MSI CX61 0NF-258US Notebook Intel Core i7 3630QM(2.40GHz) 15.6" 6GB Memory 750GB HDD 5400rpm DVD Super Multi NVIDIA GeForce GT 645M

Pros: Loud speakers (wonderful for a laptop)
Number pad
Processor is basically amazing
Keyboard, well spaced, arrow keys sized correctly
Graphics Card - it has one that isn't terrible
PRICE
Quiet - the fan keeps it cool without being annoying
Ports - plenty of USB and other misc ports. Should have anything you need
Screen is plenty bright.

Cons: Touch pad seems to lack sensitivity. Just buy a mouse if you have a problem. It's nothing to worry about.

Battery. Not that it's a poor battery, but you're looking at this computer probably because it has a decent graphics card, a graphics card that will laugh at your poor battery. Therefore, you will have the machine plugged in for maximum performance. You will leave it in even though it is fully charged, and the battery will slowly wear out. I'm not sure what you can do about this. I'm just complaining; it's nothing to worry about.

Windows 8, Windows 8, Windows 8. The OS installed on this computer was at best a poor choice. I hate to review MSI for a fault with Windows, but they made their choice. I am coming from an ASUS with a Core 2 Duo with lower HD and RAM specs as well; this OS operates slower. Without a touch screen, Windows 7 is clearly the superior OS for this machine. Since it will be rare to use the Metro screen and affiliated programs without a touchscreen, it is an enormous amount of unnecessary bulk. With that being said, there are free third party programs that will add a start buttons and completely avoid the Metro screen. I recommend this.

Windows 8 has problems with Firefox (yes, I still use Firefox) and several plugins. Hopefully this will be resolved shortly.

A certain anti-virus software that begins with the letter 'N' and rhyme with Horton. It will harass you every second of every day with its annoying brand of pop-ups. I'm personally surprised they haven't showed up at my door with this kind of persistence. This is on every computer unfortunately.

The keyboard doesn't light up. If you require a keyboard that lights up, I recommend purchasing this computer so that you may learn how to use a keyboard without staring at the letters. Seriously, this isn't a problem.

The screen is a screen. I have no trouble with it. It's especially glossy and produces plenty of glare in bright conditions. Unless you plan on using this outdoors in July in Ecuador on a snow-covered mountain, I can't imagine having any trouble whatsoever. Move your screen half an inch if you're bothered.

Other Thoughts: Consider this a five-star review with the exception of the operating system. However, if you search for a Win 7 system with the same hardware, it's just not going to be at this price. This is a great deal.

There are no major flaws in this computer outside the operating system. The exterior is fine. The hard drive is partitioned into 475gb for the OS and 201gb for data. I have no idea why. I play Minecraft and Kerbal Space Program; the computer will barely noticeably slow down in KSP with complex rockets but runs great in Minecraft. I keep settings for these games on as high as possible.

My Windows Rating is as such:
Processor: 7.8
RAM: 7.8
Graphics: 5.8
Gaming Graphics: 6.7
Primary Hard Disk: 5.9

The Intel Core i7-3630QM is currently listed with a benchmark of 7780, phenomenal for a laptop.

The NVIDIA GeForce GT 645M is currently not listed on the benchmarking website, but the 640M is currently 928, and the 650M is currently 1317.

This computer continually gives me internet problems. I have full bars, connected, all that, but the internet is often extremely sluggish or cannot load a page. I have yet to understand this and am not counting it in the score. But if anyone would like to give advice, I'd appreciate it.

Microsoft is rumored to be coming out with an update for Windows 8 that will make it less - er - terrible. It may void my concerns above and warrant giving this computer five stars.

I would buy this laptop again. It is the best choice out there right now. It this were sold by a larger computer company, I would expect it to be $400 more.

Thank you for reading. I'm being as thorough as I can because choosing a laptop is more difficult and annoying than antivirus software that rhymes with horton. I enjoy this computer, and I think you will too. It is a great workhorse that will likely run anything you throw at it beautifully.

Pros: Great specs for $800.00 especially an MSI. Although the HDD RPM is kind of low, the money saved with this laptop just upgrade to a SSD or a hybrid HDD.

Cons: Cheap material, low RPM for HDD, and OK screen resolution.

Pros: Very good specs.Plays every game I throw at it at medium-high settings.
runs cool(Max I've ever seen it go is 55C)
i7 is very quick.

Cons: Plastic construction(But it feels very durable)
5400RPM Hard Drive can be a bit slow for me.

Other Thoughts: It's a good laptop for the price,I can say that.The price is good for the hardware that's included.Windows 8 is meh,
but I guess it's fine.

