Ultraportable Showdown: Toshiba Vs. MSI
1. Introduction
The last few years have a seen a revolution in ultraportable computing. Whether it's Intel's line of Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) processors, super speedy SSD drives, or chassis that measure under an inch thick all the way through, the ultraportable is fast becoming a laptop category that can offer decent to good performance in sleek and sexy package.
Notebook computer manufacturers are locked in a fierce race with maximum mobility being the ultimate goal. The winner will be the one who offers the thinnest, lightest portable computer possible while still guaranteeing a high level of performance. But speed isn't everything; overall design needs to be taken into consideration when shopping for a notebook. With that in mind, notebook computers are designer objects now more than ever, with different brands going by their own high-end aesthetic codes.
The MSI X340 has a 13.4-inch display, an Intel SU3500 Core 2 Solo processor, and 2 GB of RAM for a total weight of 2.9 pounds. But it comes without a DVD burner.
The Toshiba Portégé R600 has a 12.1-inch matte-finish display and uses a fast Intel SU9400 dual-core processor and a 512 GB Solid State Drive, with 3 GB of RAM. The total package weighs under 2.2 pounds.
On paper, the R600 from Toshiba looks like a clear winner in terms of hardware, and thus performance, but curiosity demands that we take a closer look...
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?