New to MSI (possible future purchase)

Hi

I am looking to purchase a 17 inch notebook (not necessarily a gaming one) however I am not satisfied with what’s currently out there and I don’t think it will be getting any better seeing as how 17 inch notebooks are on the decline.

I checked out the MSI website just to see what they have and I noticed the gaming notebooks have some nice specs

Backlit keyboard (I like the colored coded scheme)

Good choice of SSD + HHD combination (s) 64 or 128GB SSD + 500, 640 or 750GB (7200RPM) I don’t need a 1TB drive and don’t want a 5400 RPPM drive


Anyone know what SSD’s MSI uses?


In looking at the gaming notebooks I did notice they are still using (2) USB 2.0 ports. To me that may be still ok in a certain price range but for notebooks over $1500.00 I would prefer all USB 3.0 ports or a combination of USB 3.0 ports and 1 or 2 Thunderbolts especially on the notebooks close to $2000.00 and in a couple cases over $2000.00.

Question I have to ask myself is does it make much sense to get a gaming notebook even though I’m not a gamer particularly at those prices?

Question 1) MSI are their notebooks reliable I don’t know anyone who owns one how’s there tech support and ordering process?

Question 2) When does MSI normally do a refresh (specifically of the 17 inch)? Are newer notebooks coming within the next few months when Haswell processors come out? or is there no set refresh time of the year? I just want to make sure if I purchase one a new line won’t being coming in the next 2 or 3 months or so.


Fyi – I don’t purchase notebooks/computers every 3, 4 or even 5 years so I expect to keep the 17 inch for awhile and the way things are going now unfortunately there may not be much time left for the 17 inch laptop if there is it will only be for gaming.

 

Question 1) MSI are their notebooks reliable I don’t know anyone who owns one how’s there tech support and ordering process?

Really depends on how much you use it for. If you play some diablo/SC2 you can look at their GE series. If you play some hardcore games, you will need GT series.
They also have a CX series which is for work only MSI Notebook Official Website

Question 2) When does MSI normally do a refresh (specifically of the 17 inch)? Are newer notebooks coming within the next few months when Haswell processors come out? or is there no set refresh time of the year? I just want to make sure if I purchase one a new line won’t being coming in the next 2 or 3 months or so.
MSi always refresh at launch of new platform. Next generation will not come out until late Q2 as the rumors had been floating. I don't think they will announce it anytime until weeks before launch thou.

 

1) I've owned several and the only time I had problems it was my own stupid fault, ever since this generation of casing came in they have done very well. Support from MSI is pretty good but it can be helped by who you purchase it from.
2) MSI is very quick with refreshes when the new generation launches, but its not going to be a world shattering update this time though with CPU or GPU this year.

 

Thanks guys for your responses!

If I do purchase one it will definitely be one in the GT series 17 inch

 

Well the 15.6" has all the same features including bays for hard drives so only do that if you are wanting the bigger screen.

 

Meaker, Thanks!

Yes, I want the bigger screen, Also I didn't see a SSD + HHD combination on the 15.6 screens did I miss something? an SSD will definately be part of my notebook purchase.

 

Yes the 15.6" has the same number of bays so you can do an SSD + HDD if you want.