Pros: N/A

Cons: Terrible MSI-built-in software
Poorly built - very cheaply made plastic exterior
Insensitive mousepad - make sure you turn it off and use a proper mouse
Performance lot worse than what you expect - lags constantly when playing some demanding games
Hard drive's low rpm
Newegg's poor service

Other Thoughts: I highly recommend people to look into other laptops on other sites. There are lot better laptops at a cheaper price. I personally regret spending so much money on this mediocre laptop.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

We apologize for the issues that you are having with this product.
This entry-level product offers the best value in its class that you can't find from other brands, but if this level cannot satisfy your needs then please look for higher level such as GE series, or GT70 series.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our tech support team directly at 626.271.1004 for assistance during regular business hours from M to F, 9am to 6pm Pacific Time.
Or you can email us at usreview@msi.com, thank you.

Best Regards,
MSI Review Team | usreview@msi.com

Pros: decent specs for the price (quad core i7 is very snappy)

Cons: Screen Is Terrible
Mine had a dead pixel

Other Thoughts: I bought this laptop thinking it was a great deal and on paper it is, but after receiving it the first thing I noticed was a dead pixel in the middle of the screen. Thankfully newegg made it right and gave me store credit so I could get somthing else. The screen Is pretty bad even without the dead pixel I have seriously seen better screens on $300 laptops. This product is that wierd price range where it's not quite 1000 but not 700-750. You would be better severed biting the bullet and either spending the extra $200 or just getting something lower in price

Pros: A very decent and pretty laptop for the price. When you order a MSI product it comes iwth a 1 year warranty, I emailed MSI customer service for that information.

It's beautiful
Number pad
Great graphics and performance
Fast to boot

Cons: Windows 8
The top picks up any amount of oils on your fingers
Cheaper hardware

Other Thoughts: I needed something for school and casual gaming. This is a great mid graphix card. I'm so glad I didn't get a 630M, I know there would be a big difference. Blacklight Retribution looks beautiful with high settings. Make sure to download the correct drivers for the gfx card. Performance is great.

Pros: This laptop has the best hardware you could possibly get for only $800. It has a true i7 quad core and a decent discrete GPU. Its good enough to play pretty much anything on medium to low settings.

Cons: Build quality is kinda low. The underside of the laptop is is very plastic-y. However, I understand they need to cut costs somewhere to pay for the better hardware.

5400 rpm HDD is kinda weak, but Windows 8 makes this thing boot fast with even a 5400rpm HDD.

Other Thoughts: Great purchase! I was looking for the cheapest 15in laptop that had a quad core i7 and mid range GPU. This was it.

Pros: Quad core processor
Very little bloat installed
Nvidia 645M
Plays current games
16GB Max RAM capacity
SATA3
Future upgrade paths (RAM, SSD) to improve performance

Cons: These are more "things to be aware of" than cons, since it is not a high-end laptop:
Screen quality average, viewing angle poor
Lack of lighted keyboard
1366x768 resolution
5400 RPM drive

Other Thoughts: I'm really pleased with the purchase, and would do so again. It's a nice build quality and a sturdy laptop without too much weight. There is some give and take here with what you get in the specs of the machine, but the price bears that out. I like having a laptop that finally has the ability to run games. A great option for those who want mobile gaming without the high price tag (or a second option for those with a power desktop setup).

Pros: I7 processor, GT 645m video card, nice screen, plays every game I've thrown at it nicely (AC3, Borderlands 2, WoW, Diablo III)

Cons: The 5400RPM 750GB hard drive is kind of a let down. They split the partitions up to create a "data" partition. Really no need for that, but easy to fix under disk management.

The wireless card could be better as far as speed goes. It will do N150, but nothing higher, so if you're moving files around your network, plugging it in to a GbE port is much faster.

To me, these are cons, small as they may be. As I knew it before I bought it, I can't knock an egg off. Considering the price of the laptop, and what it does have in it, something had to give to keep the price down on such a high end machine otherwise.

Other Thoughts: Putting a 256GB SSD in helped it out nicely. Unfortunately the recovery USB Flash drive I created also split up the partitions, and on a small SSD, that's bad.

An mSATA port would have been a nice touch too.

The screen resolution I don't find to be a hinderance at all. 1080P on a 15.6 screen is overkill to me. The system does support and run well at 1080p on a regular monitor via HDMI, and even plays current games well at that resolution.

Pros: I like the screen sharp and clear,crisp

Cons: I think I'm going to send it back to newegg because in metro 2033 DX11 does not work correctly there is lines, Artifact and it has the newest drivers out.

Manufacturer Response:

Dear Valued Customer,

We apologize for the issues that you are having with this product.

Please feel free to contact us directly to set up a RMA service with the following information provided to usreview@msi.com.
1. Full name (first, and last)
2. Telephone #
3. Physical address
4. Email address
5. Serial number (located in the battery compartment and begins with S/N)
6. Proof of purchase (screenshot/photo, or PDF is fine)
7. Symptoms you are having (as detailed as possible)

Once your information and warranty coverage are verified then we can proceed with this RMA for you.
Our turn-around time is typically about one week and our system will notify you automatically at every stage of your RMA process.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the product, received the unit back from RMA but are still having issues, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at usreview@msi.com and we will be more than happy to assist you, thank you.

Best Regards,
MSI Review Team | usreview@msi.com