MSI 1013 questions

I was told that the MSI 1013 is not dual channel. Does this mean that only one memory chip is being used? When I add memory to the machine will I be better off adding a 1gb memory chip instead of two 512 memory chips.

Is it true that I can't run my memory at 400mhz. Does the machine have problems running at this level.

I am stuck between teh fujitsu s2110 and the 1013, it seems that the fujitsu will be more reliable.

Thanks for any info in relation to the above questions.

Motion

 

When I was buying my 1013 from rawpower, Gary advised me that it is not dual channel so I opted for one stick at 1 gig for about 20 bucks more. Last night I went into bios and my ram was listed at 400mhz. I've only had it for a week though and from what I've heard, the white screen of death the ram problem can causes happens rather sporadically, so I may have just not run into the problem as of yet. With the amount of money you save on the MSI, I would totally recommend it over the Fujitsu, unless money is not an issue, then Fujitsu would probably be better.

 

motion,

get 1gb on one stick instead of 2x512 sticks.

I'm running 2gb of 400mhz RAM at full 400mhz speed on my 1013.

 

Hey Coffee, how much of a difference does that extra ram give you for everyday kinda stuff? I might upgrade but I don't think my pc can get any faster.

 

I think 1gb would be plenty, but I like to have extra when I'm running Dreamweaver, PaintShop, and video editing apps.

It's not a question of speed for me, as much as it is for just being able to have those RAM-hungry apps running at the same time.

 

1013 is very pick WRT memory. I've tried Kingston 512MB DDR400, A-DATA 512MB DDR400 and PQI 512MB DDR400 on mine. Only Kingston's works. Others caused No-POST problems. I've read from other posts noted that Super Talent's also works.

fujitus s2110 is only MT-28, XGA with combo drive vs. 1013's WXGA with DVD burner and much cheaper which sounds like a no-brainer to me.

 

I have a question too. With all the problems posted here with the MSI 1013 why would any of you buy this notebook? Do you all just enjoy fixing it? Does anyone use their notebook? I was considering buying the 1012 or 1013 until I read all these posts. I just want to use it not mess around with it. Is there any reason to buy other than it is fairly cheap and gives you something to do playing with it and trying to get it to work? Wow.......such problems.

Seriously.............

boxer.

 

i don't know, boxert. i've had mine for over a year, and the S250 before that, no real problems other than my wife spilling coffee on it. I run xp64 with no issues, RAM runs at 400mhz, MT40 and 2gb ram with no heat problems. I run Visual Studio, Paint Shop Pro, Dreamweaver, I edit a little video on it, and have never really messed with it unless I've just felt like installing different wireless cards or whatever.

I've heard of all these issues, yes, and I don't doubt them. I just don't have the same problems. I like that it's relatively lightweight and the screen is perfect. I guess the keyboard is a bit spongy, but i'm used to it and it doesn't bother me - probably because I had the S250 version before this one.

As for the RAM issue, MSI has always had Kingston and Supertalent on their "approved list", and none other. Makes it kind of obvious which to pick.

 

Is the 12.1' screen too small for longer hours of reading...is text tiny...how is the screen in general?
I'm thinking of buying one, but I can't predict if it will be to small?

 

Text is as tiny or not tiny as you want it to be. You can use lower resolution to increase text size, or just zoom in on documents. Only, you will have to scroll more often... never seemed to be a problem for me. The screen is brilliant, very clean and sharp. If you aren't sure of the size, you have to goto a store to see other 12 inch NBs. I had a 14 before this, and now I have a 12. Unless I put this 12 incher next to a 15 or 14, it feels too big... I think my next NB is going to be a 10 inch!

 

Boxertdog, I bought this NB after reading EVERY article/post/review there is on the internet of this machine. I even had German and Tiawanese freinds do a little translation... I have not run into any problems yet, I just complain about the keyboard, but I knew this would be the case before buying it. If you haven't noticed, all the problems are solved evenutally by competant people on this site. I feel much safer buying an MSI and depending on other owners and experts on NBR than if I bought a Dell and had to depend on "Mike" from Banglore.

