MSI 725 (US model) questions......

Howdy All

My last laptop was the first gen Dell XPS(17") and it served me well for 2 years before I sold it and I've been without a laptop all this while.

After a lot of research, I've narrowed it down to the MSI 725 (US) as the best 17" notebook that can be bought under $1400. The Sager (one being discounted) has solid specs but the screen is matte which I do not prefer.

Some questions (specifically the US model) before I purchase this...

i) What is the build quality like on MSI laptops? I do not buy extended warranties for laptops but I wonder if I should spend the extra $$$ on this

ii) Is there a professional review yet on this model (apart from Faisal's ..and thx for the videos, too, Faisal )

iii) For people buying in US, which vendor are u guys buying from? XoticPC or Amazon or CirCuitCity ?

Thanks in advance.

SSingh

 

This thread feels so cold in here ...maybe it's too early for a thread like this ..oh well..... 4 more weeks and I'll have my answers.

 

LOL @ Circuit City....nope, won't be buying from there! I was looking at XoticPC and Amazon....seems a little cheaper at Amazon and I think they have a decent return policy. I haven't seen it anywhere else yet...except directly from MSI.

 

From my own research, Amazon (laptop returns are somewhat deicy, especially to get the refund show up in your bank account on time) and XoticPC offer a separate in house warranty for another $50 where u basically deal directly with them in case of repairs without having to go thru MSI. I'd rather go with them since I'm not familiar with MSI customer support at all. This is where I feel much better with HP/Dell which handle repairs more efficiently (well, in my case) and provide a point of escalation if needed.

I do not know how MSI handles such things and one of the main reasons I still have doubts going with the MSI.

SS

 

If I can wait instead of just ordering the GT627-218US from newegg, I'll order the GT725-074US from newegg or Amazon dependent upon who actually has them in stock first. Especially if there is an MSRP drop for the 725 too, as on the 627 even the MSI US site still has the old prices last I checked.

Speaking of which now that I think of it, I might just buy directly from MSI US IF all the vendors have about the same price, as I'm sure that'd be the quickest way to get one. (Newegg and Amazon lagged a bit on the 627s...)

As to build quality, I had a MS-1651(GX620) w/a bad kb, the build quality on that was fairly good. One thing to note though is that the MSI keyboards flex a bit, really only noticeable if you're prone to bashing on your keys as you type. Also some of the keys themselves are in slightly odd shapes and locations. Some people didn't like this, but for me I just got used to the kb fairly quickly w/light usage.

I usually don't buy extended warranties either. I did buy one once for a powerbook, but never had to use it.

CirCuitCity? Are you sure that you're in the US? Anyways, never seen anything other than the Winds in a US b&m retailer...

 

My only problem with NewEgg is that I'm pretty sure it says they won't accept ANY returns...you have to deal with the manufacturer after you buy from them. Not that I'm expecting it to be a dud out of the box, but you never know...it happens occasionally. For my Dells I've always gotten extended warranties....and I've ALWAYS had to use it. I'm not going to go into that, just don't get me started on Dell. We bought my hubby a Toshiba laptop a year ago almost, and it's been fine. We DID buy it from Circuit City and got an extended warranty on it, but haven't used it. So maybe it's only Dell you really need them for, lol.

 

newegg will take DOAs, but beyond that, yes you will have to deal the manufacturer, but if it starts OK and runs fine for a few weeks it should be good for life until the hdd needs to be replaced... or the fluorescent tube for the backlight... maybe the BIOS batt too...

They're in stock at Frostycomputers.com and MSImobile.com apparently.
$1349 and $1649 for the -074US and -075US models, while at MSI they're $1449?! and $1699...

 

Yep u r right, Sir.

Only thing is FC doesn't really have any feedback on reseller ratings either (probably new company) so I think I'll wait out for XoticPC (have had bad experience with 'Zon as well for a return but it took them 2 months to credit me back).

Thanks for the heads-up though, John