Computex 2009: Hardware Preview

MSI XSlim X600 ultra thin and wide notebook

MSI’s latest X-Slim is a 15.6in wide ultra thin laptop which seems bigger than it actually is. The 16:9 widescreen format all the slim dimensions make it look closer to 17in when you first see it, just as the 13.3in X340 appears more like a 15in model. Its physical dimensions are 392mm x 255mm x just 24.5mm – yes that’s less than 2.5cm thick.

The difference the X600 offers over the X340 is not only the full keyboard with number pad, but also discrete graphics from ATI Radeon HD 4300, in addition to the usual Intel CULV CPU. At 2.1kg it’s extremely light for its rated size, although like all the previous X-Slim, the plastic used feels plasticy and the shell sounds a little empty around the edges.


The glossy shell looks gorgeous and will absolutely turn heads, but it’s still a complete fingerprint magnet – we’d certainly recommend the white instead of black. For its size though we’re limited to just three USB ports, but still get VGA, HDMI, Ethernet, stereo audio and microphone input and an SD slot for the money, as well as the option of an 8-cell battery (not shown) that gently protrudes from the base in an angular fashion, fitting excellently into the overall aesthetics.

The bloody thing is still virtually impossible to open though, and requires thin fingers with nails to get into. We can’t help think the whole of MSI’s ergonomics and user interface division here in Taiwan exclusively employs Taiwanese women, because these are the only people to open one elegantly. Everyone else I’ve given an X-Slim to opens it like they're breaking into a tin can or facing it outwards and against their chest, as if it's Clark Kent's white shirt.

Still a gorgeous fashion statement? Yes. But a practical everyday notebook? That remains to be seen.