 

Write a review for us polish_jr

I couldn't find a "definitive" review for 1013, the best I've found: http://www.hardwarezone.com/articles/print.php?cid=14&id=1659

Too bad unleaded didn't finish his 1012/1013 review

And I really didn't get the dual channel thing, if I get it with 2x512 only 512 will work?? I'll need 1x1024 to have 1024mb?? I'm a dual channel n00b

 

Dual channel provides for modest performance gains by pairing matching memory modules. Even a system supporting dual channel will run when using only one stick or non matching modules, you just won't get that 5% or so boost. The MS-1013 doesn't support dual channel at all, so there is no performance benefit to configuring with 2 sticks, however, it will run just fine that way.

 

I've thought about writing a review... but the 1013 is coming up on being a whole year old! It can almost walk~

If there are any questions regarding this NB, I'll be more than happy to answer them and ease the worries of any potential buyers, but I think its too late for a review. HRT, keep looking, I came across way more reviews than that.

 

I might be buyin the MSI MS1013 from http://www.rawpowerpc.com/laptop-49-MSI-1013.php - Do they have good support...if, say, the keyboard stops working, will I have it repaired with the 1/2yr warranty - I ask this beacuse there was a MS1013 on ebay with keys not working - also other ppl reporting keyboard problems!

I have more questions:
1. What's the difference between the MT-30 1.6GHz and MT-34 1.8GHz - is the MT34 that much better in %?
2. What's the screen like, and is it the glossy type?
3. Does the keyboard flex, and will this be a problem?
4. Is it loud...fans or anythin else?
5. Does it support an Atheros WiFi Card - if so, is it difficult to install (I'm clumsy)
6. How does it perfom in general?
7. Should I wait for something better to come - is there anything similar? - I prefer a 10"-12" screen, but don't want to pay those Sony prices for one!

 

You'll get great service from Rawpower. Yes, the keyboard would be covered in the warranty.
1. The MT-34 is probably the sweet spot (or the MT-37) for this machine, in terms of price to performance. If you want to stay away from any possible heat issues, keep with the MT-34.
2. The screen is a glossy WXGA (12.1") and is very nice.
3. The keyboard is a bit 'soft', meaning it flexes some. Some people don't mind it, some people don't like it.
4. It's not very loud - you'll hear it on startup and if you're hitting the CPU hard, but otherwise it's not loud. Not silent or anything, but with the MT-34 you shouldn't notice it much.
5. Never used the Atheros card in it, but the Intel and MSI cards work fine.
6. Performance is very good - nothing you want to play games on, but handles even heavier programs nicely.
7. The 1013 is an older model, so you may want to wait for the next version - it is not going to be a cutting edge model if you get it now. There are some 12" dual-cores on the horizon, but their arrival is unknown.

 

I think I've talked up rawpower enough on this forum, , but I am so satisifed with them that they totally merit the praise. And the suppost on this forum and the community at laptoplogic.com rock too! Your never alone!

1. I, too, only heard good things about the 34.
2. Glossy and gorgeous! Its very bright and crystal clear, just make sure u'r on 1280x800, bcuz mine was on 1280x768 for a while and its just seemed off, but took me forever to realize the res was not as high as possible.
3. Keyboard does flex, a lot! This is a big detractor for me and may only get worse as school starts up again and I have to write 15+ pages on it a week, then again, i may just get used to it completely.
4. The fan is very quiet, although mine is a bit over active. Actually, I have to look into why my fan is practically constantly on when running off battery bcuz I can't be having that!
5. I hear a lot of people have issues with the MSI card, I have the 2915 and it works great. Custumizations and general opening up of this NB, i hear is terrible, supposedly one of the worst NBs to get at its insides (especially RAM) but the step by step on the MSI website has very good instructions with tones of images. I'm sure if you've opened NBs before, this tasak does not seem as daunting to you as it does to me.
6. Overall I am very happy with this NB. Performance is speedy, although not as quick as when I first got it but you can't really avoid that 15% drop in performance after the first week. Battery life is concerning me though, I have not gotten around to actually testing it because i've found that I can't actually sit infront of a computer for more than two hours! How do you guys test NBs? WOW, there's just so much surfing I can handle in a day .
7. I'd wait, I got mine because I had been waiting to buy a NB for four months so I didn't feel like waiting another 4. The new chips should be out soon and MSI will be all over them.