Ultraportable Showdown: Toshiba Vs. MSI : MSI X340
2. MSI X340
| Processor | 1.4 Ghz Core 2 Solo SU3500 |
| Graphics chipset | Intel X4500MHD IGP |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Display | 13.4 inches (1366x768) |
| Hard disk | 500 GB |
| optical drive | no |
| Dimensions | 13" x 8.82" x 0.78" |
| Weight | 2.9 pounds |
MSI's X-Slim series focuses on lightness and aesthetics. So it uses low-energy-consumption processors and limits extras to a minimum (there's no DVD drive, for example). This model, the X340, is described by its maker as "the notebook that gives you style!"
First Impressions and Design
The X340's thin profile is the first thing that stands out. To achieve netbook-like weight, the shell had to be thin, and it definitely is. The area around the keyboard has a matte finish (that's good), but the bezel and back of the display are glossy (that's not so good). In the aesthetics department, we'll end with one detail that sticks out - the shiny, imitation-metal connector surrounds. They really detract from the notebook's overall appeal.
The keyboard is only average and doesn't take up the full width of the available surface. About 3/4 of an inch of space is wasted on each side. The keyboard sinks down under pressure and doesn't give the impression of being very sturdy. The touchpad managed to impress us, however. It's large and blends in with the shell nicely, since it has the same texture. The click bar just below it includes both left and right clicks. We'd have liked it to be a tad quieter, however.
The webcam is fairly good. The image is reasonable and holds up well in various light conditions, though it does tend to burn out the brightest-lit areas. The microphone avoids the error of being set near the keyboard and puts out average sound.
The noise level is generally low, but if you listen closely you can hear a high-pitched scraping coming from the hard disk. People with very sensitive ears will find it bothersome. Also, under heavy use, a fan kicks in. But its noise is muffled, moderate, and only noticeable if you're less than a foot away.
The following connectors are set along the edges of the case: 2 USB, 1 VGA, 1 HDMI, 1 Ethernet, 2 audio, and 1 SD card reader. That's fairly limited connectivity, especially in the USB department, so you'll have to be discriminating in your choice of peripherals. For video output, use the HDMI over the VGA. On our test model, the latter showed disturbances in the display of white areas.
Under the unit, the only removable component is the battery. There's no trap for access to the RAM or the hard disk.
Display
The surface of this display is extremely reflective - a real mirror. This will be a real boon for some users, but we will pass.
The results of our tests of this display, unfortunately, were all too familiar: A low contrast ratio (341:1), average response times, blue and red shifts in the colors, and narrow viewing angles from above and below (typical of TN panels). Overall, it's barely acceptable.
Calculation
The single-core Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 processor is not what you can call ultra-powerful. The results of our tests showed 2 to 3 times less speed than on our reference computer, a Fujitsu-Siemens Amilo Xi3650. Of course that's disappointing, but that should be put into perspective. You'll still be able to perform all types of tasks, including video editing, file compression, photo retouching, etc. But you'd do better to stick to office applications if you're the impatient type.
Playing heavy HD video (such as Blu-Ray) is possible provided you use graphics-chip hardware acceleration. With acceleration, CPU use was around 50% and power consumption was at 19 Watts. Without it, CPU use jumped to 100% (with a loss of fluidity) while power consumption remained stable.
Games
A GMA X4500MHD graphics chip isn't ideal for gaming, so forget about recent 3D games and stick to less demanding titles and 2D offerings.
Audio
In the audio department, the X340 typifies exactly what ought to be avoided. The speakers are mediocre, they lack power, and they saturate at high volume. The headphone output is abysmal. It lacks precision, there's a constant hiss in the background (with or without an audio signal), and you regularly hear parasitic noise from disk accesses and other sources. As for sound processing circuitry or an optical audio output, they're both non-existent.
Mobility and Battery Life
The X340's battery life is disappointing. Despite its energy-efficient processor, we only got 2 hours and 12 minutes of continuous video playback out of it (with the display at 100 nits, headphones plugged in, and Wi-Fi disabled). The unit's light weight adds a few positive points - only 2.9 pounds. That's an excellent weight, lower than some netbooks - like the Asus 1000HE. And yet, it's important to note, that unit has a battery life of close to six hours.
| MSI X-Slim X340 | |
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| Pros | Cons |
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We expected better battery life from the X340. The processor isn't very impressive, either - it's only slightly ahead of the Atoms used in netbooks. Expect to use this one only for office applications and video (if the reflections in the glossy LCD panel don't bother you too much).
This comparison test is about as absurd as it gets. Why bother? A top of the line model is better than a relatively budget model. Who would have figured that?
So, you mentioned the $600 price difference. How much would it have been, as actually configured, since you used the hard drive model of the Toshiba for the compared price, but the high end SSD model in the actual test?
This is a stupid comparison. The Toshiba is $600.00 more... This is like comparing a single 4770 to a 4890. Of course the 4890 will out preform the 4770. It's priced accordingly.
I don't get where you get 600 dollars from the toshiba starts at 2099 on their website and the msi runs 750 on the egg. The toshiba goes up against the air and adamo while the x340 competes with the cheaper ideapad U350 and acer timeline 13incher which can be had for 599 on the egg with a better keyboard and much better battery but not quite as thin but still very light. Even if I had the money I don't think I would spend 2 grand on that toshiba.
WOW! On the Toshiba site, the model with the 512MB SSD is a mere $3499. Apples to Ambrosia!
Digital versus is amazing!
Idiotic article is idiotic
The conclusion (comparison) is not necessary. Like the posters above, can't compare top-of-the-line to a budget model. But the review of the individual model is slightly more useful.
In fairness, there was a chance that the gap wouldn't be as pronounced as the specs might indicate due to clever driver and software implementation and or architecture differences. This was obviously not the case, but they are comparing items in the same 'class' not the same price range, which is valid.
Every now and then you get a surprising result...
These look like they chug/stink. Why not see the SONY VGN-Z798Y/X or VGN-Z790 CTO which has the I 9700 (2.8GHz) 2Core processor, 8GB RAM, 500MB graphics Cache; graphics accelerator, 1066bus, 512GB SSD, HDMI, Blueray r/w, w/11 hr battery life at 3 pounds?