD though). The fan kicks in at 50C with low rpm. I was very pleased with the lack of noise for low rpm. I did not really push the system to get to noisier rpms. I am quite picky about the computer noise, and I am happy to report that this system has good balance between noise and heat.

I could even write full review later when I have more time, but for now please ask if there's something you would like to know.

 

wow that's great news on the battery life, big improvement from the previous models!

 

Thanks for the update. How bout some pics? Does it feel solid?
thanks.

 

Unclezam, thanks for the initial review. The battery life is surprisingly high. If you could report battery life during DVD playback w/ low screen brightness (3/8 or so) and CPU in power conservation mode, I'd be very grateful.

 

Fudgy: The laptop feels pretty solid, cannot feel it bend or twist. But sometimes when you pick it up from the corner or press certain region with your palm, there is some noise, as if the parts would not be tighly connected. Maybe opening up and tightening all the screws would help with this minor issue.

Vinayp: I could do battery rundown test this weekend. I am also interested in seeing if the Windows battery lifetime estimates are correct. And also test it with load like watching DVD (hmm..what should I rent). Does anyone know if there is any _free_ standard battery rundown test application available.

 

sorry to be tardy to the party, by that i mean this specific discussion. am building my first notebook very soon and the msi 1057 looks mighty nice for a darn tiny xp machine. looking to have something portable as to copy dvd's for work (legitimate) battery life of 4 hours is fine for me, but would like to know if the optical drive my barebone 1057 will come with is removable. would like to buy parts during the next few weeks and definitly want a slot loading drive, Apple spoiled me with my old ibook.

i'm living in manhattan right now so would enjoy good wireless reception,

thanks much in advance,
-p

 

The drive is removable, just undo a few screws and slide it out. Not sure which slot-loader will work, but let us know if you find one that works for you.

 

Dose anyone have any experience with the new Merom Core 2 Duo and the
MS-1057/S262

Can you upgrade the BIOS without a possessor installed or do you need to first install a standard Core Duo, upgrade and then swap? How can you find out the BIOS version if no processor has been installed?

/Jens