MS-16F2 / GT683DX - Questions for Owners

Hello,

I've been reading through the threads here, reviews online, and some videos on Youtube about the MS-16F2 / GT683DX - but still have a few questions.

1) How is the heat on the bottom of the laptop during browsing/mostly-idle? Warm, unbearable, cool, etc.?

2) How is the heat on the bottom of the laptop during gaming (Crysis 2, BF3, Skyrim, whatever)?

2a) Does anyone use this laptop on their lap, during gaming, without a laptop cooler?

3) Is the keyboard really as bad as some reviews say? Ex) Lots of flex, hollow feeling, some keys don't work well?

Any input or any links to more comprehensive reviews would be much appreciated! I've been looking at a mostly standard config (upgrade to i7 2670, but all the rest standard) from either GenTech or XoticPC, and this looks like a solid laptop but a decent keyboard and heat at the bottom of the laptop (without a cooler) is very important to me.

Thanks all!

 

Hello Alarchy-

The 16F2 model is actually a really great configuration even as standard. I would suggest the i7-2670QM upgrade like you mentioned, as that is going to be your best bang for your buck here. The 2630's are getting harder and harder to come by as of recent as well.

This machine has pretty decent fans keeping the temps at a very reasonable temperature. I would say for sure add the IC Diamond on the device to assist in keeping it on the cool side.

Most likely 80-85c max on top settings with games such as Crysis 2, BF3, and Skyrim.

The keyboard, if you REALLY push on it, you'll notice a little flex. But, honestly this is not bothersome or even noticeable during normal usage. If you want it to flex, you can make it flex. However, again, to me it's not a bad keyboard by any means.

Hope that helps in your decision.

Cheers!

 

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the response - do you know how warm the laptop gets on the bottom? I can't handle another lapburner like my old Gateway

Thanks

 

The bottom stays pretty cool, the exhaust ports are on the side and back which is where it gets warm. I don't think heat would be the main issue with using it on your lap, rather the fact that it is almost 8 pounds...

Also, use Pheirin's fan tool to keep the heat down even lower if you'd like, it's an easy to use speed adjuster for the fans.

 

Sweet, thanks!

 

Any other tips for those of us that are getting this laptop?

 

Does the 16F2 have a backlit keyboard?

 

There's no backlight for the keyboard. There is a review on this forum somewhere that shows how to support the keyboard better. I did as it showed, and it made a difference for a few of the keys. The keyboard feels fine, but some keys sound hollow. You can here it more than you can feel it, and I actually enjoy the noise of the different keys oddly enough.

One thing I will say is holy crap, this screen is bright. I use it on the lowest setting indoors, on the highest setting it hurts my eyes.

 

Thanks. The keyboard not being backlit is a deal breaker for me. It looks like the Force 1761 has an option for a steelseries keyboard. Might have to pay the extra to get that (the price difference is going to force me to make compromises in other areas, though ).

 

Just as I was pulling the trigger on the 1761 I get an email saying my laptop was ready to ship. So I stuck with it. Might have to look into maybe changing the keyboard myself. Has anyone seen if this is possible?

 

I think the keyboards are too different:

 

Well crap. I'll be getting a USB light then.

Thanks for posting the pictures.

 

I've been wondering if I could make my own backlight under the keyboard. There is gaps between the keys are surrounding, it would just be a matter of finding a safe place the mount the light and run power...

Project for a lazy Sunday perhaps.

 

That and what's to guarantee that the light will actually illuminate the keys? They might be too opaque to let light through to know what key is what. But there are definitely small enough LEDs available to do this, just gotta figure out the power situation.

 

I never use it in low enough light to actually need the back-lit keys to know what I am typing. Plus the screen is probably bright enough to see the keys... If I did it, it would be strictly for the aesthetics of the glowing outline of the keys.

 

Yeah, placing your own light might be a bit tricky. As iamlilysdad mentioned, the keys are not built that way and most likely will not illuminate the way you want them too, even after all that work reworking power, lights, heat, etc. I suggest an external keyboard if you are dead set on this.